The oldest university museum west of the Mississippi retains its 19th century feel.

This family driveway also serves as the highest point in Illinois.

One of just a few cities in the world to base their center of government on an island. Others: Paris and Osaka.

Grant Wood painted some of his most famous works of art at this studio.

The oldest house in Galena, Illinois, now is a reminder of when this city was the world's lead mining capital.

A tribute to the twin ideals of religion and patriotism, built by a Catholic priest from rocks, glass, and innumerable found items.

Remnants of a quarry company town still stand on the banks of the Wapsipinicon River.

This tiny site in Iowa, part of a patchwork national wildlife refuge, is home to ancient flora and fauna.

Two hula hoops appeared on the tree after a storm, and the collection kept growing.

This long unused shot tower on the Mississippi remains a point of pride for a small city in Iowa.

The remains of a bustling turn-of-the-century park built to showcase the wonders of electricity.

Chilly air billows out from the entrance of an abandoned mine on a steep hillside, providing a refuge for Ice Age fauna and flora.

A pop-culture attraction outside of Dyersville, Iowa, hits a home run.

The farm toy capital of the world hosts a museum filled with toy tractors dating back to the late 1800s.