Guided Tours

To showcase Dallas County History, facilities located at Forest Park Museum and Arboretum include two museum halls, an 1860's cabin, and the Alton one-room schoolhouse provide an opportunity to showcase Dallas County History. Visitors, families, and special groups are invited to a guided tour of the Museum Park grounds. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Dallas County history. During the season, guided tours are given every Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 PM and are available during the week by appointment. School and retirement groups, family reunions, and other large groups are encouraged to make appointments.

Presentations
Our staff offers talks and presentations to organizations on various topics related to Dallas County History. Artifacts, maps, and demonstrations are used to bring unique perspectives to our topics. Sometimes history can help us understand our future and the context of where we are from. We invite you to consider asking us to your next meeting. Our historical and cultural presentations are available year 'round, by appointment. Please give us a 2-week notice.

Topics Include

• Dallas County Conservation Historical and Cultural Overview - Learn more about the background and future of our program.

• Rare Breeds and Seed saving- We are beginning a new program focusing on the dwindling genetic diversity in our agricultural crops and livestock.

• Spinning and Weaving- This is a hands-on demonstration where our lead interpreter will bring in a spinning wheel and sheep fleece to demonstrate how yarn is made.

• Raccoon River History- We will learn about one of our most valued Dallas County resources by studying river history from fords to bridges and mills to railroads.

• Dallas County Archaeology-We are working with the Iowa office of the State Archaeology to prepare for a major archaeology dig on the South Raccoon River. Dallas County was home to several Great Oasis villages. Possibly, one of these villages have been discovered along the South Raccoon River.