DNR News > Recent Releases

Ceremony for Newest State Preserve Set for Oct. 22
Posted: October 20, 2009

GLENWOOD, Iowa - The Glenwood Archaeological State Preserve will be recognized during a ceremony at 1 p.m., Oct. 22, in the Glenwood Resource Center Visitor Center in the 2nd Floor Conference Room, in Glenwood. This will be Iowa's 96th dedicated preserve.

The Glenwood Archaeological State Preserve has 109 recorded archaeological sites, ranging from 5,000 years in age, to as recent at 150 years ago. Most significant are the 27 earthlodge sites that are related to the Glenwood culture, also known as the Nebraska phase of the Central Plains tradition.

Earthlodges were square to rectangular structures with a dome-like roof and central hearth. A pit was excavated to form the earthen floor. Timber framing supported a wattle and daub covering. Often, the entryway was sloping and formed a hall-like appendage to the house. Depending on its size, a lodge could house a few individuals to 40 or more people.

These earthlodge sites provide a glimpse into the lives of ancestral Plains Indians just prior to European contact. Only a small fraction of the preserve has been archaeologically surveyed, so many more sites likely exist.

There are 275 known Glenwood culture sites in Iowa and 10 percent of those are in the 906-acre Glenwood Archaeological State Preserve.

Other archeological preserves include Mines of Spain, near Dubuque, Fort Atkinson, in southwest Winneshiek County, and Wittock Indian Village, in southeast O'Brien County.

Guest speakers at the dedication include State Senator Hubert Houser, Cindy Peterson, chair of the State Preserves Advisory Board, State Representative Greg Forristall, State Senator Dick Dearden, State Senator Mike Gronstal, Richard Leopold, director of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Sally Titus, deputy director for field operations with the Department of Human Services, and Ron Kohn, Mills County Board of Supervisors.