Hundreds of famous Americans were born in Iowa, including John Wayne, Herbert Hoover, and Grant Woods. One often overlooked Iowa native, though, is the naturalist and wilderness writer Richard Pronneke. If you’re looking for a unique place to spend a day, make time to visit the Richard Proenneke museum in Iowa. Here, you’ll find remnants of a life in the Alaskan wilderness as documented by a man who lived in the mountains alone for more than 30 years.

The Donnellson Public Library is a must-visit spot for anyone who's fascinated by quirky Iowa history.
Google Local / Friends of the Donnellson Public Library
Not many people realize that this world famous pioneer and adventurer is a son of Iowa. Proenneke was born in Lee County in 1916.
The Museum opened in 2017 in Donnellson, Iowa, near Proenneke's hometown of Primrose.
Facebook / Richard Proenneke Museum

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When you visit, you'll get to see a replica of Proenneke's pioneer cabin, some of his writings, and other artifacts from his life in the remote Alaskan landscape.
Richard Proenneke Museum
Richard Pronneke was an Iowa-born naturalist, writer, and wildlife photographer. He lived alone in the mountains of the arctic from 1969 through 1999!
Facebook / Richard Proenneke Museum
His log cabin was built by hand along the shore of Twin Lakes. Proenneke often credited his Iowa farm upbringing with giving him the skills needed to hunt, fish, and fend for himself.
Be sure to take a look at Richard's kodiak bear rug. It's enormous! Can you imagine running into this guy in the Alaskan wilderness?
Facebook / Richard Proenneke Museum

You can visit the Richard Pronneke Musem and replica log cabin at the Donnellson Library. To learn more about this American conservationist and all he contributed to wildlife and natural history research, visit the Richard Pronneke website.

For more fun Iowa history, check out 10 Photos From Iowa’s History That Are A Fascinating Window Into The Past.

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