When it comes to history, Iowa is one of the most interesting states in the Midwest. The territory that now makes up the state has deep Native American roots, was part of the Lewis and Clark Expedition of the early 1800s, and before the U.S. took control of it with the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, had fallen under French and Spanish rule at different times.
By the mid-1800s, railroad tycoons learned of Iowa and its importance as a gateway to the West, and large towns with architecturally significant buildings started sprouting up all over its 56,000 square miles, commerce poured in and the population flourished.
The Iowa of today is equally as exciting, partly because of the state's dedication to its historical preservation. In every destination, visitors can find remnants of the past restored to their original splendor—from 20th century theaters to 19th century Victorian mansions. Museums fill in the gaps with first-rate exhibits of the Hawkeye State's past.
Thankfully for meetings, many of these meeting venues are open for private events.
Des Moines/Ames
Des Moines is filled with historical off-sites venues, starting with Living History Farms (515.278.5286; www.lhf.org), located in nearby Urbandale.
"Living history farm is a 500-acre farm set up to showcase the history of farming all the way to present day," says Greg Edwards, president and CEO of the Greater Des Moines CVB. "It has a historic town from the late 1800s with a general store, drug store and church.
"It shows and gives you a feel of the true Iowa, because a lot of our history is based on agriculture."
Meetings of up to 180 people can meet in the visitors center, up to 75 in the William G. Murray Conference Center and up to 200 in the Flynn Barn.
Back in Des Moines on East Army Post Road is the Fort Des Moines Museum & Education Center (515.282.8060; www.fortdesmoines.org), which once served as the training grounds for the first African-American military members in 1917. The fort was also where the Women's Army Corps was formed in the mid-1940s.
"The museum is set in the original buildings but has recently been renovated," Edwards says. "It is a really unique venue for meetings, and up to 100 people can fit for a banquet and up to 125 can fit theater-style. Visitors can take in general history about the military and wars." Ames is home to Iowa State University, and at its center is Memorial Union (515.296.6848; www.mu.iastate.edu), a regal building constructed in 1928.
"The Memorial Union has 80-plus years of history, and inside, Iowa Staters who've died in war are memorialized," says Julie Weeks, executive director of the Ames CVB. "It is right in the heart of campus in a gorgeous setting. There are several different meeting spaces. The largest can seat up to 650 people."
Pella
Built in 1900, The Pella Opera House (641.628.8628; www.pellaoperahouse.org) has a name that is a little deceiving.
"Back then, opera houses weren't really for operas, they were for plays and other live theater," says Beth Hill, assistant director at the opera house, adding that the building had several uses—from an ice rink to a bowling alley—before being taken over and restored in 1990.
Today, it is a working theater and private meeting space.
"This is a very interesting place to rent," Hill says. "The theater seats 324 people and you can have a dinner on stage. Our main floor also has a great hall that can accommodate up to 200 people."
Mason City/Waterloo/Marshalltown
Fans of classic movies will be thrilled with The Music Man Square (641.424.2852; www.themusicmansquare.org) in Mason City.
"The Music Man Square is designed exactly like the set for The Music Man," says Karry Taylor, office manager for the Mason City Foundation. "Meredith Willson, who created The Music Man, was born and raised in Mason City and created his film/musical based on his experiences here."
The square is under one roof and includes circa-1912 storefronts, streetscapes and real stores visitors can check out.
"It is a hugely popular setting for business meetings, wedding receptions and class reunions," Taylor says. "We can fit 300 people for a formal meal, and up to 350 people can fit in the streetscape area."
Residents of Waterloo are incredibly proud of their military history. In 1942, five local brothers died in WWII. In 2008, the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum (319.234.6357; www.groutmuseumdistrict.org) opened to honor all veterans.
"The museum is incredibly interactive and incorporates information on the Sullivan Brothers and all wars," says Erin Schmitz, director of convention sales for the Waterloo CVB. "We have plenty of spaces for meetings—starting with our entrance area, which overlooks the city and can fit 250 people. We have a smaller room for up to 130 and seven breakout rooms for up to 25 people each."
Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum is part of the Grout Museum District (319.234.6357; www.groutmuseumdistrict.org), which offers five distinct museums. The district's Grout Museum of History & Science is another unique option.
Over in Marshalltown, groups can get a sense of the past with a visit to the Marshall County Historical Museum (641.752.6664; www.marshallhistory.org).
"We have a nice variety of rotating displays about the Civil War and about the history of Marshall County," says Stephenie Stites, administrator for the Historical Society of Marshall County.
The museum is conveniently located right downtown.
"We have two meeting rooms: one board room for about 36 people and another room for about 45 people," Stites says.
Cedar Rapids/Amana Colonies
The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art (319.366.7503; www.crma.org) is a top-notch venue showcasing more than 7,000 artifacts from Roman times to the present and is home to the largest collection by Grant Wood, creator of American Gothic.
"The museum used to be a library. Planners love it because it provides an interesting atmosphere outside of a standard ballroom," says Vicki Henry, director of convention sales for the Cedar Rapids Area CVB. "They have space upstairs for up to 125 people for a reception.
About 20 minutes south of Cedar Rapids is the Amana Colonies, brimming with history. The area consists of seven villages preserving the lifestyle of German immigrants who came to Iowa in the mid-1850s and lived communally.
Among the villages is the Amana Heritage Museum (319.622.3567; www.amanaheritage.org), a former home built in 1864 where groups can host private meetings.
"We have three buildings of exhibits that showcase the history of 18th century Germany to today," says Lanny Haldy, executive director of the Amana Heritage Society, adding that several spaces are open to private meetings. "The auditorium can fit 80 people and the bookstore can fit about 40 people. There are also beautiful gardens outside where as many as 200 people can fit for a private meeting."
Iowa City/Coralville
Few people know that Iowa's first capital was in Iowa City, not Des Moines. It only lasted until 1857, when the state's central government settled 100 miles west. Thankfully, the government left an awe-inspiring structure in its wake—now the Old Capitol Museum (319.335.0548; www.uiowa.edu/~oldcap).
"The museum is absolutely beautiful," says Laurie Haman, vice president of the Iowa City/Coralville Area CVB. "Groups love it because it is right in the middle of the University of Iowa's campus. It has a dome and spiral staircase that is just incredible."
The museum is a favorite among planners, with a second-floor space for up to 150 people and an overflow area in the main hall.
Dubuque
Founded by Julien Dubuque in 1788, Dubuque is Iowa's oldest city, and there are plenty of memorable ways for groups to tap into its past, including the Five Flags Theater (563.589.4254; www.fiveflagscenter.com), located at Main and 4th streets.
"The theater was built more than 100 years ago and is part of the Five Flags Center, which takes up an entire city block," says Ali Levasseur, marketing coordinator for the theater.
The venue has undergone a substantial restoration and welcomes private meetings in its 711-seat theater.
"It is a favorite place for general sessions and meetings," according to Levasseur.
Meanwhile, one of the city's top meetings-friendly properties, Hotel Julien Dubuque (563.556.4200; www.hoteljuliendubuque.com) is another unique way for groups to take a step back in time. The historic property hosted famous guests such as Abraham Lincoln, "Buffalo Bill" Cody and Mark Twain, and it gained notoriety thanks to Al Capone. It was ultimately purchased by the current owner in 1962.
Inspired by Dubuque's downtown renaissance, the property was recently restored to its original grandeur through a $30 million initiative and held its grand reopening in September 2009. Intricate stone and woodwork and stained-glass windows are highlights, in addition to a giant mirror in the lobby that was salvaged from the Ziegfeld Theatre in New York City. Every performer, including W.C. Fields and Will Rogers, caught the last glance at their costume in the renowned mirror before they walked onto the Ziegfeld Follies' stage.
Quad Cities
Right in the middle of Davenport is the Adler Theatre (563.326.8500; www.adlertheatre.com), one of the most popular private meeting spots in the Quad Cities.
"The Adler dates back to 1926, when it was called the Orpheum Theater," says Lynn Hunt, vice president of sales for the Quad Cities CVB. "It went through different owners, and in 1981 the Davenport Chamber purchased it and donated it to the RiverCenter for performing arts."
The RiverCenter, which offers 100,000 square feet of meeting space, is now connected to the Adler Theatre, making an off-site reception or dinner even easier for groups.
"The theater has 2,400 seats and a lobby that can fit 800 people," Hunt says. "It is very ornate and has a luxurious, historical feel. People love it."
Burlington
Over on North Fourth Street in Burlington is the Des Moines County Heritage Center (319.752.7449; www.dmchs.org), another great place for history-themed off-site meetings.
"The building is absolutely amazing. It was built in 1898 and formerly the Burlington Public Library," says Mary Krohlow, a member of the board of directors for the Des Moines County Historical Society. "It was turned into a museum a little more than two years ago."
According to Krohlow, the facility offers a boardroom, classroom and reception room.
Council Bluffs/Sioux City
In 1869, Gen. Grenville M. Dodge built a Victorian mansion on Third Street in Council Bluffs. Dodge, a railroad tycoon, lived there until 1916, and today the home is a working museum open from February through December each year.
Meetings of up to 50 people can rent its ballroom, and more can fit outside in its gardens.
"People love to go and be part of the history—it is a very rare experience," says Laurie Park, administrative assistant for the Historic General Dodge House. "It isn't set up like a museum. It is set up like a Victorian Home. The setting is incredibly unique."
About 90 minutes north is the Sioux City Orpheum (712.279.4850; www.orpheumlive.com). The spectacularly decorated theater was built in 1927 for $1.75 million and today welcomes marquee acts. Groups are also welcome to rent the 2,500-seat theater or the lobby.
Katie Morell is a freelance writer based in Chicago.
