T H E V I L L A G E S 12 319-293-7111 / 800-868-7822 319-592-3400 bonaparte-iowa.com Bonaparte Historic Riverfront District was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. It has received recognition as one of 12 Distinctive Destinations in the nation, a prestigious acknowledgment given by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Within this small village (pop.426), situated along the banks of the Des Moines River, there has been a resurgence of historic restoration which will give you the feeling of stepping back in time. The Riverfront District is garnished with a butterfly garden, historic lock walls, refurbished bandshell, and restored mills. Historic street lights illuminate the downtown, gracious Victorian homes, and charming 1800’s cottages are dotted throughout the city. Visitors enjoy the architecture, unique shoppes and the down-home friendly atmosphere. Your trip through the Villages should always include a visit to Bonaparte! B O N A P A R T E The area that was to become Stockport (pop. 291) was settled in the late 1800s, it was not incorporated until 1902, making it our youngest village. The railroad reached the settlement in 1882. Stockport’s first school was organized in 1889. The village proudly shows its patriotism with an impressive “Avenue of Flags,” display four times a year; Flag Day, Memorial Day, July 4th & Veterans Day. Stockport is also home to Morris Park. S T O C K P O R T 319-796-2135 319-293-3536 keosauqua.com Keosauqua, pronounced KEE-o-SAW-kwa, the county seat, is the largest Village with a population of 1006. It is located on the north side of the natural “horseshoe” shaped bend in the Des Moines River. Located in the heart of the County, Keosauqua offers a quaint downtown and is close to Lacey-Keosauqua State Park and Lake Sugema, Iowa’s premier fishing lake. It is home to several preserved historical sites such as the Pearson House Museum Complex, a confirmed safe house on the Underground Railroad and the Van Buren County Courthouse which is the oldest courthouse (in continuous use) West of the Mississippi and second oldest in the nation. Experience small town hospitality at its best! K E O S A U Q U A F A R M I N G T O N Farmington (pop. 652), platted in 1839, is the oldest village of Van Buren County. It is home to the annual Strawberry Festival in June, Indian Lake Park, Shimek State Forest and the Pioneer Historical Museum. 319-878-3711 farmingtoniowa.com