The Wallace Centers of Iowa

The Wallace Centers of Iowas two locations include the Henry A. Wallace Country Life Center in rural Orient and the Wallace House in Des Moines, both on the National Register of Historic Places. Together, the two historic sites provide educational programs and community services, produce sustainably-grown fruits and vegetables, and offer locally-sourced meals.

Inspired by the Wallace family legacy, WCI provides a variety of programs and services to build awareness of local food, sustainable agriculture, and civility. WCI serves both urban and rural communities with locations at the Henry A. Wallace Country Life Center in rural Orient and the Wallace House in Des Moines.

Produce Production and Distribution: More than 40 varieties of fruits and vegetables are grown on about 4 acres of gardens and orchard at the Country Life Center. The produce is used in WCI's two on-site kitchens and food-insecure Iowans through Garden for Good, a partnership with the Food Bank of Iowa.

Locally-Sourced Dining: Seasonal Farm to Table Thursdays feature farm-fresh ingredients in changing menus at the Wallace House. During the summer and fall, produce is transformed into brick-oven Pizza on the Prairie at the Country Life Center.

Educational Programs: Hearts & Homes Historic Teas share household tips and issues of the day from the women's section of the historic Wallaces' Farmer farm journal. Culinary Classes inspire cooks to use fresh, locally produced ingredients and expand their tastes.

Community Services: The Shared Use Kitchen at the Mickle Center in Des Moines allows chefs, bakers, and food entrepreneurs to rent commercial kitchen space on an as-need basis. Small Farm Field and Business Apprenticeships bridge the gap between a typical internship and independent farming with practical experience managing a medium-sized organic produce production garden.

Agri-Tourism Programs, Historic Tours, & Archives: The Prairie Art Exhibit celebrates the 9 acres of restored prairie at the Country Life Center. Talks and tours about achievements and artifacts of the Wallace family are offered to groups, students, authors, researchers, and the public.