Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/910090
B M & T ••• September/October 2017 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 14 IOWA In northeast Iowa, a network of sites highlighting the state's agricultural heritage has been designated as the Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area. But there is much more to the Hawkeye State than farming. Cedar Rapids, the state's second largest city, is home to the African American Museum of Iowa. It's also the site of the Home and studio of "American Gothic" painter Grant Wood, who lived and worked there from 1924 to 1934. The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, houses "American Gothic," as part of the world's largest collection of works by Wood. In Des Moines, the capital and largest city, a must-see attraction is the Fort Des Moines Museum and Education, memorial to African-American soldiers of World War I and INDIANA The Indiana University Art Museum in Bloomington houses an impressive collection of African masks. Visitors can also appreciate the art of the museum's architectural design by I.M. Pei. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy kayaking and canoeing on Lake Monroe, 10 miles southeast of the city. Evansville's Angel Mound State Historic Site is a living history village depicting the Native American heritage of the area. Two more local attractions are the Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden and the Koch Family Children's Museum of Evansville. Fort Wayne also has some notable attractions with kid appeal, including the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo; Science Central, and hands-on museum; and one of the city's top events, the Johnny Appleseed Festival in September. Massachusetts Avenue is a favorite shopping, dining and entertainment hub in Indianapolis. Other places to see include the Indianapolis Museum of Contemporary Art, the Children's Museum of Indianapolis and nearby White River State Park. ILLINOIS Millennium Park continues to be one of the Windy City's hottest hangouts, while one of Chicago's most notable Black heritage attractions is the Dusable Museum of African- American History. Lisle, situated 60 miles west of the city in the region known as Chicagoland, offers meeting space for 40 to 50 people at Lisle Station Park. The setting is an 1874 CB&Q Railroad Depot. Moline boasts the "world's most comprehensive agricul- tural exhibit," in its John Deere Pavilion. For a memorable group outing, consider a Mississippi River cruise aboard the Celebration Belle. The Peoria Civic Center, containing 110,000 sq. ft. of exhib- it space, is the largest event venue in Downstate Illinois. Two good leisure time options are the Peoria Glen Oak Zoo and the Peoria Riverfront. At Rockford's marquee attraction, the Burpee Museum of Natural History, the famous T-rex Skeleton Jane has now been joined by Homer, a juvenile Triceratops. The Discovery Center Museum and CoCo Key Water Resort offer more family-friendly diversions. McCormick Place, Chicago Indianapolis Skyline Photo Credit: MIke Gustafson Des Moines skyline