Roller Coasters

Roller Coasters

Author: Todd H. Throgmorton

Publisher: McFarland

Published: 2016-04-30

Total Pages: 299

ISBN-13: 1476622116

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In its fourth edition, this exhaustive guide to roller coasters in the United States and Canada also provides a history of coaster evolution (from the 16th century) and a look into the future of coaster technology and design. The book lists by state or province more than 700 coasters at more than 160 amusement and theme parks. Each entry includes contact information along with summaries of each coaster's origins, features and history. There are six appendices: famous coaster designers, the longest wood and steel coasters in North America, a coaster census by state or province, a chronology of wooden roller coasters still in operation, interesting amusement park and coaster facts, and a guide to the alpine coasters at winter resorts in the U.S. and Canada.


Biking Iowa

Biking Iowa

Author: Bob Morgan

Publisher: Big Earth Publishing

Published: 2006

Total Pages: 142

ISBN-13: 9781931599634

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"50 Great Road Trips and Trail Rides" by Bob Morgan - From cruising the flats to challenging climbs, Iowa has everything a cyclist could want. This is your guide to two-wheeled fun.


Carnival in the Countryside

Carnival in the Countryside

Author: Chris Rasmussen

Publisher: University of Iowa Press

Published: 2015-08-15

Total Pages: 228

ISBN-13: 1609383575

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More than a century and a half after its founding, the Iowa State Fair is the state's central institution, event, and symbol. During its annual run each August, the fair attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors who make the pilgrimage to the fairground to see the iconic butter cow, to ride the Old Mill, to walk through the livestock barns, and to people-watch. At the same time that they enjoy fried candy bars and roller coasters, Iowans also compete to raise the best corn and zucchinis, to make the best jams and jellies, to rear the finest sheep and goats, the largest cattle and hogs, and the handsomest horses. This tension between entertainment and agriculture goes back all the way to the fair's founding in the mid-1800s, as historian Chris Rasmussen shows in this thought-provoking history. The fair's founders had lofty aims: they sought to improve agriculture and foster a distinctively democratic American civilization. But from the start these noble intentions jostled up against people's desire to have fun and make money, honestly or otherwise--not least because the fair had to pay for itself. In short, the Iowa State Fair has as much to tell us about human nature and American history as it does about growing corn.


Okoboji and the Iowa Great Lakes

Okoboji and the Iowa Great Lakes

Author: Jonathan M. Reed

Publisher: Arcadia Publishing

Published: 2017-05-22

Total Pages: 198

ISBN-13: 1439660646

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Generation after generation, families of vacationers have returned to northwestern Iowa's Okoboji and the Iowa Great Lakes for summertime rest and recreation. From the earliest pioneer days to the Spirit Lake Massacre to the first rustic outdoorsmen's accommodations, this deep glacial lake and its sister prairie lakes have been embraced by visitors for more than 150 years. Slow growing until rail service in 1882, the area saw investment in the form of the Orleans, the grandest hotel west of the Mississippi, which was demolished a scant 15 years later. By then, though, word had gotten out, and Lake Okoboji's wooded bluffs and sandy beaches became places of quiet repose for vacationers. Resorts of all sizes drew the wealthy and modest alike. Among the area's attractions were Arnolds Park Amusement Park; the Roof Garden; the Casino, Central, and Inn ballrooms; thrilling boat rides; skating; and summertime "bathing" in the revitalizing waters. Now largely given over to private residences of all sizes, the many marinas and public areas still draw summertime visitors intent on forging their own indelible memories.


100 Things to Do in Iowa Before You Die

100 Things to Do in Iowa Before You Die

Author: Sara Broers

Publisher: Reedy Press LLC

Published: 2022-05-15

Total Pages: 171

ISBN-13: 1681063506

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Iowa is home to rolling hills, beautiful state parks, lush cornfields, and architecture that is unique to the state. With Iowa’s dozen-plus scenic highways and byways, and with 100 Things to Do in Iowa Before You Die as your guide, your next road trip will be an epic one for the record books. Did you know that you can stay in the last-known hotel in the world designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, in Mason City? Hop on the Historic Hills Scenic Byway in southeast Iowa and enjoy glassblowing at Bloom & Bark, LLC. Visit Effigy Mounds National Monument and view more than 200 prehistoric mounds built by Native Americans. Check out Pella, home to all things Dutch, including a windmill, museums, and unique shops. A visit to northeast Iowa would not be complete without a stop in Horsfall’s, a variety store that attracts visitors from hundreds of miles around; or in Decorah, home to Nordic Fest and all things Scandinavian. Join author and Iowa native Sara Broers and experience Iowa in a day, week, month, a lifetime. You will be greeted by friendly people and will find a new experience around every corner.


Explorer's Guide Iowa

Explorer's Guide Iowa

Author: Lauren R. Rice

Publisher: The Countryman Press

Published: 2009-07-06

Total Pages: 409

ISBN-13: 1581578245

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“Iowa? I could have sworn this was heaven.”—from Field of Dreams This lively guide—the definitive comprehensive travel guide devoted entirely to Iowa—highlights the events, attractions, lodgings, restaurants, history, and culture that make the Hawkeye State great. Iowans have always known how wonderful their state is; now everyone else can experience the best that this under-appreciated gem has to offer. From railroads and the state fair to art museums and wineries; from cycling to golf to spelunking, Iowa won’t fail to surprise and delight travelers. If you like spending your vacations away from crowds or exploring beautiful, perfect natural landscapes, Iowa might be just what you’re looking for. Author Lauren Rice traveled throughout her home state to find the best it has to offer. Everywhere she went she learned something new—a fascinating bit of local history, a little restaurant serving great homemade food, some terrific tucked-away place to visit—and there are countless other treasures just waiting to be discovered. As with all Explorer’s Guides, handy icons point out places of extra value, kid-friendly sites and activities, and lodgings that accept pets. Detailed maps and an alphabetical “What’s Where” section help you plan your trip. With this book in hand, travelers will get off the beaten path and into the heart of an authentic, unspoiled place.