Patriot marker dedication
Aug. 1, 1 p.m., Susan Knapp Amphitheater, Iowa State Fairgrounds, Des Moines.
Dedication of a patriot marker on the Iowa State Fairgrounds to recognize the men and women who served in the War for Independence in 1776. Daughters of the American Revolution will be joined by members of the Sons of the American Revolution, CAR, members of Iowa’s State America 250 Committee and the public. Free.
Epworth Town & Country Days
Aug. 1, Epworth, Main Street, Epworth
Food, drinks, music, kids’ activities, a parade and an auction that will benefit Epworth’s Centennial Park upgrades.
American Revolution Experience traveling exhibit
Aug. 1-11, 9 a.m., Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale
This collaborative project of the American Battlefield Trust and the Daughters of the American Revolution connects modern audiences with the fascinating story of our nation’s origin, introducing visitors to a cast of historical characters with diverse experiences. Included with general admission. More information at lhf.org
Summer camps at the Grout Museum District
Through Aug. 3: 9 a.m., Grout Museum District, 503 South St., Waterloo
Themes include Road Trip Across America, Art in Americana, American Folklore, and more. Registration is required at groutmuseumdistrict.org with prices starting at $30.
Freedom 250 Mobile Museum
Aug. 5, Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, 110 Parkside Drive, West Branch
The Mobile Museum is traveling throughout 2026, bringing the story of American independence to students, families and citizens in every corner of our country.
America’s Birthdays Day Camp
Aug. 10, 9 a.m., Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale
America’s celebration of 250 years in 2026 is not the first big birthday party it has had. How did America celebrate turning 50 years old as a nation? Or 100 or 150? 200? And how will we celebrate when America turns 300? In this three-day camp, learn about America’s past celebrations through crafts, games, and visits to historic sites. Then, take what you’ve learned and imagine what the future may hold. On Wednesday, celebrate with a 250th Birthday Party for America. For children entering fourth or fifth grade in fall 2026. Registration and fees at lhf.org.
USA 250 state park camping discount
Through Aug. 31: $2.50 discount on Iowa state parks camping
Through Aug. 31, use promo code USA250 at checkout when making online reservations for Iowa state park campsites at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com and get a $2.50 discount per night for up to four nights.
40th Anniversary Summer Iowa Games
Through Aug. 31, various times and locations
The Summer Iowa Games presented by Grinnell Mutual will celebrate 40 years this annual multi-sport festival. More than 40 sports will be offered for athletes of all ages and abilities. For schedule, visit iowagames.org/summer-iowa-games.
250 Stops in 250 Days along Iowa’s Lincoln Highway
Through Sept. 5: online event
The Lincoln Highway was America’s first planned, improved and promoted transcontinental automobile route. Over 250 days, the Facebook page Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway will highlight a different stop daily, from monuments and museums to restaurants and roadside markers, on the Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway, a designated National Scenic Byway.
Paper Money of the Revolutionary War Era
Through Sept. 6: 11:30 a.m., Higgins Museum of National Bank Notes, 1507 Sanborn Avenue, Okoboji
The Higgins Museum presents a special display of 31 bank notes issued during the colonial period and the early statehood era. Continental currency issued by Congress during the Revolutionary War will be on display.
Prairie, Plows and the People’s College
Through Oct. 2: Farm House Museum, 601 Farm House Lane, Ames
This exhibition honors key people, moments, objects, and experiences with more than 250 primary source objects representing six themes: early Iowa State Agricultural College and Model Farm; early Iowa; immigration; national imagery; native stories; and innovation and the Victorian home.
Shaped by Immigrants: Celebrating 250 years of the United States
Through Nov. 1: 10 a.m., German American Heritage Center and Museum, 712 W Second St., Davenport
History exhibit celebrates immigrant groups that hat settled and made an impact here in the United States. For more information, go to gahc.org.
Historic Hills Scenic Byway Bale Trail
Through Oct. 31, Historic Hills Scenic Byway Route, Wapello, Appanoose, Davis, Van Buren and Lee counties.
View bale and scarecrow art installations along the Historic Hills Scenic Byway celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: What to know about USA 250 events coming up in Iowa
Reporting by Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Des Moines Register | USA TODAY Network
