Welcome to Muscatine!
The only Muscatine in America, this community of 22,000 began as a trading post founded by representatives of Colonel George Davenport in 1833. Muscatine was originally called Bloomington when incorporated in 1839, but was changed to reduce mail delivery confusion as there were already too many Bloomingtons in the Midwest. Before that, Muscatine had also been known as "Casey's Woodpile". The name "Muscatine" is believed by some to be named after the Muscaoutin native American tribe.
Muscatine's slogan is: "Pearl of the Mississippi." The term refers to the prior days when pearl button manufacturing by the McKee Button Company was a significant economic contributor. In 1915, Weber & Sons Button Co., Inc. was the world's largest producer of fancy freshwater pearl buttons. From that time forward, Muscatine was known as "The Pearl Button Capital of the World." Weber is still manufacturing today, and celebrated its 100-year anniversary in 2004. As for Muscatine itself, this pearl of the Mississippi is a thriving bed of arts, culture and the very ideals that comprise Iowa's Great River Road.
Area Attractions and Locations
Find the best resources for local tourism attractions, entertainment venues, recreation opportunities, dining options, lodging choices and travel services in the six convenient clickable categories below. Create an itinerary and add your favorites to your next trip to the Iowa Great River Road. (Click here for an interactive map)