Muscatine

• What is the Pine Creek Grist Mill?
  • The Pine Creek Grist Mill was built in 1848 in Muscatine and is considered to be the oldest working mill between the Rockies and the Mississippi still on its original site.
• Who built the Pine Creek Grist Mill?
  • It was constructed by Benjamin New, the first official resident of Muscatine County, in response to the increasing demand from pioneer families to have crops ground into usable products like meal and flour.
• When can visitors tour the Pine Creek Grist Mill?
  • Visitors can take a free tour of the mill between May and October.

1884 Wildcat Den Rd, Muscatine, IA 52761, Phone: 563-263-4818

• What is the Contrary Brewing Company?
  • The Contrary Brewing Company is a microbrewery located in Muscatine, Iowa, along the scenic Mississippi River.
• What can visitors do at the Contrary Brewing Company?
  • Visitors can stop by the brewery’s taproom to try more than fifteen of the brewery’s own brews available on tap, with new releases often featured.
• How is beer produced at Contrary Brewing Company?
  • Beers are produced in small batches to ensure quality and consistency, and the flavors regularly change to offer customers something different.
• What are the brewery’s hours?
  • The Contrary Brewing Company is open to the public Tuesday to Sunday for beer tasting flights and growler beer purchases.

411 W Mississippi Dr, Muscatine, IA 52761, Phone: 563-261-7446

Activities and Attractions for Couples:

• What is the Muscatine Art Center?
  • The Muscatine Art Center offers an opportunity for both local residents and tourists in Muscatine County to explore a variety of paintings created by world-recognized artists, period rooms, handcrafted decorative arts, and historical objects related to the town’s past.
• What else is included in the Muscatine Art Center?
  • The center also features a beautiful Japanese Garden that was installed about one hundred years ago.
• What are the hours of the Muscatine Art Center?
  • The Muscatine Art Center is open Tuesday to Friday from 10:00am until 4:00pm, Thursdays from 10:00am until 7:00pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00pm until 4:00pm.

1314 Mulberry Ave, Muscatine, IA 52761, Phone: 563-263-8282

• What is the Land of the Swamp White Oak Preserve?
  • The Land of the Swamp White Oak Preserve is home to one of the best remaining examples of a floodplain oak savanna in the country, with over 400 plant species documented in the preserve.
• What types of plant communities are in the preserve?
  • The preserve features a variety of plant communities, including wooded areas with trout lily and bluebells, wetlands, and prairies with wild petunias, along with the preserve's namesake trees, the Swamp White Oaks.
• What wildlife can be seen in the preserve?
  • A wide variety of wildlife can be observed in the Land of the Swamp White Oak Preserve.
• What outdoor activities are available at the preserve?
  • Visitors can enjoy passive recreational activities such as wildlife viewing, paddling, and hiking.

1335 231st St, Letts, IA 52754, Phone: 319-726-3041

Where to Eat

• What is Salvatore's Ristorante known for?
  • Salvatore's Ristorante is a popular dining establishment in Muscatine, known for its Italian cuisine, including pasta, pizza, and several other dishes.
• When was Salvatore's Ristorante opened?
  • It was opened in 1985 when Reno Vitale moved from Palermo, Sicily, to the area and started the restaurant.
• What type of restaurant is Salvatore's Ristorante?
  • Salvatore's Ristorante is a trattoria, which in Italy refers to an informal, small restaurant often located on a small street or block.
• Who operates Salvatore's Ristorante?
  • It is a family-owned and operated eatery, with three generations working at the restaurant making dishes from traditional Italian recipes.

313 E 2nd St, Muscatine, IA 52761, Phone: 563-263-9396

• What type of restaurant is Port City Underground?
  • Port City Underground is a family-owned and operated restaurant that serves a variety of dishes including sandwiches, salads, pastas, cheese bread, and homemade pizzas.
• Who founded Port City Underground?
  • The restaurant was founded by siblings Lacey Henderson-Mueller and Cameron Henderson out of their love for pizza.
• What kind of food does Port City Underground serve?
  • The menu includes homemade pizzas with a variety of toppings, the special pizza of the month, sandwiches, fresh salads, calzones, original pastas, and baked pastas. Gluten-free options are also available.
• Does Port City Underground serve beverages?
  • Yes, along with food, the restaurant offers wine, beer, and mixed drinks.
• When did Port City Underground open?
  • Port City Underground has been serving the local community of Muscatine and the surrounding area since 2005.

208 W 2nd St, Muscatine, IA 52761, Phone: 563-263-4743

• Who owns GeoJohnz?
  • GeoJohnz is owned by George Zaimes, who previously owned Hawkeye Pizza and Steak House in West Liberty.
• Where is GeoJohnz located?
  • GeoJohnz is located in downtown Muscatine, Iowa.
• What type of food does GeoJohnz serve?
  • The menu at GeoJohnz includes a variety of pizzas, as well as several specialty pizzas.
• Has GeoJohnz been successful?
  • Yes, GeoJohnz has become a popular place to eat, with many customers of George Zaimes' previous restaurant quickly finding and enjoying the new location.

203 E 2nd St, Muscatine, IA 52761, Phone: 563-263-0123

If you are traveling with kids:

• What is the National Pearl Button Museum about?
  • The National Pearl Button Museum is dedicated entirely to the history of pearl buttons, which played a significant role in Muscatine’s industrial and economic boom.
• Why are pearl buttons important to Muscatine?
  • Pearl buttons were crucial to Muscatine’s history as the region produced nearly 37% of the world’s button supply at the height of the industry in 1905.
• Can visitors take a tour of the museum?
  • Yes, group tours are available but they need to be booked in advance.

217 W 2nd Street, Muscatine, Iowa 52761, Phone: 563-263-1052

• What is Weed Park known for?
  • Weed Park, donated to the city of Muscatine in 1907 by James Weed, is a 72-acre green space perfect for a quick afternoon stroll or an enjoyable group outing.
• What features does Weed Park have?
  • Weed Park features a relaxing 3-acre lagoon that is home to waterfowl like ducks and geese.
  • The park is also home to the Muscatine Aquatic Center, which includes a public pool and a water play structure for kids.
  • Additionally, the park contains the Zoo Garden, featuring beautiful sculptures of animals, and the Muscatine Rose Garden, which grows 20 different kinds of roses in numerous colors.
• What other attractions are in Weed Park?
  • Other attractions include lighted sandpit volleyball courts, picnic areas, a bandstand, and ten tennis courts.

1 Park Drive, Muscatine, Iowa 52761, Phone: 563-263-0241