Marion and Rich Patterson

While most tourists trek to Alaska during the warm months there are amazing reasons to head north come winter.

Old mining areas now home to Elk herds in north central Pennsylvania

Searching for deer antlers is a popular activity and can yield some real gems.

Located on a high Allamakee County ridge, Iowa’s only fire tower overlooks much of Yellow River State Forest.

With its wide open spaces, dark skies and abundant wildlife, Grasslands National Park is bursting with culture, history and conservation.

These massive mounds were constructed by people about 2,000 years ago. How could they have moved millions of pounds of dirt without metal shovels, wheelbarrows or modern bulldozers?

Off season Black Hills activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, wildlife observation, snowmobiling and enjoying peaceful views.

Effigy Mounds National Monument and Earthmoving Legacy Center shows the evolution of earth-moving.

Ax throwing is gaining in popularity in Eastern Iowa and around the country.

Indiana’s Fair Oaks Farms offers a modern look at farming all year round

The newly renovated Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum reopened in July 2021.

Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home fits into the landscape and appears to have a stream rush underneath.

Although interesting places are scattered around town, five form the core. The Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, Old Abilene Town, The Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad, the Dickinson County Heritage Center, and The Greyhound Hall of Fame and Museum are clustered together just a mile from the Interstate.

At least 12 Iowa colleges or junior colleges and many high schools have teams or clubs. These include Jefferson, Xavier and Kennedy high schools in Cedar Rapids. Coe College has a cracker jack team. So do Wartburg, William Penn, Upper Iowa and Simpson.

A visit to the 49th state gives railroad and nature enthusiasts a delightful way to penetrate the wilderness in comfort on the Alaska Railroad.