Iowa has been home to many of the greatest American writers. From the Pulitzer Prize winners to the Nobel Laureates, Iowa has produced literary giants that have influenced the world of literature. The literary heritage of Iowa is celebrated in various literary tours and museums that offer visitors a chance to walk in the footsteps of the literary giants. These tours and museums offer a chance to discover the literary works, lives, and legacies of writers from Iowa.
The Iowa City Literary Walk
Iowa City is home to the University of Iowa’s Writers’ Workshop, which has produced 17 Pulitzer Prize-winning authors. The Iowa City Literary Walk is a walking tour that guides visitors through the city, stopping at locations that were significant to famous Iowa writers. On the walk, you can see the Brown Deer Golf Club and gazebo, which were featured in John Cheever’s novel, "Bullet Park." You can also visit the University of Iowa, which was home to Flannery O’Connor while she was writing her first novel, "Wise Blood."
The Iowa Great Writers Trail
The Iowa Great Writers Trail is a unique literary tour that takes visitors to multiple locations throughout Iowa that are tied to famous writers. The trail features 25 stops, including the birthplaces and childhood homes of notable writers such as Truman Capote and William Least Heat-Moon as well as the gravesites of notable authors such as Wallace Stegner and Robert Penn Warren.
The Brinton Literary Museum
The Brinton Literary Museum is located in Mount Vernon, Iowa and is dedicated to the works of William L. Brinton, who is considered one of Iowa’s greatest literary figures. The museum houses a vast collection of Brinton’s personal library, which includes first editions of American literature classics such as "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald and "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee.
The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum
The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, located in West Branch, Iowa, is dedicated to the life and legacy of the 31st President of the United States, Herbert Hoover. Hoover was born in West Branch and had a lifelong love of reading and writing. The museum houses a collection of Hoover’s books, many of which are signed by the authors. Visitors can stroll through the Prairie Museum and take in the exhibits that showcase Iowa’s agricultural heritage.
The Wallace Stegner House
The Wallace Stegner House, located in the rural town of Adel, Iowa, was the childhood home of novelist and historian Wallace Stegner. The house has been preserved to reflect the life of Stegner’s family during the early 20th century. Visitors can tour the house and see artifacts that belonged to Stegner and his family.
The Octagon Center for the Arts
The Octagon Center for the Arts, located in Ames, Iowa, is a cultural hub that celebrates Iowa’s literary heritage through its exhibits and programming. Visitors can take part in book clubs, writing workshops, and author readings. The center features exhibitions that showcase the works of Iowa writers, such as Kurt Vonnegut, Flannery O’Connor, and Margaret Walker.
Conclusion
Iowa’s literary heritage is rich and diverse. A tour of the literary museums and sites in Iowa offers visitors a chance to explore the lives, works, and legacies of the state’s greatest writers. The tours and museums highlighted in this article are just a few of the many options available to visitors. Walking in the footsteps of Iowa’s literary giants is a great way to discover and celebrate the vast literary heritage of Iowa.