Preserving Farm Heritage
Though he was born in the small town of Orient, Iowa, Henry A. Wallace had a colorful life that brought him to a position of prominence. He grew up on a farm in Orient in the early 20th century and eventually got involved in politics, which led him to become the U.S. secretary of agriculture in 1933 and vice president in 1941 under Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Back in Orient, Wallace’s birthplace farm has now been preserved as the Henry A. Wallace Country Life Center. This outdoor interpretive site introduces visitors to Wallace’s philosophy, ideas and achievements through artwork, organic produce gardens, an orchard, a prairie and a walking trail.
In addition to learning about Wallace’s life and the farming techniques of his time, groups can see the restored home where he grew up and the gathering barn that was central to the farm’s operations. There’s also a restaurant, a gift shop and a market at the center.
A Trio of Treasures
The Loess Hills area of western Iowa, near the Nebraska border and the town of Missouri Valley, is known for its incredibly fertile soil, Groups traveling through the area can visit a trio of farms offering distinctive products and tours.
Honey Creek Creamery specializes in raising goats and producing traditional cheeses from their milk. The signature product is an artisanal chevre, a classical French goat cheese made with Old World techniques. Groups can tour the farm and taste the chevre and other varieties of cheese.
At Sawmill Hollow, visitors learn about the aronia berry, which the family introduced to the United States. Groups can tour the farm and sample aronia berry wine and other products in the on-site store. And Loess Hills Lavender Farm is known for its beautiful fields of lavender and products made from the flower.
