Southern Exposures Tourism

 

Clarke County, Iowa

 

White’s Woodworking offers a unique experience

     On the east side of the square in the small town of Osceola is a very unique store called Whites’ Woodworking and Art Gallery.  Dan and Kim White, lifetime Clarke County residents, opened their gallery on July 4th weekend in 1994.

     Their business started by attending craft shows in southern Iowa and eventually became a custom framing enterprise.  In 1985 it was suggested to them that the non-profit organization Ducks Unlimited needed picture frames for fund raising events.  In 1991 the State of Iowa Ducks Unlimited organization gave the state framing contract to Whites’ Woodworking.  They have been filling the framing needs for Iowa Ducks Unlimited ever since.  In the late eighties another conservation group was introduced to the Whites.  This was the Pheasants Forever organization.  Currently Whites’ Woodworking frame for over 150 Pheasants Forever Chapters nation wide.  They have shipped coast to coast and internationally. 

   One of Whites’ unique attributes is the milling of their own oak and walnut mouldings.  These beautiful mouldings make perfect frames not only for wildlife projects but for many other types of framing needs.  They have also created their own shadow box moulding that has been used for framing jerseys and other precious keepsakes.  One of the most amazing shadow boxes they have created was a framed authenticated ISU football jersey, pants and helmet that measured 10 inches deep and stood almost 5 ft tall by 3 ft wide. 

     A recently acquired moulder has made it possible to create window and door casings for home and commercial construction and remodeling.  Whites’ has a variety of stain colors available and will also custom stain to your specifications. 

     Whites’ has acquired an amazing computer program called Integrated Framer that can simplify the decision making process when it come to choosing matting and framing.  With a click of a button, a camera above the work counter takes a picture of the artwork, matting and frame and the computer creates an image of what the finished project would look like. This new technology takes the guess work out of custom framing.

     Since the inception of Whites’ Woodworking, the production has been done at the frame shop in the country at the home of Dan and Kim.  In June of 2008 Whites’ had a complete makeover.  All the matting, glassing and shipping moved from the country frame shop to the gallery.  The move of the production side of the business into the gallery has created greater convenience for the customer and increased efficiency for the business. Glass and mats can be cut within minutes and you can walk out the door with the materials that day. 

     Stop in and see the new showroom and check out their Integrated Framer.  The address is 117 S. Main in Osceola.  You can contact them at the gallery email address  whitesgallery@iowatelecom.net, call (641) 342-2643 or check out their web site at www.whitesartgallery.com.  

 

Southern Hills Winery Offers Unique Experience

     "They had remodeled an old barn and turned it into a quaint little tasting room." "We drove through the vines and parked beside the winery." "The tanks were HUGE!" "The wine maker met us at the door." "The smell of the
fermenting wine was fabulous."
     Sound like dinner conversation after a trip to Napa or Sonoma? California did not inspire these remarks. Native Iowa wineries sparked these memories. Wine makers and their families are creating a whole new industry for the state of Iowa and they are doing it for you and me.
     Iowans are finding they do not need to go through airport security checks before embarking on a winery tour. They can visit more than 60 wineries and never cross the boundaries of the state. With a winery as a destination, weekend drives can take a person to antique shops, craft boutiques, and down home-style restaurants. You know the places I am talking about: The places where the farmers and truck drivers eat; the places where you buy a Christmas tree ornament from the person that made it and eat a piece of pie served by the woman that baked it. Places lost in the WI-FI world. Our native Iowa wineries are a part of that down home venue. Yes, the wine maker quite often will be behind the tasting bar. The facility might be a remodeled
farm building. The vines you see on an adjoining hill produced the fruit in the wine, which you drink. The size may vary from a small weekend only winery to a state of the art facility of huge proportion. Regardless, the
hospitality is Iowan, for Iowans, by Iowans, just like the wine.
     Native Iowa wineries offer wine trails, vineyard tours, music shows, dinner parties, gift shopping, bus tours, and wine made from fruit grown in Iowa. Iowa is just not corn, beans, cattle, and hogs any more. We are grapes, grapes are wine, and wine is fun. We are hearing visitors from other states say, "Wine from Iowa? Never heard of such a thing." They try, they buy, and they take wine home and enjoy the fruits from our "land between two rivers."
     Southern Hills Winery opened in May of 2006 and offers wine with the uniqueness that only Clarke County can offer. The wine is award winning and becoming more and more popular as the word spreads. The banquet room offers seating for up to 140 people and is available for weddings, receptions,and reunions, as well as the casual get together. You can tour the winery and the gift shop and if schedules permit, meet our Iowa born winemaker, Lucas McIntire. Lucas comes to us with award winning experience and talents beyond his years.
     Iowa's only winery co-operative is Southern Hills. The 130 plus members span all occupations and all walks of life. There are retirees, farmers, doctors, lawyers, factory workers, engineers, electricians just to name a
few, but the list of talent in this pool of like-minded people goes on and on. All share the same passion for wine and its creation. The members and staff of SHW are proud of our winery and our wine.
    We encourage every one, whether they like wine or not, to stop by and try our product. The winery is conveniently located off I-35 at exit #34 and is not far from shops, stores, local eateries, hotels, and Terribles' Casino.
     The Iowa grape and wine industry is in its infancy. New wineries are opening every year. The current operating wineries are steadily growing and doing new things. One cannot visit a winery once and say, "I have been there." Coming back a year or two later things quite often will be different as the winery grows and expands, offering new experiences for the traveler. Just like a child, the industry is growing and changing, and what is there more exciting than watching a child grow? They are entertaining, challenging, and rewarding, just like the rebirth of the Iowa wine industry.

Hopeville Harmony and Hills

      The first Sunday after Labor Day will once again bring a delightful day of music with the Hopeville Rural Music Reunion held in Hopeville Square County Park. The morning church service begins the day, and the jam sessions lasting until dusk, brings outstanding entertainment for the entire family.  Lunch is served and you can round it off with some of the best home-made pies you’ll ever taste.

       The timber hills around Hopeville, as with most of southern Iowa, possess a scenic beauty year round.  Mid October highlights the vast timber area blanketing it with fall colors.  The Grand River Valley, the wilderness area where Clarke, Union, Decatur and Ringgold counties meet, the H45 route to Stephens State Forest, as well as other areas of Clarke County is well worth seeking for autumn’s drive.

            Come visit our area. You’ll be glad you did.

The great outdoors of Clarke County

     Clarke County is a great place for those who love the outdoors. Opportunities abound for hunting, fishing, picnicking, camping, or just enjoying the scenic beauty of the more than 20,000 acres of hardwood timber within the county.

     South Central Iowa is widely recognized for its outstanding pheasant and quail hunting, drawing hunters from throughout the Midwest. West Lake, two miles west of the city, is a 360 acre reservoir with excellent duck hunting and a fast growing population of Catfish, crappie, tiger-muskie, blue-gill and one of the state’s No. 1 game fish, the large-mount bass.

            Information of the public recreation areas of the county are listed below.

1.  Coyote Canyon Wildlife area

            Located 9 miles northwest of Osceola, signs are posted from county road R35. This 287 acre wildlife area is excellent habitat with a mixture of oak/hickory timber and private grasses. Hunting, mushrooming, berry picking, and hiking are the main activities.

2.  Murray Roadside Park

   Located on the south side of Highway 34 at Murray Junction, ten miles west of Osceola. This park provides 12 acres for picnicking and a playground for kids. The park supplies a restroom that is a welcome site for travelers.

3.  Hopeville Square Park

            This park is located in the town square of Hopeville, which now has a population of 25, but once was the largest town in Clarke County. It is in the SW corner of the county. The 4-acre square is shaded by huge old maple trees, towering over the picnic and playground area. This is the site for the Hopeville Rural Music Reunion, which is held the Sunday after Labor Day each September.

4.  East Lake County Park

            East Lake is one mile east of Osceola on Highway 34. At 76 areas, it is not a large park, but offers all the facilities of many state parks. Six shelter houses, two playgrounds, a mile hiking trail around the lake, an overlook tower, suspension bridge and 13 acres of lake give people of all ages something to do. The Conservation Board also has their office and shop there. East Lake is used in the winter for cross country skiing, sledding and ice skating.

5.  Redfern Timber Reserve

            To get to Redfern Timber, go ¾ mile east of Highway 69 on County Road H-45 then back north ¾ miles. Signs are posted. The 24 acres of hickory forest in Redfern Timber is designed as a nature classroom. Hiking trails criss-cross the woods with many footbridges and an overlook tower. The pond is used for fishing and the study of aquatic life in school field trips. Kids and adults like the walk the woods and be part of the forest. No hunting is allowed in this area.

6.  Turkey Ridge Wildlife Area

            Find Turkey Ridge by going 2 miles east of Highway 69 on County Road h-45, then ¾ mile south. This 68 acre area has habitat for all types of wild creatures. Game animals such as deer, turkey, and quail like the mixture of grass and timber. You will also see many non-game species living in this wild area.  Hunting and hiking are the main human uses here.

Managed by the City of Osceola:

A. West Lake Reservoir:

            Two miles west of Osceola (take Clay Street west) is 700 acres of public ground with 360 acres of water for fishing or hunting. Grassland and small clusters of timber surround the lake. Fishing and duck hunting are popular activities. A boat ramp is at the northwest corner. West Lake is managed by the Osceola Water Board.

B.  Q-Pond City Park

            This 14 acre lake and 130 acre park is at the northwest corner of the City of Osceola. It was originally built as a water source for steam locomotives on the C.B. & Q railroad. The park is sued for fishing and picnicking and also has a playground on the west side.

Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources:

C.  Stephens State Forest--West Whitebreast Unit

            930 acres of timber mixed with open grass and flood plots for wildlife make this the largest piece of public ground in Clarke county. There are over 300 acres more of this area overlapping into Lucas County. The main access is 4 ½ miles south from the east side of Woodburn. It is designed or hunting and primitive backpack camping only as no vehicles or horses are allowed on the area. Cross country skiing trails are mowed. It is managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

            Woodburn, Iowa also has four campsites with electricity at the Mable Frizell Memorial Park on Main Street in Woodburn, Woodburn is closest to the Clarke County portion of Stephen’s State Forest Park. This area offers outstanding deer and turkey hunting.

            For camping information, contact Anita Foland of the Clarke county Conservation Board at (641) 342-3960.

            The Osceola Reservoir west of the city, Grade Lake in the southern part of the city, and East Lake Park east of Osceola, are all known for good fishing. For more information on city lakes, contact the Osceola Parks and Recreation Department at (641)342-2288.

 Clarke County Fairgrounds and Event Center

Invites Everyone to Inquire About Using Our Beautiful Facility

     In 2001, the Fair Board was contacted by the City of Osceola to consider relocating their facilities to allow for development of a new aquatic and recreation center.  Due to the needs of the Osceola community, the board decided to relocate to an undeveloped property just west of Osceola on Highway 34.

     The Clarke County Fair is a rich tradition that dates back to the early 1900’s.  It has always been a place for families to connect and bond.  Its Board places a special emphasis on providing quality education and enrichment opportunities for area youth.

     The Clarke County Fairgrounds and Event Center has been an exciting, growing venture in South Central Iowa.  The facility is poised to develop into a premier year-round entertainment venue for local, state and regional organizations, including livestock and machinery shows, judging contest, flea markets, craft shows, camper rallies, races, and jamborees.

     Since 2004, the Clarke County Fair has been held at its new location just west of Osceola on Highway 34.  Other events held at the new facility include:  Iowa Rodeo Cowboy Association (IRCA) Finals, Circuit Stop-Iowa High School Rodeo Association, Mud Bog Events, Tractor Pull, Pickup Pull, Old Iron Show, WHO’s Great Iowa Tractor Ride Hub Headquarters, Osceola Chamber/Main Street Halloween Haunted House, Household Auctions, and Demolition Derby.  Events such as these impact local entities such as hotels and motels, gas stations, restaurants and retail stores. 

     The fairgrounds continue to evolve into a complete facility consisting of: 

 

     The Event Center is the newest addition to the fairgrounds.  The building has 9500 square feet of space and is estimated to seat 400 in the main meeting room.  It is ideal for wedding receptions, family reunions, meeting, craft shows, trade shows etc. 

     For rent information and campground information please log onto:  www.clarkecountyfair.com

     The Clarke County Fair Board thanks the entire community for their support in building the new facility that will be used for many years.  The project could not have been possible without the support of the community. 

 Downtown Osceola offer Unique Shopping Experience 

Osceola has a very unique shopping/entertainment area near or on the court house square.

     The Lyric Theater is one of the most modern in Southern Iowa, featuring movies every evening.  The bowling alley is just off the northeast corner of the square. There is also outstanding dining offered on the square. A new Fareway grocery store opened in 2007. A new Dollar General Store should be built in the downtown area next year. We have specialty shopping, an art gallery and frame shop, with their products hipped nationwide One of the longest variety stores in southern Iowan.

    Some refer to this area as our mall on the square, stop by, spend some time with us, you will be glad you did.

 

 

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