1. We’ll See You At The Top
Hawkeye Point in Osceola County
One of Iowa’s Unique Great Places

2. Located in Extreme Northwest Iowa, Osceola County…
is home to rich, fertile prairie soils builds on a strong agricultural
heritage
displays well manicured fields of
corn and soybeans as well as people
who take pride in their farms,
homes and creativity
has the smallest land base of any Iowa
county, but the highest percentage of
tillable crop acres in the state
looks to the future with several large wind
farms and a thriving ethanol industry
Now plans to capitalize on our unique location to promote a spirit of citizenship and
volunteerism in our youth and adults with the development of Hawkeye Point

3. History of Hawkeye Point
• Rising from well manicured fields of corn
and soybeans, Hawkeye Point, the state’s
highest natural elevation at 1670 feet ,
offers a panoramic view of three different
states and the fertile agricultural plains of
northwest Iowa.
• Although Iowa’s highest point was held in
private hands, for decades the family of
Merrill and Donna Sterler welcomed visitors
to the site and desired that this Iowa
landmark remain open to the public.
• Following the death of Merrill, the family
donated the 1.4 acres that included
Hawkeye Point to Osceola County. At the
request of local FFA members, the Board of
Supervisors purchased the remaining 5.6
acres of the building site for development as
an Iowa Welcome and Agricultural
Interpretive Center.
Prior to 2008, Iowa’s Highest Point was located
at the end of the silo feed bunk on the Sterler
farm located just off Highway 60.
Longtime owner & caretaker of Hawkeye Point, Donna Sterler
presents the ceremonial key to the property to members of
the Sibley-Ocheyedan FFA Chapter.

4. Unique Sense of Place
Children from California to Maine can see
and touch corn plants for the first time
while visiting Hawkeye Point for a unique
agricultural experience.
Visitors from each of the
50 states & several foreign
countries have made
Hawkeye Point a
destination stop.
An information kiosk
has been added
promoting each
community in Osceola
County as well as other
Iowa attractions.
Local artists added a
mosaic of Iowa that
has been placed on
the exact high point.
The addition has
been popular with
visitors for photo
opportunities.
Signs directing visitors to
each state’s high points
have been erected on
site. They list the miles to
and the elevation of the
49 other state high
points.

5. In February of 2008, the
Hawkeye Point Foundation was
established with representatives
from each community,
government officials, and youth
representatives from the FFA and
4-H
• Public Participation & Visioning
Work at the sight began in May of 2008
• To date, FFA members volunteered
over 7100 hours of labor to remove
obsolete buildings, safety hazards ,
repair & paint the corn crib, begin site
work for the campground and prepare
the area for visitors
• County workers assisted in the
removal of old building foundations
and safety threats
• FFA members landscaped the area,
remodeled the existing farm house,
and erected a flagpole and
informational kiosk

6. Youth Play a Very Important Role in the Development and Future
of Hawkeye Point.
Landscaping the site
Remodeling existing farm house
Installing Pavers
Preparing Iowa’s highest point for visitors
Leveling the site and planting grass
In addition to financial
support and serving on the
Hawkeye Point Foundation,
our youth have taken an
active role in the
development Iowa’s one and
only high point.

7. Improvements to the actual high point
The feed bunk was
removed and flag
pole was erected

8. Electricity was dug to the highpoint, an information
kiosk was constructed, and pavers were installed.

9. Directional Signs
indicating the
distance from
Hawkeye Point and
elevation of each of
the 49 other state
highpoints have been
erected near the
actual high point.
A mosaic in the
shape of Iowa has
been placed on the
actual high point .
It has become a
great photo
opportunity for
visitors to Hawkeye
Point.

10. The Hawkeye Point
“Gothic” sign has been a
popular photo
opportunity for visitors to
Hawkeye Point
Osceola County
Veterans are
represented with the
Hawkeye Point
Welcome Stone

11. The iconic corn crib
on the property was
repaired and painted
in May of 2010.
Working with the
Osceola Co. Historical
Board, we have created
and continue to improve
a walk-through ag
history museum in the
corn crib.
A hand-painted barn quilt was
added to the corn crib. It is the
1st of nearly 20 barn quilts made
by the FFA and distributed to
county residents. Future plans
are to develop a barn quilt tour
guide to promote agri-tourism in
Osceola County.

12. The dirt alley was
replaced with a
concrete floor
A new 8’ x 8’ barn
quilt was added in
2012 welcoming
visitors to the “Walk-
Through Agricultural
Museum
Lighting, historical
photographs &
displays were
incorporated to add
to the Hawkeye Point
Experience
Additional
Improvements

13. The farm house on the property was remodeled,
landscaped and was the home of the ISU Extension
Service from 2008 to 2010. Now the home is rented
to a local family who assists with the care and upkeep
of Hawkeye Point. Proceeds from the rent of the
home, machine shed, and radio tower on the
property go toward the debt service on the land.

14. The “Walls of Recognition” fundraiser was launched during the summer of 2010. FFA members
constructed the sign, installed pavers, and continue to add names of those who contribute to
the Hawkeye Point Project. Plaque areas are reserved for farmers, local contributors, Iowa
residents, businesses, plaques in memory of loved ones, out of state contributors, and highpoint
enthusiasts who want to add their names and support to the development of
Iowa’s highest point.
Visitors to Hawkeye Point view the
supporters on the newly constructed
“Wall of Recognition.”

15. Two additional barn-shaped signs were added to
the south side of the corn crib in 2011 highlighting
other points of interest in Osceola County and the
surrounding area.

16. Four community picnics have been held at Hawkeye Point since 2008.
Designed for families, youth enjoyed the National Guard’s rock climbing wall
& kiddy rides. In 2009, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Bill Northey
addressed the crowd. In 2010, area families enjoyed an “Old –Fashioned”
4th of July picnic, concert and patriotic speech. The highlight of the event
was a tribute to veterans at the Veterans Memorial Stone at Hawkeye Point.

17. 2012 Fall
Gathering
FFA Members Organized
Pumpkin Painting & Kids
Games
Over 300 People
Served a Pork BBQ
Meal
Community Tractor
Ride, Apple Cider
Press , Hay Rides &
Much More !!

18. Campground Development
4.6 acres of overgrown land directly
north of Hawkeye Point was purchased
from the Iowa DOT in 2010 for
development as a campground. FFA
members wrote & received a $3500
grant and the Highpointers Foundation
of Golden, CO. donated the balance of
the funds needed to purchase the land.
FFA members & a local contractor
assisted with the brush removal & tree
trimming to prepare for construction of
the campground in 2012..
Currently there are 12 sites are with
electrical & water hookups.

19. Hawkeye Point Campground moves forward in 2012 with the
volunteer efforts of FFA members, the city of Sibley and County
employees
Roads were laid –out with the
help of the county workers
Camping pads and electrical boxes
were added with help from NCC
Crushed
Concrete was
donated by
the city of
Sibley

20. Osceola County Rural Water brought
water to the site, and the foundation for
the 26’ x 36’ bathroom and storage
facility has been laid. A septic tank was
donated by Coop Energy Company and
the drain field is completed. We are
ready to finish the bathroom /shower
facility in the spring of 2013.
NW Iowa Comm. College Power
Linemen’s Class donated their time to
install 12 electrical boxes.

21. Although bathroom facilities are
not scheduled to be completed
until the spring of 2013, several
campers made use of the
campground in 2012.
Campers are already
making use of Osceola
County’s newest
campground at
Hawkeye Point.

22. What Visitors Are Saying About
Hawkeye Point
Bill from Burlington, Iowa
“I drove all the way diagonally across the state just to say I have been to the
highest point in Iowa. This may be as close to heaven as you can get.”
Henry from New York
“This is the 24th high point for me. This is the best of them all.”
Michael from Lincoln, Nebraska
“Iowa at its best.”
Henny from the Netherlands
“Absolutely spectacular ! I am so happy we stopped at the wonderful place.”
Jackson from Knoxville, Tennessee
“This is a fantastic spot. I wish all the high points were this well kept.”

23. Additional Comments from the
Log Book at Hawkeye Point
Wes & Linda from New Mexico
“This is a nice place. Thanks for making it available to the public”
Lexi from Key West, Florida
“Beautiful spot. Such a beautiful state. Be proud to be an Iowan.”
…….And our Favorite
A. J. Scott who does not say where he is from, but comments he is 7 years old
“This is the most awesome place I’ve ever seen !!! “

24. For the past 5 years, Sibley-Ocheyedan FFA
members have planted three acres of the site
that has yet to be developed to corn & soybeans.
Proceeds from the sale of the crops assist with
land debt retirement and other expenses.
Public Support
A lawnmower was purchased with grants
and the support of the local John Deere
dealer for the upkeep of Hawkeye Point
and the proposed campground. In April of
2010, the mower was presented to the
Hawkeye Point Committee.
FFA members have taken an active role in the
promotion of Hawkeye Point speaking to local,
state and national officials. FFA members also
promoted the project during a visit with Senator
Harkin in Washington D.C.

25. FFA Members Present our Hawkeye
Point Ideas to Lt. Governor Kim
Reynolds at the Capitol in February
of 2011

26. Iowa’s Lt. Governor then Visits
Hawkeye Point in June of 2011
Lt. Governor stands
with FFA members
at the highest point
in Iowa
Adding her name & support to
the Walls of Recognition

27. Hawkeye Point’s Ideal Location
Hawkeye Point is located 2.5 miles from the Minnesota border along the newly
constructed Highway 60 Expressway, making it an ideal location for an Iowa Welcome
and Agricultural Interpretive Center. The Iowa DOT projects more than 4.6 million cars
& trucks to travel this major transportation corridor annually. The tree lot to the north
of Hawkeye Point has been secured for development as a campground .
Photo taken in April
of 2008 prior to the
completion of the
Highway 60
Expressway.

28. The Hawkeye Point Project has the Cooperation and
Support of the National Park Service
Plans include the
development of the
campground north of
Hawkeye Point with
the purchase of the 4.6
acre tree lot.
To promote renewable
energy, a wind turbine
has been discussed for
the site. Although it
will not be located in
the campground area,
plans are to use the
turbine as an
educational tool as well
as a source of
sustainable income for
the Hawkeye Point
Project.
Educational displays,
exhibits of Iowa
crops, prairie
flowers and grasses,
an observation area
and veteran’s
memorials will grace
Hawkeye Point.
Walking paths
through these
outdoor exhibits will
originate from the
Visitor’s / Agricultural
Interpretive Center
making this area a
pleasing
environment, rich in
educational
opportunities and
engaging
experiences.

30. 1890’s Farm Site
Located just one mile south of Hawkeye Point is the
Benna Farm. This treasure of our agricultural past
has remained frozen in time since the farm was
established in the late 1890’s.
Negotiations are underway with the family
who currently own this site to develop it
patterned after the “Living History Farms”
model.
Visitors would be able to step back in time to
experience our agricultural past.
The site includes the original barn, farm home,
chicken house, hog house and a wealth of
pioneer farm equipment scattered over the
property.
Plans for
Expansion of
the Hawkeye
Point Project
A step
back in
time

31. A Visitor’s / Agricultural Interpretive Center
could serve as an Iowa Welcome Center and
would promote agriculture past, present, and
future. Proposed in this facility would be a
community center and office space.
Development of a late 1890’s farm site following the
example of “Living History Farms” as a way to showcase
our agricultural past.
A community grant has been secured to erect an
observation tower next to the silo in 2013.

32. Hawkeye Point and the sites connected with this project will be designed to encourage social
activities and experiences that are uniquely Iowan. The Visitor’s/Agricultural Interpretive
Center could include:
•Restrooms for travelers and a hub for promoting area and Iowa tourism
•Space designed for educational displays highlighting agriculture and area history
•Over-night camping sites complete with water and electrical accommodations along with
bathroom and shower facilities.

33. Summary of What Has Already Been
Accomplished With Local Resources
• Over 7180 hours of labor donated by the FFA
• 1200+ hours of labor donated by area contractors
and businesspersons
• Numerous donations of equipment, materials and
expertise
• Donations of heavy equipment
and services from area
contractors , Osceola County
and the City of Sibley

34. Additional Accomplishments At
Hawkeye Point
• $6,400+ donation of crushed
concrete for campground
driveways and camping pads.
Local financial
contributions in excess
of $400,000 since 2008

35. We would like to Partner with
the State of Iowa to…
•Help Continue the Development
of Hawkeye Point Building on
the Progress already made
•Make Our State’s Only High
Point into a Place of Pride
for All Iowans
Hawkeye Point…The Pride of Iowa

36. The Sibley-Ocheyedan FFA Chapter in cooperation with the citizens of Osceola County
envision Iowa’s “One and Only High Point” to continue to provide
engaging experiences for our youth, adults and visitors to Iowa’s highest elevation.
We also see the Hawkeye Point Project as a way to foster volunteerism,
citizenship and a sense of community in both young and old.
With the idealism of our youth, the creativity of our supporters, and the energy of our community
We Welcome Your Partnership !
And are confident that ….
We’ll See You At The Top !

37. After
Your support to help develop Iowa’s Only “Highest Point”
would be greatly appreciated.

38. The Osceola County Hawkeye
Point Foundation
For Additional Information Contact:
Sibley-Ocheyedan FFA Chapter
% FFA Advisor Mike Earll
Sibley-Ocheyedan Community High School
120 11th Ave. N.E.
Sibley, Iowa 51249
712-754-3601 (ext 234)
email: miearll@thegenerals.org