Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission announces the “What Did Pike See?” Fundraising Campaign!

Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission announces the “What Did Pike See?” Fundraising Campaign! 

“Help us, tell the story” of Lt. Pike’s first expedition along the Upper Mississippi River. 

Iowa Great River Road: The Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission (IMRPC) has kicked off the “What Did Pike See?” Campaign to encourage benefactors to “Help us, tell the story” of Lt. Pike’s first expedition along the Upper Mississippi River.

The IMRPC wants to teach others the story of the River, by sharing its history in a fun and engaging way with travelers and fellow Iowans. The Commission plans to read Pike’s own diaries to provide an active history of his journey combined with video and imagery of the places he explored.

What Did Pike See?
General Zebulon Montgomery Pike left St. Louis in the summer of 1805 on an expedition, in part, to explore and survey the upper Mississippi River on behalf of the federal government, making at least five encampments in Iowa as they sailed, and pulled, their boat north in an attempt to determine the source of the river.

The focus of the “What Did Pike See” initiative is to produce a historical video utilizing Pike’s firsthand accounts, along with accompanying visual aids such as recorded footage and images of the locales visited.

What Did Pike See?
Additionally, complementary print materials are being developed to complement key points of the video, and both the visual and print components will be made available for exhibit at all 18 Iowa Great River Road Interpretive Centers. Furthermore, the video will be integrated into the Iowa Great River Road website for easy access.

The Commission is asking for donations to help with this initiative, and estimate the project will amount to approximately $100,000. Potential benefactors and interested parties may visit https://iowagreatriverroad.com for more information on the campaign.

What Did Pike See?
About the Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission
The Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission is part of a national organization supporting the maintenance and access to the Great River Road and all its amenities. The Iowa portion of the road has 18 Interpretive Centers (ICenters), found in the 10 counties along  the River. These ICenters share stories about the culture and history of  Iowa and the river. Iowa has more ICenters than any other state. These  largest centers range from museums to sawmills, to natural marshes and  riverways.

Media Contact 
Ann Geiger
Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission
[email protected]
iowagreatriverroad.com