Bluffs, Brooks & Byways

Wooden art pieces hang all around Delaware County, and Iowa, that mimic a quilt designs, have special meaning or just add color to barns and farm properties for travelers. The Barn Quilt program has been organized to educate, promote and celebrate unique agricultural heritage – barns are a vital piece to the communities, whereas handmade quilts provide warmth and beauty. Hear from one of the most well-known committees in Iowa about how they make their program so successful.  

Barn Quilts of Delaware County

On this episode, we get an inside exclusive with executive director for the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce, Jessica Rilling. While Jessica is new-er to her current position in Decorah, she’s no stranger to tourism, economic development, the Byway or even Northeast Iowa. She shares her perspective on the importance of the Chamber of Commerce, but also great food, retail, actitivies and events happening in the Decorah Area.

Driftless Area Scenic Byway

Larry Stone & David Beck – both Motor Mill enthusiasts - are on with us for this episode! For those of you that are traveling to the area or just here to learn more, Motor Mill Historic Site is located right along the Turkey River about six miles from the town of Elkader, Iowa. The building itself is 50 feet wide, 60 feet long and over 90 feet tall. Motor Mill Historic Site is  open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. 

Motor Mill

All these incredible stops along the byways in northeast Iowa, but do we really know what a byway is? On this episode, we hear from RC&D's very own Jared Nielson. He tells us his role, the byway coordinator role, other governing committees, but most importantly where to stop first when you're traveling each of these byways. 

On today's episode we have Special Projects Director of the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, Iowa, Mark Mederski. In short, the National Motorcycle Museum was founded in 1999 by motorcyclists and still thrives today because of that group. The museum is continuously evolving because of their ability to add new vintage bikes, photographs, apparel and other memorabilia. Be sure to share your response to Mark's incredible knowledge on all things motorcycles.

National Motorcycle Museum

National Motorcycle Museum Facebook

National Motorcycle Museum Twitter

Grant Wood Scenic Byway Facebook Page

RC&D Website

RC&D Facebook

RC&D Twitter

The Hurstville Interpretive Center offers visitors a chance to explore natural resources, while better understanding the story behind all of their exhibits. With over 20 indoor and outdoor exhibits, there truly is something here for everyone.

Hurstville Interpretive Center Website

Hurstville Interpretive Center Facebook Page

Grant Wood Scenic Byway Facebook Page

RC&D Website

RC&D Facebook

RC&D Twitter

Jake Dale & Clayton Lieb, the founders and owners of Driftless Quality Wear are here to tell us all about their business and exploring the Driftless Area. These two attended college on the River Bluffs Scenic Byway in Fayette at Upper Iowa University. This area has found a special place in their hearts, which inspired their brand and company.

Facebook - Driftless Quality Wear  

RC&D

Teaching us all about Fayette County is Rod Marlatt & Mallory (Marlatt) Hanson. Rod is currently the executive director for Fayette County Conservation. He’s been in his role 36 years and is a go-to guy for all things Fayette County. Mallory is the director of economic development and tourism for Fayette County, as well as the director of the turkey river recreational corridor. 

Together they share stories about their time in Northeast Iowa, things to do, see and even historical facts about Gilbertson Conservation Education Area & the Mavis and Conner Dummermuth Historical Building... not to mention a few fun "near death" experiences for Rod as he was growing up. 

"Be happy where you are at, but don't be content to stay there." 

Important Links: 

Fayette County Conservation

Connect with us!

River Bluffs Byway Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RiverBluffsScenicByway

Portside Bar & Supper Club Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PortsideHarpers 

Email Cindi for more information about her business, getting started, the Gunder Burger or Catering at [email protected]