The Last Wooden-Hull Sternwheeler, Iowa’s Lone Star Steamer Is A True Feat Of Engineering

Architectural wonders on land tend to get most of the glory: glittering skyscrapers, incredible stadiums, and towering art installations beckoning photographers and admirers, alike. But what about man-made wonders on the water? In centuries past, the Mississippi River was filled with wooden steamboats transporting passengers and cargo to their destination. Today, they've all been replaced by modern fleets, and most of the original vessels have been sent to the scrapyard. Most, but not all. At the Buffalo Bill Museum in Le Claire, Iowa - right on the banks of the famous Mississippi River - one historic boat still stands. Step inside the museum, and learn the tale of Iowa's Lone Star Steamer, the very last wooden-hull sternwheeler.

The Buffalo Bill Museum in Le Claire is a tribute to the history of the Mississippi River.

And for those on a budget or with kids, it's an affordable trip to the past.

As you head to the main attraction, look out the window - you'll see the river still active with modern fleets of riverboats.

But one boat is permanently docked here - the Lone Star Steamer, a historic boat first built in 1868 and the very last of its kind.

The wooden hull has been carefully preserved to keep it from degrading, and the boat is stable enough to allow people not just to look at it - but to go inside.

The steering wheel has been restored, and visitors can experience what it was like to be captain of this vessel.

Posing at the captain's wheel is the one must-get photo opportunity at this museum!

Visitors can even descend into the heart of the ship and see its authentic old-fashioned steam engine.

The steamer isn't the only attraction at the Buffalo Bill Museum - you'll find a variety of dioramas and historical artifacts.

The Lone Star Steamer in Iowa looks like it did way back when it was sailing the Mississippi - but if you visit around the holiday season, you just might find it wearing a seasonal outfit!

Have you visited Iowa's Lone Star Steamer at the Buffalo Bill Museum in Le Claire, Iowa? Let us know all about your visit and your other favorite exhibits in the comments section. If you're planning a visit to the museum, make sure to visit its website to learn all about their special events and programs.

While the Lone Star was a truly unique vessel in her time (and still is), Iowa has a few other vessels that are worth checking out. For instance, have you ever taken a river paddleboat cruise on the massive Celebration Belle? Or how about the Riverboat Twilight? Check these adventures out for a relaxing day of sight-seeing on the water, or head into the trees to land-lub it up in nature!