Belle Plaine Historical Society
901 12th St.
Belle Plaine, IA 52208

Web Site:

www.jumbowelldays.org

Email:

winkiewb@netins.net

Region:

East

County:

Benton

Phone:

(319) 434-2079

Belle Plaine is located on the original Lincoln Highway and is adjacent to the Union Pacific Railroad, originally the Chicago Northwestern.  There is a 19th century Chicago Northwestern Depot (not open at this time).  The town was rebuilt after an 1895 fire destroyed the entire Main Street except for the building on the corner of 12th Street and 9th Avenue. Herring Hotel is located on the Lincoln Highway and is in the process of renovation.   See also a replica of the artesian well known world wide as "Old Jumbo," which poured millions of gallons of water into the streets from July 1886 to October 1887.   Visit the newly built Belle Plaine area museum for exhibits reflecting the history of the area including a permanent military display that includes a Civil War Monument honoring Edmund McLaury, brother of the two McLaurys killed in the shootout at the O.K. Corral.  See arifacts from area Native Americans, Lincoln Highway, Chicago Northwestern, the area's Hall of Fame and much more.