This is another example of Iowa’s outstanding new, themed rest areas. This one celebrates the history of Decatur County, including the Mormon Trail. It’s either at mile marker 6, or mile marker 7, depending on whether you’re going north or south on I-35. Both ways use this rest area. There are four distinct ecologies here, including Savanna, Upland, Wetland and Prairie. All are depicted on and in the building in the form of bas relief images and ceramic tile murals on the building’s floor. The building is skewed on the property, and since the rest area is used by both north and southbound traffic, it is easy to loose orientation. Near the building, in the picnic area, is a planter that depicts the compass. There is a lot to see, to do, and to learn at this center. The two-track sidewalk represents the wagon ruts left by the Mormon hand carts as they headed west from Nauvoo, Illinois to their ultimate destination in Salt Lake City. The center also has scenic overlooks and artist’s representation of farming in Iowa. This center opened in November, 2000 and is a great stop whether you’re entering Iowa, or leaving Iowa. Stop here but be careful — you might learn something without realizing it!
