Few People Know There's A Mystical Stone Circle Hidden Along The Prairie In Iowa
By Raymond Goldfield|Published June 14, 2022
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Raymond Goldfield
Author
Raymond Goldfield is a life-long New Jersey resident and an avid traveler and foodie who can be usually found on the Jersey Shore during the offseason or checking out the latest seasonal flavors at The Bent Spoon in Princeton. He has been working for Only In Your State for since early 2022, where he writes for New Jersey and Iowa and edits the Mid-Atlantic region. He can also be found writing about pop culture for GeekDad. When at home, he enjoys reading comic books and is part of The Rabbitt Stew podcast team. While New Jersey is his home base, he travels regularly and has visited Virginia, Florida, Maine, Minnesota, and Canada as well as all of NJ's border states. Ultimate travel goal? Visit all the best buffets in the United States.
The Iowa prairie is full of unexpected attractions, but none are more unexpected than the one hiding in Harvest Preserve on the outskirts of Iowa City. This members-only natural sanctuary can be visited either as a member for a $100 annual fee or as a guest with a $10 day pass, and the peaceful natural surroundings are worth it. However, one sight there has a fascinating history dating back thousands of years – and coming from halfway across the world.
The Harvest Preserve is one of Iowa's most peaceful locations, full of untouched glens and unique sculptures.
You never know when some local wildlife will make themselves known - maybe having some reflection of their own, or just hoping for a snack from visitors.
The mysterious circle of ancient-looking stones at the preserve's center is a fascinating exhibit that doesn't seem to belong in Iowa - because it doesn't.
These stones date back at least four thousand years to the small island of Flores in Indonesia and are believed to be part of an ancient religious rite - although that faith has been lost to the ages.
In 2001, the locals didn't want them there due to them being from a different religion, so they were sold to an antiquities dealer. They were carefully transported to Iowa and rearranged in the same position they were in Flores.
The basalt stones have been carefully carved, and the details can still be seen today - although access to them is carefully controlled to preserve them.
Those who have been around the sacred stone circle of Iowa feel a great sense of peace as they connect with the same stones that were worshipped thousands of years ago.
Have you visited Iowa City’s Harvest Sanctuary and seen its ancient mystical stones? Let us know all about your experiences in the comments section. Before paying a visit, make sure to arrange your membership or guest pass by visiting their website, and checking their Facebook page for all the latest events and features.
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