Historical Tours
GROUP TOUR
ITINERARY
The CVB will help you make sure your tour is wonderful. Contact us at 563-272-2534 VisitMuscatine.com cvb@muscatineiowa.gov Muscatine overflows in possibilities for your tour. If you’re looking for something you don’t see here or in any of our suggested itineraries, contact us and we’ll help you to customize your group’s experience.
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GUIDED TOURS: Muscatine Art Center-($ donations welcome)-1 hour-Handicap Accessible 1314 Mulberry Avenue 563-263-8282 MuscatineArtCenter.org Get close enough you could “touch” art from all the greats. Muscatine Art Center houses works of art you can’t find just anywhere. Main displays change often and there’s always something new and exciting to take in. Don’t forget to tour and explore the beautiful “Laura Musser Mansion.” Full of history and fun artifacts, you’ll feel like you’re back in the early 1900s walking around one of the finest houses in Muscatine. Muscatine History and Industry Center-($5 per person)-1 hour-Handicap Accessible 117 West Second Street 563-263-1052 MuscatineHistory.org Experience the tale of Muscatine becoming the Pearl Button Capital of the World. See how pearl buttons were once made and test if you can tell the difference between real pearl and plastic. Then travel through time to modern day Muscatine and learn about the thriving manufacturing and entrepreneurial center. Interactive displays will leave you feeling inspired and enlightened on what all has blossomed in Muscatine.
Pine Creek Grist Mill and Melpine School-($donations welcome)-2 hours-Handicap Accessible 1 Mile from Highway 22 Between Muscatine and Davenport PineCreekGristMill.com Step back in time and tour the oldest working grist mill on its original site between the Mississippi and the Rockies which was built in 1848. Then walk over to the historic one-room school house. Be sure to use the proper entrance for your gender, play dress up and see the historic memorabilia. Feel free to explore the outdoors of Wild Cat Den State Park while you’re there. Informative walking tours are available on the trails. Greenwood Cemetery-free step on guide service, walking tour also available-1 hour Greenwood Cemetery houses The Civil War Memorial, Alexander Clark and other great historical figures. The Greenwood Cemetery Chapel is located on the National Register of Historical Places. Hear stories of the colorful residents and learn about the history within.
HISTORIC MUSCATINE WALKING TOURS OR STEP ON GUIDED TOURS: Be greeted by a host who will not only look the part, but be ready to share exciting stories of Muscatine’s past with you. Tours will cover different parts of historic Muscatine. See the beautiful houses, drive by button factories and learn about what once was.
WINERY TOUR AND TASTING: Ardon Creek Vineyard and Winery 2391 Independence Avenue, Letts IA 52754 563-506-8044 ArdonCreek.com Experience Muscatine’s locally produced wine and see the beauty of the 4.1 acre vineyard founded on a 156-year -old family farm with rich Irish Heritage. With over 10 varieties of wine there is something sure to please everybody’s taste buds. Find a favorite to share with your friends! There is also live music and special events frequently held at the Vineyard to keep you coming back for more!
DINING: Maid Rite Diner 2811 N. Hwy 61 563-263-3244 Maid-Rite.com Muscatine is the home of the first Maid Rite Diner before becoming the first franchise in America that served food. The tasty lose meat sandwiches are great accompanied with Draft Root Beer in frosty mugs, and premium ice cream used for shakes, malts floats and sundaes. Feel like you’re in the nifty fifties with the family atmosphere hosted by friendly wait staff. Pearl City Chophouse 215 West Mississippi Drive 563-263- 5910 Overlook the Mississippi and be surrounded by button factory décor. The history brought inside this charming restaurant is something you don’t want to miss. The Chophouse menu offers a wide variety of foods to fit every taste and budget. Quick lunch options are available with generous portions.