Yet MORE Stuff To Do This Summer!

100+ Things, cont.  (Courtesy: Des Moines Register)
50. Fossil and Prairie Park Preserve

Collect fossils from the time when Iowa was an ocean.

Most of the fossils found are from a shallow sea environment. The preserve is located in Rockford.

51. Iowa Irish Fest

Downtown Waterloo hosts the Iowa Irish Fest Aug. 4-6.

Enjoy six stages of live entertainment with Gaelic Storm as headliners on Saturday and Sunday. Some of the other activities include a family fun area, 5K, bike rally, whiskey tasting and rugby tournament.

52. Matchstick Marvels

See models of the U.S.Capitol, Terrace Hill, USS Battleship Iowa and more made from matchsticks when you visit this museum in Gladbrook. The models are made by Patrick Acton.

53. Bellevue State Park

See spectacular views of the Mississippi, enjoy the butterfly garden and look for bald eagles when you visit. There are miles of trails to enjoy and exhibits in the South Bluff Nature Center.

54. Cumming Tap Ride

The Cumming Tap is 10 miles south of Des Moines on the Great Western Bike Trail and is a popular ride for bicyclists. Follow their Facebook page to find out when they will have food available for purchase.

55. The Full Grassley

It might not be able to be done in one summer, but make an effort to visit all 99 counties, just like Sen. Chuck Grassley.

  

56. Nordic Fest

Celebrate Scandinavian culture July 27-29 in Decorah. Eat traditional Scandinavian food, enjoy a parade, entertainment, sporting events and fireworks.

57. Charles City Whitewater

Go whitewater kayaking at Riverfront Park in Charles City. The course consists of three water features and is 3/4 of a mile long.

58. Loess Hills Lavender Farm

Spend an afternoon walking through lavender fields and browsing at the gift shop.

Located north of Missouri Valley, the farm is open from May to October on Thursdays through Sundays.

59. Adventureland

Ride the roller coasters at Adventureland (or the tea cups if that’s more your style) then head to Adventure Bay Water Park (included with regular admission) and hang out on the lazy river or ride the waterslides.

60. Solheim Cup

Golf enthusiasts can get tickets now for the 2017 Solheim Cup. It will be held Aug. 14-20 at Des Moines Golf and Country Club in West Des Moines. The Solheim Cup is a team match-play event featuring the best women’s golfers from Team USA and Team Europe.

61. Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Bring a picnic and enjoy the art including Nomade, Spider and the panoramic awareness pavilion in downtown Des Moines.

62. Amana Colonies

Learn about the history of the area at the Amana Heritage Society, visit the Woolen Mill, Millstream Brewery, multiple wineries or the Amana Meat Shop and Smokehouse.

63. Union Pacific Railroad Museum

This free museum is in Council Bluffs and is full of interactive exhibits for all ages. Learn how the transcontinental railroad was built and learn about rail travel in the United States.

64. Aquatic Parks

Many towns in Iowa have their own outdoor aquatic parks with waterslides, lazy rivers and more. In the Des Moines area, try out the aquatic parks in Altoona, Clive or West Des Moines.

65. Nitefall on the River

Watch a show at the Simon Estes Amphitheater or Brenton Skating Plaza. The 2017 lineup includes Des Moines’ hometown favorite The Nadas as well as Drive-By Truckers, Everclear, Blue October, Michael Franti and more.

66. Trek Fest

Celebrate the future birthplace of Captain Kirk on June 23-24 in Riverside. There is a parade and events for the whole family.

67. Jester Park Equestrian Center

Take a trail ride and enjoy the beauty of Jester Park on horseback. Reservations are required, no previous riding experience is needed.

68. Farmers’ markets

Support local farmers, producers and artists at your local farmers’ market. The North Iowa Farmers Market is back downtown in Mason City, Thursday evenings.

69. Hitchcock House

Take a tour of this National Historic Landmark outside of Lewis in Cass County. The house was built in 1856 by Rev. George Hitchcock and was a stop on the Underground Railroad.

70. Enjoy a Craft Beer

Iowa has more than 60 breweries for you to choose from and many of them are winning awards. Toppling Goliath in Decorah has beers that rank among the best in the nation.

71. Bily Clocks Museum and Antonin Dvorak Exhibit

Head to Spillville to admire the hand-carved clocks made by the Bily brothers. Visit the Antonin Dvorak exhibit on the second floor of the building where the Czech composer spent the summer of 1893 with his family.

72. 80-35

This two-day music festival is held in downtown Des Moines and celebrates progressive indie and jam music. A combination of free and paid stages the festival is celebrating its 10th year and will be held July 7-8.

73. Pioneer Heritage Museum

This museum located in Marengo is a half-block of structures including an 1856 log cabin and a 1930s gas station. The museum also has a collection of uniforms and military gear from the Spanish American War, Civil War, World War I and II, Vietnam and Desert Storm.

74. Bell Tower Festival

From June 9-11, head to Jefferson for the Bell Tower Festival. There will be music, a fun run/walk, craft show and more.

75. Iowa Arts Festival

Located in the heart of Iowa City, the Iowa Arts Festival features more than 115 local and national artists, music, culinary row (serving regional and ethnic foods) and art demonstrations. It will be held June 2-4.

76. Highway 141 Garage Sale

This 100-mile long garage sale goes along Highway 141 from Des Moines to Mapleton. You never know what bargains you might find along the way. This year is the 15th anniversary of the sale and will be held August 4-5 with most sales starting at 8 a.m.

77. Go sailing

Rent a pontoon boat on one of Iowa’s many lakes and enjoy a day on the water.

Fish, relax and take in the scenery and don’t forget your sunscreen.

78. Old Threshers Reunion

This educational and historical event runs Aug. 31 to Sept. 4 in Mount Pleasant.

There are parades, a trading post and vendors, horse pulls, antique cars, trucks, tractors and more.

79. Dam to Dam

Run Iowa’s Distance Classic on June 3. There is a half-marathon, 5K and youth runs. Even if you’re not a runner, cheer on the finishers at 12th Street and Walnut Avenue in Des Moines.

80. Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival

Events are scheduled from June 11 to July 4 and end with a fireworks show. Events are family-friendly and held throughout the city.

81. Backbone State Park

Visit Iowa’s oldest state park, located near Strawberry Point, and go hiking, fishing, boating or camping. There are also many challenging cliffs for climbers and rappellers.

82. Southern Iowa Speedway

Enjoy a night of International Motor Contest Association dirt track racing in Oskaloosa. Races are on most Wednesday nights throughout the summer.

83. Ewing Park

Visit the lilac arboretum at Des Moines’ largest park

during the few weeks the flowers are in bloom (usually in early May). While there, take the kids to Ashley Okland Star Playground and the Children’s Forest.

84. Pedaler’s Jamboree

Music and bicycling are combined in this Aug. 26-27 festival. The ride will be held along the Chichaqua Valley Trail. Non-riders can purchase tickets for the main stage festivities on Aug. 26 in Bondurant.

85. Italian American Heritage Festival of Iowa

Held at Western Gateway Park in Des Moines, the festival includes a best sauce contest, bocce ball tournament, kids activities and music. New for 2017 is il Mercato, an Italian marketplace for shopping. This year the event will be July 28-29.

86. Nathaniel Hamlin Museum and Park

Located in Audubon County, check out this historic farm.

Other buildings include a one-room schoolhouse, blacksmith shop and barns.

Outside the museum are 18 antique windmills.

87. Okoboji

The Iowa Great Lakes provide entertainment for everyone. Spend time on the water boating, parasailing, waterskiing or fishing. If you prefer to stay on land, you can enjoy the shopping, golf and museums in the area.

88. Free entertainment at the Iowa State Fair

Take in a show at one of the free stages at the Iowa State Fair. Acts range from country to rock and everything in between. The fair this year runs from Aug. 10-20.

89. All Iowa Lawn Tennis Club

Play tennis on a lawn tennis court that was built on a family farm outside Charles City in 2003. Reservations are required.

90. Visit the Highest Spot in Iowa

Hawkeye Point, north of Sibley, is the highest point in Iowa and provides a panoramic view of the Iowa landscape. The land is privately owned but the owners have kept the location accessible to the public.

91. Iowa Rock-n-Row Adventures

Go tubing down the Iowa River (most floats last 3 to 4 hours), then relax at the campsite for the night.

92. Grout Museum of History and Science

Learn about the flora and fauna of northeast Iowa and experience what it was like to be a pioneer in Iowa.

93. Join a team

Check with your city parks and recreation department to see what sports are offered.

Many cities offer slow-pitch softball, sand volleyball and kickball leagues.

94. Iowa’s Latino Heritage Festival

The 2017 event will be held Sept. 23-24 at Western Gateway Park in downtown Des Moines and will feature cultural booths, vendors, entertainment, dancing and food.

95. Effigy Mounds National Monument

Located in Harpers Ferry, there are 206 known prehistoric mounds, 31 of which are animal effigies.

Take a guided tour with a park ranger to learn more about these Native American-made mounds.

96. Pick your own berries

Spend a morning or afternoon picking strawberries, raspberries or blackberries. Days and times vary depending on the weather each year, and it’s best to call ahead. A list of U-Pick farms in Iowa is online at visitiowafarms.org.

97. Go fishing

Get your fishing license and relax along the shores of an Iowa lake or pond. Try Lake Red Rock, Lake Anita State Park or Lake MacBride State Park.

98. Adel Sweet Corn Festival

Celebrate at the annual Sweet Corn Festival in Adel on Aug. 12. The day begins with a 5K run then continues with a parade, food and craft vendors, music, entertainment and of course sweet corn.

99. Raccoon River Park

Enjoy the beach and playground or let your four-legged friend burn off some energy at the dog park at this West Des Moines park.

100. Chimney Rock Canoe Rental and Campground

Explore the Upper Iowa River by canoe and experience the beauty of the bluffs, cliffs, eagles and other wildlife.

101. Snake Alley

Ripley’s Believe It or Not has called it the “Crookedest Street in the World” and it is located in Burlington. An uphill bike race is held every Memorial Day and the Snake Alley Art Fair is held on Father’s Day each year.

102. Stockman House

Fans of architect Frank Lloyd Wright can admire his work by visiting the Stockman House in Mason City. Tours include the exterior and interior of the house.

Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-17 and are scheduled from May to October.

103. Laura Ingalls Wilder Park and Museum

When Laura Ingalls was nine years old, her family moved to Burr Oak to manage the Masters Hotel. Take a guided tour of the hotel to learn about Wilder’s life there and then wander along the banks of the Silver Creek.

104. Tree Town Music Festival

Enjoy four days of music in Forest City May 25-28. Bret Michaels, Thomas Rhett, Alan Jackson and Jason Aldean are just a few of the performers taking the stage. A variety of campsites are available for tents and RVs.

105. Jesse James Historical Site

Drive just west of Adair and take your picture in front of a locomotive wheel that marks the site where Jesse James staged the first robbery of a moving train in 1873.

More Things To Do All Over Iowa This Summer

100+ Things To Do In Iowa This Summer, cont. (Courtesy: Des Moines Register)

11. Go zip-lining In western Iowa, go zip-lining on a 1,600-foot ride at Mt.

Crescent Ski Area. If you find yourself in eastern Iowa, try out nine different zip lines at Sky Tours at YMCA Union Park Camp in Dubuque.

12. Kings Pointe Water Park

No matter the weather, you can enjoy this water park and resort in Storm Lake. It boasts indoor and outdoor water parks with water slides, diving boards, lap pools, a lazy river and more.

13. 2017 Bix Jazz Festival

Celebrate all things jazz at a new venue,The Rhythm City Casino Resort in Davenport, from Aug. 3 to Aug. 5.

14. Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge

Located outside of Prairie City, the wildlife refuge has walking and biking trails winding through the natural Iowa habitat and a driving tour where you may spot bison and elk.

15. Spook Cave

Take an underground boat tour through Spook Cave in McGregor. Your guide will teach you about the history of the limestone cave.

16. Friday Night Concert Series

Enjoy live music in a family-friendly setting every Friday night from May 19 through Aug. 25 in Iowa City. Concerts are held outside the Sheraton Iowa City Hotel from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

17. Skillet Days

Want to see if you and your friends have what it takes to win a skillet throwing contest? Sign up now for the June 17 event in Macksburg.

Leading up to the skillet throw at noon there will be a parade and pedal tractor pull.

18. Heritage Rose Garden

The town of Gray, in Audubon County, is home to a heritage rose garden. Take in the beautiful sights and scents of more than 200 varieties of roses and perennial flowers.

19. Des Moines Arts Festival

From June 23-25 in Western Gateway Park, find the next piece of art for your home.

Spend time enjoying the performance art, interactive art, music, food and all the other activities the festival has to offer.

20. Yoga in the Park

Relieve your stress by participating in a free yoga class. Volunteer instructors teach a class from 9 to 10 a.m. every Saturday morning from June 4 through Sept. 24. The event will move to a different Des Moines park each month, including Gray’s Lake, Union Park, the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park and returning to Gray’s Lake in September.

21. National Mississippi River Museum

Learn about America’s waterways in this museum located on Dubuque’s Riverwalk. Tour an old steamboat, see what kind of animals live in the Mississippi River and take part in the interactive exhibits. A new permanent exhibit allows you to touch sting rays.

22. Spring Park

Bring your own water bottle and fill up from the artesian well at Spring Park in Osage.

You can also explore the two-mile trail, let kids play on the playground or stay at one of the primitive camping sites.

23. Blank Park Zoo

See giraffes, rhinoceros, lions, tigers and more at Des Moines’ zoo. During Zoo Brew, adults 21 and over can have a drink and listen to music while enjoying the exhibits.

24. Field of Dreams

Bring your ball and glove and relive the magic of the movie while you play catch on this iconic baseball field located in Dyersville.

25. National Balloon Classic

From July 28 to Aug. 5, the sky will be filled with balloons in Indianola. Enjoy events all day and night, including the Night Glow Extravaganza, fireworks, music and food.

26. Gray’s Lake

Enjoy a leisurely walk around the lake, rent a paddleboat or take a swim at the beach at this park located just south of downtown Des Moines.

27. Blue Bunny Parlor

Choose from 40 flavors of ice cream at this ice cream shop in Le Mars. While you’re there, learn about this history of Blue Bunny on a self-guided tour.

28. Danish Villages of Elk Horn and Kimballton

Visit the two largest Danish settlements in the United States. See a sculpture of the Little Mermaid, an authentic windmill from Norre Snede and learn about the culture at the Museum of Danish America.

29. Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad

Choose from a variety of tours including a basic excursion, dinner, dessert or picnic train and enjoy the scenery while you take a ride on the rails.

30. Lost Island Water Park

Named a top-25 waterpark in the USA by Trip Advisor, enjoy the extreme waterslides, Blue Iguana Lagoon for younger children, mini golf and go-karts at the Lost Island Water Park in Waterloo.

Spend a day or make it a vacation and stay nearby at the KOA campground or local hotels.

31. Living History Farms

Learn what life was like on a 1700 Ioway Indian farm, 1850 pioneer farm and 1900 horse-powered farm. Walk through the town of Walnut Hill (set in 1875) and visit the general store, blacksmith and the broommaker.

32. Templeton Rye Distillery

Take a guided tour through the production area, barrel warehouse, bottling line and tasting room. Schedule a tour by emailing the distillery.

 33. World’s Largest Popcorn Ball

Find out what a 5,000-pound, 8-foot-tall popcorn ball looks like in Sac City. While you’re there, visit the Sac City Museum Village.

34. Sidney Rodeo

Enjoy Iowa’s oldest continuous outdoor rodeo Aug. 1-5. Watch Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, calf roping mutton bustin’ and more.

35. National Farm Toy Museum

See how farming has changed through the years and learn about the history of tractors.

The museum features thousands of toys, exhibits and displays and is located in Dyersville.

36. Des Moines Storytellers Project

Listen as Iowans tell true, first-person stories centered around a common theme.

Performances are scheduled throughout the year at various venues.

37. Decorah’s Trout Run Trail

This 11-mile trail runs next to the Decorah Trout Hatchery and crosses the trout streams five times. While on the trail, look for the Decorah Eagle Nest and three pieces of art.

38. Great Escape

When it’s too hot to be outside, cool off with bowling, laser tag and video games at Great Escape in Pleasant Hill. Grab a bite to eat and a craft beer while you’re there at Eats & Crafts.

39. Hinterland

Head to St. Charles for two days of music Aug. 4-5. The lineup includes Dwight Yoakam, The Head and the Heart, Gary Clark, Jr., Ryan Adams and more. There are also craft vendors, art, and family activities to enjoy.

40. Greek Food Festival

From June 2-4, enjoy Greek cuisine, wine, coffee, pastries and more at the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George in Des Moines.

41. Mines of Spain

This recreation center south of Dubuque is located on 1,380 acres of wooded and prairie land. Go hiking, have a picnic and keep your eye out for white-tailed deer, flying squirrels or red-tailed hawks.

42. Iowa Aviation Museum

Located in Greenfield, visit the museum to learn all about Iowa’s first recorded flight and enjoy looking at the vintage aircraft on display.

43. Farmall-Land USA

Located off I-80 in Avoca, Farmall-Land USA is a museum housing a collection of more than 250 IH full size tractors, pedal tractors and toys. The museum is open from April to October with tours by appointment only the rest of the year.

44. American Gothic House

Take your picture in front of the house that inspired Grant Wood’s iconic painting. While in Eldon, visit the American Gothic House Center and learn about the history of the house and Grant Wood’s life.

45. Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum

Learn about the life and legacy of the only president from Iowa while you tour the museum. Hoover’s birthplace cottage and grave are also located on the grounds.

46. Grotto of the Redemption

The largest man-made grotto in the world is in West Bend.

The nine separate grottos each depict a scene from the life of Christ. The Grotto contains the largest collection of precious gems and gemstones found anywhere in one location.

 47. Rent a yurt at McIntosh Woods State Park

A yurt is a nomadic shelter used in Central Asia. It is a 16-foot circular tent structure. Yurts have a wood frame and vinyl covering with a clear done on the roof. Two are available to rent at McIntosh Woods State Park in Clear Lake.

48. Villages of Van Buren

Visit 12 villages in southeast Iowa for a trip back in time. It includes two National Historic Districts, antiques, specialty shops and Amish and Mennonite communities.

49. Valle Drive-In

The oldest drive-in in Iowa, Valle shows first-run movies every weekend from spring through fall. Head to Newton to enjoy a double feature — gates open at 6:30 and movies start at dusk.

50. Fossil and Prairie Park Preserve

Collect fossils from the time when Iowa was an ocean. Most of the fossils found are from a shallow sea environment. The preserve is located in Rockford.

Nothing To Do? Hah! We Think Not.

(Courtesy: Des Moines Register)

100+ THINGS TO DO IN IOWA

1. RAGBRAI

Enjoy 411 miles of northern Iowa during the 45th RAGBRAI. July 23 to July 29, bicyclists will take part in the third-easiest ride in terms of climb and miles. Coming through North Iowa again this summer!

2. Maquoketa Caves State Park

Go for a hike and explore the caves at this unique state park. Wander through Dancehall Cave or get dirty as you crawl through Hernando’s Hideaway. 

3. Buddy Holly Crash Site and Surf Ballroom and Museum

Get a music history lesson at the Surf Ballroom and Museum in Clear Lake, then make the short drive north of town to the farm field where Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, J.P. “the Big Bopper” Richardson and pilot Roger Peterson were all killed in a plane crash in 1959.

4. High Trestle Trail Bridge

Enjoy the sculpture on the bridge as well as the views of the Des Moines River valley as you bike or walk the half-mile of trail that is 13 stories high.

Located west of Madrid, this bridge is a beauty day or night when it is lit a bright neon blue.

5. Shakespeare on the Lawn

The Repertory Theater of Iowa presents Taming of the Shrew June 15 to June 18 in the English gardens at the Salisbury House. Tickets are $25.

6. Arnolds Park

Enjoy the beauty of the Lake Okoboji and the thrills of the amusement park rides at Arnolds Park. Take a ride on the Legend Roller Coaster, the nation’s seventh-oldest coaster.

7. Honey Creek Resort

Located on Rathbun Lake, stay in a cottage or at the hotel while you enjoy golfing, the indoor water park, hiking, boating or fishing during your visit.

8. Jazz in July

The Metro Arts Alliance is celebrating the 35th year of Jazz in July. Enjoy family-friendly jazz concerts all month long at a variety of venues throughout the Greater Des Moines area.

9. Reiman Gardens

Visit this 17-acre garden in Ames to explore indoor and outdoor gardens as well as a butterfly wing where you can see up to 800 butterflies.

10. Take in a baseball game

Enjoy a day (or night) at the ballpark at any one of Iowa’s professional baseball teams.

Watch the Clinton Lumberkings, the Cedar Rapids Kernels, the Burlington Bees, the Sioux City Explorers, the Quad Cities River Bandits in Davenport or the Iowa Cubs in Des Moines.

Wide mouth cave at the Maquoketa Caves State Park Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2016.

Summer Concert Schedule

(Courtesy: Des Moines Register)

▶ Metallica

Iowa Speedway in Newton (June 9)

Bang your head and support a good cause by catching metal icons Metallica perform as part of a fundraiser concert for the Ashton Kutcher and Dallas Clark Iowa-centric non-profit The Native Fund.

Metallica returns to Iowa to perform at the disaster relief fundraiser for the first time since 2008. The stadium tour, “WorldWired 2017,” comes in support of the group’s 10th studio album, “Hardwired … to Self-Destruct.” Also slated to perform is metal staple Avenged Sevenfold and breakthrough hard rock act Volbeat. $59.50-$249.50.

More information at iowaspeedway.com.

While you’re there: Stay an extra night and take in a movie at the Valle Drive-In cinema. The double feature drive-in costs $8 and gates open for each show at 6:30 p.m.

▶ Willie Nelson and Family

Battery Park in Sioux City (June 10)

A country legend and American pop culture icon, Willie Nelson returns to Iowa less than a year after headlining Hinterland Music Festival in 2016. Fighting off rumors of illness earlier this year, Nelson, a Grammy Award and Gershwin Prize winner, is set to release his latest studio album, “God’s Problem Child,” this spring.

Bonus: A copy of the record comes with each ticket to the Sioux City show.

$49.50-$99.50. More information at tickets.hardrockcasino siouxcity.com.

While you’re there: Stay close to the venue and spend the night at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, which features a rock ‘n’ roll dose of restaurants and bars.

▶ Diana Ross

McGrath Amphitheatre in Cedar Rapids (July 9)

The queen of the Supremes, Diana Ross returns to Iowa as part of the “In The Name Of Love” tour. A Kennedy Center honoree, Ross is known for lending her iconic vocals to tracks such as “Endless Love,” “Stop! In The Name Of Love” and “I’m Coming Out.” Ross last released a studio album, “Diana Ross Sings Songs from The Wiz,” in 2015. $57-$147.

More information at mcgrathamphitheatre.com.

While you’re there: Visit Lion Bridge Brewing Co., home of the Great American Beer Festival gold medal-winning English mild ale Workmen’s Compensation. The Lion Bridge taproom is open Wednesday-Sunday and special events are scheduled throughout the summer.

▶ Kesha and the Creepies

Stir Cove in Council Bluffs (July 20)

Council Bluffs’ premier outdoor venue meets one of pop music’s most spirited stars as Kesha returns to Iowa for a one-night-only show. Known for pop anthems such as “Die Young,” “Tik Tok” and “We R Who We R,” Kesha unveiled her backing band, The Creepies, in 2016 before embarking on an intimate venue tour. Support on the bill comes from Atlas Genius.

$39-$128. More information at caesars.com/harrahscouncil- bluffs/shows.

While you’re there: Cross over the Missouri River into Omaha (which, make no mistake, is forever inferior to Des Moines) and go record shopping at Drastic Plastic or Homer’s Music in the Old Market.

▶ Dawes

Codfish Hollow Barnstormers in Maquoketa (Aug. 2) Indie rock outfit Dawes makes a return to Iowa’s favorite barn for a show in the heat of summer. The 80/35 alum appears at the one-of-a-kind eastern Iowa venue after the release of its third studio album, “We’re All Gonna Die,” which folk publication American Songwriter named one of the 50 best of 2016. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.

$35-$40. More information at codfishhollow barnstormers.com.

While you’re there: Head outside and spend a day at the eye-opening Maquoketa Caves State Park, located about 13 miles from the venue.

Music legend Willie Nelson performs during Hinterland on Aug. 6, 2016, in St. Charles.

Diana Ross, pictured at home in April 1971, was the top-selling female vocalist of 1970, the year of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”