Welcome back to 1859 in Bentonsport National Historic District in Van Buren County on June 26. Take a free covered wagon tour of the village. A cast of characters are eager to entertain guests from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. as the village celebrates Bentonsport Heritage Day.
Board the wagons near the pedestrian iron bridge and enjoy a glimpse of village life when steamboats traversed the Des Moines River and the terminus of Des Moines River Valley Railroad was Bentonsport.
Along Bentonsport riverside park, stroll through the shops, watch artisans and crafters in historic dress at work. Visit with buck skinners at their rendezvous in Bentonsport. Lawn courts will be set up for bocce ball, croquet, and corn hole.
Enjoy musicians, a juggler, Two Old Men with Free Advice and Big Guys Barbeque. The Mason House Inn proprietors will offer walking tacos in their dining room from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bentonsport Improvement Association is offering homemade pies for a free will contribution to help fund a rebuild of a stone wall at the historic Presbyterian church. All shops, the Indian Artifact Museum, and the historic Bentonsport Presbyterian Church will be open. All activities are free.
Heritage Day is sponsored by the Bentonsport Activity Community and is supported by: Crooked River Gifts, Greef General Store and Addie May Fudge, Iron and Lace, Odd Fellas Woodshop, The She Shed, Bentonsport Improvement Association and Van Buren County Conservation.
Bentonsport National Historic District is located between Keosauqua and Bonaparte on J-40 in Van Buren County. Call 319-592-3292 or visit bentonsportheritage.org for more information. Visit https://villagesofvanburen.com/ to find accommodations and other interesting things to do while you are in Van Buren County.
