What is it?

Heritage Park of North Iowa is a 91-acre site located on the South edge of Forest City, Iowa. The Park is dedicated to the preservation of America's rural heritage. Heritage Park of North Iowa was formed in the fall of 1999 by the Winnebago Historical Society, Inc. and includes the combining of several North Iowa organization efforts to preserve the history of rural America.

 

What will I see?

 

Rare Steam Engines

Large Gas Tractors

Wheel Gas Tractors

Draft Horses

 

What sorts of demonstrations are there?

House moving, Grain threshing, log sawing, plowing, ensilage cutting, oat hulling, shingle making, cord wood sawing, horsepower testing, corn shredding, corn binding, baling, lumber planing, rock crushing, feed grinding, corn shelling, rope making, ice cream making and much more.

 

What does it cost?

The people who display their equipment, artifacts and horses at Heritage Park of North Iowa do so at their own expense. They are enthusiastic about their hobby and are more than willing to answer any question concerning their display. The physical facility, insurance, advertising, fuel, entertainment, barn dancing and horses are for the primary benefit and convenience of spectators. Admission wristbands are sold at each show. The fees differ from event to event, so check the event flyer for prices. In any case, children 12 and under are always admitted free. The wristband is good for both days of each event. Souvenirs buttons as well as other promotional items are also available for purchase at a nominal cost. Revenues received from admissions and souvenir items sold are used strictly to cover expenses and for facility improvements. Exhibitors and members contribute their time and energy strictly on a volunteer basis.

 

Where is Forest City, Iowa?

Forest City is a smaller north central Iowa town located at the intersection of Iowa Highway # 9 and Iowa Highway #69. Signs are posted directing you to the show site. Some other reference points include:

o        15 miles northwest of Clear Lake, Iowa

o        10 miles south of Lake Mills, Iowa

o        25 miles northwest of Mason, City, Iowa

o        20 miles southwest of Northwood, Iowa

o        25 miles south of Albert Lea, Minnesota

o        120 miles south of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota

o        120 miles north of Des Moines, Iowa

Click here for a detailed MapQuest map.

 

Where can I stay?

Free primitive camping for out of town people is available.

 

If you are in need of lodging, there is a Super 8 motel (641-585-1300) adjacent to Heritage Park. You can easily walk from the Motel to Heritage Park. Other Motels in Forest City include The Lodge (888-771-3535) (a long walk) or the Village Chateau Motor Inn (641-585-4351) (a short drive).

In addition, hotel accommodations are available within a 25 miles radius of Heritage Park in Manly, Clear Lake, Garner, Lake Mills, Albert Lea, MN and Mason City.

 

Can I exhibit?

Most certainly! Exhibitors are admitted free. The number of exhibitors has steadily increased from year to year. Over 100 exhibitors participated last year.

No special arrangements are needed. Upon entry to the show grounds you will be asked to register and you will be given a sign identifying your exhibit so spectators know pertinent information about your exhibit such as year built, model, size, owner, operator, etc.

Exhibitors will also be invited to the annual Exhibitor's Appreciation Banquet held in October.

You can view our exhibitor guidelines by following this link.

 

Who are the sponsors?

Several organizations have collectively joined together to make Heritage Park of North Iowa a reality:

o        Winnebago Historical Society

o        Hanlontown Community Club

o        Hill City Tractor Club

o        Tri-County Antique Power Club

o        Holtan Farm Museum

o        Johnson Timberland Museum

 

 

How can I become a member?

Five types of memberships are available as follows:

 

Type

Comment

Cost

Individual
  • One admission to all shows ($16 value)
  • Newsletter recipient
  • One Exhibitor/Membership Annual Supper invitation ($5 Value)

$15/year

Family
  • Admissions for one family unit (Dad, Mom & their juvenile children) to all shows (Over $32 value)
  • Newsletter recipient
  • Two Exhibitor/Membership Annual Supper invitations ($10 Value)

$25/year

Lifetime
  • Admissions for one family unit (Dad, Mom & their juvenile children) to all shows (Over $32 Value per year)
  • Newsletter recipient
  • Two Exhibitor/Membership Annual Supper invitations

$200

Corporate
  • Eligible to pre-purchase admissions tickets in blocks of 10 at $1 off retail
  • Newsletter recipient
  • Two Exhibitor/Membership Annual Supper invitations ($10 Value)

$50/year

Foundation
  • Same as Family Membership
  • Special recognition plague prominently displayed at Heritage Park

$1,000 or greater

 

Acknowledgements:

This home page was constructed by Jerred Ruble, Hanlontown, Iowa. Periodic updates will be made so watch for new additions.

Photos were taken by Pastor Linda Johnson, Hanlontown, Iowa, and Sylvia Dahl, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Music was copied from E. Craig Ruble's "Scandinavian Fiddle, Volumes 1 and 3", distributed by Banjar Records Box 32164, Minneapolis, MN 55432.

Click on the animated picture to go to the Animated Show Site.