Crapo Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Crapo Park and Arboretum Historic District
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Crapo Park in 2013.
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 Location in Iowa
Location in the United States
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| Location | Bounded by Parkway Dr., Koestner St., Madison Ave., and Main St., Burlington, Iowa |
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| Built | 1895 |
| NRHP reference No. | 76000762 |
| Added to NRHP | June 3, 1976 |
Crapo Park is a beautiful city park in Burlington, Iowa. It covers about 85 acres (34 hectares). The park sits right next to the mighty Mississippi River. It is also home to an arboretum and botanical garden. An arboretum is like a living museum of trees. A botanical garden is a place where many different kinds of plants are grown. The park's name is pronounced "KRAY-poh."
It is believed that the very first American flag was raised on Iowa's land right here. This happened in 1805 by a famous explorer named Zebulon Pike.
The park is home to over 200 types of trees and shrubs. It also has gardens filled with both annuals (plants that live for one year) and perennials (plants that live for many years). Some of the park's trees are even on Iowa's "Big Tree" list. These include the Arizona cypress, black hickory, pawpaw, and black walnut.
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Discovering Crapo Park's History
Crapo Park was created in 1895. A local businessman named Philip Crapo helped start it. He was a philanthropist, which means he gave money to good causes. The park was ready just in time for Iowa's 50th birthday celebration in 1896. Earnshaw and Punshon, who were landscape engineers from Ohio, designed the park.
What You Can Find in the Park
The park has many fun things to see and do. There are walking paths and four shelters where you can relax.
- Lake Starker: This lake was built in 1905. It covers about 1.5 acres (0.6 hectares).
- Hawkeye Natives Log Cabin: This is a replica (a copy) of an old log cabin. It was built in 1910.
- Zebulon Pike Memorial: This memorial honors the explorer Zebulon Pike.
- Foehlinger Fountain: A beautiful fountain adds to the park's charm.
- Black Hawk Spring and Cave: This area remembers Chief Black Hawk. You can crawl through a rock tube for over a hundred feet. A cold spring also runs through the cave.
The park is also very close to Dankwardt Park. Dankwardt Park is a popular spot for people who enjoy Frisbee golf.
Park Roads and Bridges
The park has narrow roads that wind through it. These roads have brick drainages on the sides. Drivers need to be careful not to get their tires stuck in these drainages.
The park was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. This means it is a special place recognized for its history.
In 2007, the Cascade Bridge, which leads to the park, was closed. It is still closed today.
See also
