Beautiful Rest Stops in Iowa
Including Harvest Sculpture Artwork
Photo Essay
Beautiful Rest Stops in Iowa
Including Harvest Sculpture Artwork
Sculptures by artist Tom Stancliffe at the Wilton Rest Area & Welcome Center in Iowa | Source: Author
Free link here.
Original Art Showcased at Iowa Rest Stops
There are probably some beautiful rest stops in other parts of the United States, but I can truthfully say that those along the Interstate highways in Iowa are some of the prettiest ones that I have ever seen.
They put the ones I am familiar with in Texas to shame. As the old saying goes, “Everything is bigger and better in Texas.” Well, not so much about rest areas, from my personal experience.
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What Are Rest Stops?
Rest stops are important for people traveling across the country for many reasons. In addition to the toilet facilities, it is often just nice to be able to pull off the road in a safe, lighted area to stretch one’s legs and get a little exercise.
Most rest stops have designated areas where truck drivers hauling long-distance supplies can park for a while and even take necessary sleep breaks.
In larger welcome centers, personnel may be on hand 24 hours a day to give tourist information showing what can be seen and enjoyed in that state. Maps and brochures can be acquired.
Weather and road conditions can be accessed and are frequently updated for travelers’ convenience and safety.
Vending machines are available where travelers can find food and drinks. And of course, picnic areas are provided, often with covers in case of inclement weather.
Close-up photo of the corn-topped sculpture by Iowa artist Tom Stancliffe | Source: Author
Iowa Rest Stops
Okay, you might be thinking, “Our area has all of what was just mentioned. So what makes the Iowa rest stops unique?” It is the artwork!
The photos of the artwork featured in this post were taken at the Wilton Rest Area and Welcome Center, between Davenport and Iowa City, off Interstate 80.
I took these photos long before I had ever thought of writing posts or blogs, so they are limited to just these three pictures. If I were to ever travel in that part of the country again and stop at this particular rest stop and others, I would be sure to take many more photos!
My mother, who was traveling with me, was equally impressed by these 10 stainless steel columns, each topped with a different bronze form representing aspects of the State of Iowa.
Who doesn’t associate corn and Iowa? I think that when most people think of Iowa, they also think of that crop, and for good reason. Iowa is first in corn and soybean production compared to the other 49 U.S. states.
The artist Tom Stancliffe, who hails from that fair state, created each of these, plus one inside the building.
[embed]This video includes lyrics…”the corn is as high as an elephant’s eye”…
Pigs, Crops, and More
Iowa also has more than its fair share of pigs. More pork is produced in the State of Iowa than in any other state in America, accounting for about 40,000 jobs annually and billions of dollars for the state’s economy. Around twenty million pigs are raised annually in the state. Thus, it is very appropriate that this pig sculpture was an example of things frequently seen in Iowa.
The other stainless steel columns were topped with the following art representations, all of which can be found in Iowa:
- Acorn
- Prairie grasses
- Fish
- Book
- Cone Flower
- Tractor tire track
- Plow shares
- Bursting seed pod
Close-up photo of the pig-topped sculpture by Iowa artist Tom Stancliffe | Source: Author
“I had to go to France to appreciate Iowa.”
— Grant Wood
Other Rest Area Themes
In addition to the harvest-themed artwork seen at the Wilton Rest Area, other rest areas in Iowa have some of the following themes:
- Pioneering
- Underground Railroad
- Education
- Agriculture (Henry Wallace)
- Lewis and Clark Expedition
- Mississippi River
These and more rest stops are artistically created using not only sculptures but also mosaic tiles and other artwork, making them not only utilitarian but also aesthetically pleasing to visitors who stop and use them.
The State of Iowa continues to demolish older rest stops, and as they build new replacements, art and artistic design are pushed to the forefront. What a wonderful image that creates for the state, and how very nice for travelers who stop to use the facilities!
So if you find yourself traveling through the State of Iowa, be sure to check out some of these beautiful rest stop areas. I think that you will be amazed at what you find there!
Another beautiful Iowa Rest Stop, somewhere between Bettendorf, Iowa, and the road to Peoria, Illinois, has this covered bridge. | Source: Author
“We have a long tradition in this state of caring for our neighbors — it is truly an Iowa value.”
— Tom Vilsack
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Sources
- Iowa Government Site: Iowa Rest Stop Areas
- Artist Site: Artist Tom Stancliffe
- Official Site: Iowa Agriculture
© Peggy Woods (Originally published on HubPages)
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