Van Buren County is better in the summer, but there's lots going on beginning in April. You can visit the blacksmith/ceramic shop in Bentonsport (and all the other shops), including an arrowhead museum and nice antiques at the Grief General Store. Eat at the Bonaparte Retreat (all year round). Canoe on the Des Moines River (rentals are in Keosauqua, they are very good, although I'm not sure they're open in April already, even though Easter is late this year). Hike at the State Forest...(but be careful, I got such a case of chiggers there one year). Horse-back riding also available. Also, the walk around Lake Lacey at the State Park in Keosauqua is fun. Get cheese in Milton at the Creamery. Very good bar food in Keosauqua at the First Street Grill, and GREAT soft-serve ice cream at Misty's Malt Shop (Keosauqua).
If you're splurging, stay in Bonaparte at the
Bonaparte Inn. BTW, the local cemetery has the grave of a Revolutionary War veteran who made his way to Iowa after the war.
Lots of fun, little things to do in the villages of Van Buren County. Here's the calendar, looks like quite a few on Easter weekend.
Event Calendar - Villages of Van Buren County Iowa
