Also see our Events tab for special programming in 2023.
Self-Guided Tour of Bentonsport: Pick up the self-guided tour booklet and follow the map to view homes, commercial buildings, churches, cemeteries, and other historic sites.
Villages Folk School: The Villages Folk School provides learning experiences in traditional arts and skills, while drawing upon the uniqueness of each of the eleven historic Villages of Van Buren County. Classes are held in peaceful rural settings so students can return to a simpler time and witness the importance of the artisan in village life.
Some of the unique classes range from Blacksmith, Glass Blowing, Letterpress Printing, Pottery, Rug Weaving, and Soap Making to Spinning Natural Fibers. A few of the highly sought after classes include Pastels, Sculpting Figures, Plein Air Painting and Stained Glass. villagesfolkschool.com/
Rose Garden: Stroll through our beautiful Rose Garden set within the historic mill foundation. The garden features heritage roses, perennials and a water garden stocked with Koi fish.
Indian Artifact Museum: This unique museum contains over 5,000 Indian artifacts and arrowheads found in the Tri-County area. Tony Sanders has cut and designed the frames for the artifacts using various woods. Open most weekends, or call the Greef Store at (319) 592-3579 to arrange an appointment at the Indian Artifacts Museum. Free will donations are accepted.
The Stone House, A Community Meeting Place: The restored Stone House was built in the 1850s and its restoration was completed in May 2014. It is available for receptions, family gatherings, meetings, classes and other social gatherings. The building will accommodate 50-80 people. For information and reservations call (319) 592-3222.
Historic Presbyterian Church: The church is open to visitors in 2023 from May 1 through October 30. Non-denominational services are held Sundays at 9 a.m. June 4 through Labor Day,
To reserve the church for special events and weddings call (319) 592-3222.
Historic Iron Truss Bridge: The bridge was built in 1883 for horse and buggy use and is now used as a foot bridge. It is one of the oldest and longest bridges across the Des Moines River.
Bentonsport Trails: Explore three miles of walking trails in the historic district through forest, prairie and village. Bentonsport's boat ramp is a stop on the Lower Des Moines River Trail.
Lower Des Moines River Water Trail: To learn what you will see as you paddle or fish along this trail, go to www.iowadnr.gov/Portals/idnr/uploads/riverprograms/watertrails/watertrail_lower_dsm.pdf
Fish: Fish species caught in the Lower Des Moines River include walleye, white bass, hybrid striped bass and flathead and channel catfish. If you are teaching children to fish, check out the pond along the Bentonsport Timber Trail. It is stocked with bass and bluegill.
Hunt: There is seasonal hunting of abundant wildlife in Van Buren County. Public hunting areas are listed here: www.vbcountyconservation.com/hunting.html .
Camp: Bentonsport has a beautiful county-operated campground next to the river with shower and indoor restrooms nearby. Bentonsport also has a boat ramp, playground, and lots of places to explore. Families will want to come back every year. Campsite details are available at www.greefstore.com/bentonsport-campground.html.
Self-Guided Tour of Bentonsport: Pick up the self-guided tour booklet and follow the map to view homes, commercial buildings, churches, cemeteries, and other historic sites.
Villages Folk School: The Villages Folk School provides learning experiences in traditional arts and skills, while drawing upon the uniqueness of each of the eleven historic Villages of Van Buren County. Classes are held in peaceful rural settings so students can return to a simpler time and witness the importance of the artisan in village life.
Some of the unique classes range from Blacksmith, Glass Blowing, Letterpress Printing, Pottery, Rug Weaving, and Soap Making to Spinning Natural Fibers. A few of the highly sought after classes include Pastels, Sculpting Figures, Plein Air Painting and Stained Glass. villagesfolkschool.com/
Rose Garden: Stroll through our beautiful Rose Garden set within the historic mill foundation. The garden features heritage roses, perennials and a water garden stocked with Koi fish.
Indian Artifact Museum: This unique museum contains over 5,000 Indian artifacts and arrowheads found in the Tri-County area. Tony Sanders has cut and designed the frames for the artifacts using various woods. Open most weekends, or call the Greef Store at (319) 592-3579 to arrange an appointment at the Indian Artifacts Museum. Free will donations are accepted.
The Stone House, A Community Meeting Place: The restored Stone House was built in the 1850s and its restoration was completed in May 2014. It is available for receptions, family gatherings, meetings, classes and other social gatherings. The building will accommodate 50-80 people. For information and reservations call (319) 592-3222.
Historic Presbyterian Church: The church is open to visitors in 2023 from May 1 through October 30. Non-denominational services are held Sundays at 9 a.m. June 4 through Labor Day,
To reserve the church for special events and weddings call (319) 592-3222.
Historic Iron Truss Bridge: The bridge was built in 1883 for horse and buggy use and is now used as a foot bridge. It is one of the oldest and longest bridges across the Des Moines River.
Bentonsport Trails: Explore three miles of walking trails in the historic district through forest, prairie and village. Bentonsport's boat ramp is a stop on the Lower Des Moines River Trail.
Lower Des Moines River Water Trail: To learn what you will see as you paddle or fish along this trail, go to www.iowadnr.gov/Portals/idnr/uploads/riverprograms/watertrails/watertrail_lower_dsm.pdf
Fish: Fish species caught in the Lower Des Moines River include walleye, white bass, hybrid striped bass and flathead and channel catfish. If you are teaching children to fish, check out the pond along the Bentonsport Timber Trail. It is stocked with bass and bluegill.
Hunt: There is seasonal hunting of abundant wildlife in Van Buren County. Public hunting areas are listed here: www.vbcountyconservation.com/hunting.html .
Camp: Bentonsport has a beautiful county-operated campground next to the river with shower and indoor restrooms nearby. Bentonsport also has a boat ramp, playground, and lots of places to explore. Families will want to come back every year. Campsite details are available at www.greefstore.com/bentonsport-campground.html.
