National Register of Historic Places listings in Dickinson County, Iowa facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about the old buildings and special places in your community? In Dickinson County, Iowa, there are many places that are so important to history that they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a special list kept by the United States government to recognize and protect buildings, sites, and objects that have played a big part in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture.
When a place is added to this list, it means it's considered worth saving for future generations to learn from and enjoy. It helps people understand the past and appreciate the unique stories of their area. In Dickinson County, there are 12 places currently on this list, and a couple more were once listed but have since been removed. Let's explore some of these amazing historic sites!
Historic Places in Dickinson County
Antlers Hotel
The Antlers Hotel is located in Spirit Lake, Iowa. It was added to the National Register in 2007. This historic hotel has been a part of the Spirit Lake community for many years, likely hosting visitors and locals alike.
Gerome Clark House
The Gerome Clark House is a historic home found east of Milford, Iowa. It was recognized as a historic place in 1977. This house is a great example of the kind of homes built in the area a long time ago.
Gull Point State Park
Gull Point State Park is a beautiful area located on the western shore of West Okoboji Lake near Milford, Iowa. This park is so important that two different parts of it, Area A and Area B, were added to the National Register in 1990. State parks like Gull Point often have historic structures or landscapes that tell a story about how people used to enjoy nature and build parks.
Iowa Lakeside Laboratory Historic District
The Iowa Lakeside Laboratory is a unique place near Milford, Iowa. It's a special outdoor classroom and research center that has been around for a long time. The historic district here was added to the National Register in 1991, showing its importance in education and science.
Mini-Wakan State Park Historic District
Another state park on the list is Mini-Wakan State Park, located in Spirit Lake, Iowa. Its historic district was added in 2010. These parks are not just for fun; they also preserve important parts of our natural and built history.
Okoboji Bridge
The Okoboji Bridge is a historic bridge near Milford, Iowa. It crosses a branch of the Little Sioux River. This bridge was added to the National Register in 1998, recognizing its importance in transportation history and engineering.
Pikes Point State Park Shelter and Steps
Pikes Point State Park, near Spirit Lake, Iowa, has a historic shelter and steps that were listed in 1990. These features show the design and construction styles used in parks many years ago, providing a glimpse into the past.
Pillsbury Point State Park
Pillsbury Point State Park is located near Arnolds Park, Iowa, west of Minnewashta Lake. This entire park was added to the National Register in 1993. It's another example of how natural beauty and historic design come together in Iowa's state parks.
Spirit Lake Massacre Log Cabin
The Spirit Lake Massacre Log Cabin is a very important historical site near Arnolds Park, Iowa. It was added to the National Register in 1973. This cabin, also known as the Abbie Gardner Sharp Cabin, is part of a memorial site that tells the story of a significant event in Iowa's history. It helps us remember and learn from the past.
Spirit Lake Public Library
The Spirit Lake Public Library, located in Spirit Lake, Iowa, is another building with historical significance. It was added to the National Register in 1980. Libraries are often central to a community's history, serving as places of learning and gathering for many years.
Trappers Bay State Park Picnic Shelter
Trappers Bay State Park, near Lake Park, Iowa, features a historic picnic shelter that was listed in 1990. This shelter is a great example of the kind of structures built in parks during a certain time period, offering a look at past recreational designs.
Former Historic Listings
Sometimes, a place that was once on the National Register of Historic Places might be removed. This can happen for different reasons, like if the building is changed too much, or if it is no longer standing.
Dickinson County Courthouse
The Dickinson County Courthouse in Spirit Lake, Iowa, was once on the National Register, added in 1981. However, it was removed from the list in 2006 because it was demolished that year.
Templar Park
Templar Park, located northeast of Orleans, Iowa, was also once listed on the National Register in 1977. It was removed from the list in 2006.
Images for kids
-
The Gerome Clark House, a historic home near Milford.
-
The Spirit Lake Massacre Log Cabin, also known as the Abbie Gardner Sharp Cabin.
-
The former Dickinson County Courthouse, which was removed from the list after being demolished.
