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Treasures of Altoona
Hidden gems, historic landmarks andepic stories of Altoona, Iowa.
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Old Grimes Canning Factory
Everything comes back to corn, doesn’t it? (Corn-related Altoona history, to be specific.) It certainly seems that way, especially with our recent “Treasures of Altoona” feature highlighting a groundbreaking agricultural innovation that came to fruition here 100 years...
America’s First Acre of Commercial Hybrid Seed Corn
Every Iowan knows that corn isn’t just a crop. As a key part of our state’s economy, adjacent agricultural industries, and history—it’s more like a way of life. But did you know that 100 years ago, Altoona helped irrevocably change the world of corn farming? That’s...
Altoona Area Historical Museum & Society
With a legacy that spans roughly 150 years, the Altoona Area Historical Museum is a living piece of our city’s history.
Burget Mill
Burget Mill has grown a lot over the decades, just as Altoona has. However, they’ve always stayed true to their local roots. In fact, they’ve been operating out of the same building since 1930! The property has seen additions, expansions, and renovations over the years, but it’s still kept its original shape all this time.
The Macklin House and the Haines Park Hotel
At the turn of the 19th century in Altoona, two hotels helped support the town as it grew in popularity.
Altoona Airport (Des Moines Aviation Park)
The Des Moines Aviation Park in Altoona had a short-lived but rich history that helped advance Iowa’s aviation industry. When it was founded in 1926, it became Iowa’s first municipal airport, containing the state’s very first airline hangar!