Directions to Locust Creek Camp No. 2 (provided by the Prairie Trail Museum): Follow State Highway 2 east out of Corydon 2 1/2 miles to County Road S40 (there is a large farm implement dealership on the corner). Turn south and drive 5 miles. On the south edge of the town of Harvard, look to your right for a "Mormon Trail" sign indicating this site was on the original trail. Proceed 1/2 mile farther south. Turn east (left) on County Road J46; a green sign says "Seymour 7 miles." Drive east 5 miles on J46 to 210th Street. There is a sign pointing to Tharp Cemetery. There is also distinctive pine tree locals consider a landmark. Turn south (right) onto the gravel road. Cross the railroad tracks and proceed 2.7 miles. At about the two-mile point, the road will curve to the east for about 3/4-mile and then it turns south again. Tharp Cemetery is on the left side of the road. A commemorative plaque explains the site. Look across the road west to the broad high field. This is Locust Creek Camp No. 2.

To appreciate the difficult terrain of the Mormon Trail, proceed 1/2 mile further south to Edison Street. Turn east (left). Look south for a view of the hilly, rough land that Locust Creek flows through. The first group of wagons was mired there in the mud for two weeks during the cold, rainy spring of 1846 before being able to pull up to what was called Locust Creek Camp No. 2.

Alternate return route: continue east on Edison Street for about 2 1/4 miles to paved County Road S60. Turn north (left) for 2 1/2 miles to the town of Seymour. Turn west (left) on J46 for about three blocks to the town square. From the northwest corn of the Seymour Square, State Highway 55 heads north back to State Highway 2.

Southeastern Iowa: The tiny towns of Van Buren County on the Iowa side of the Mississippi are reminiscent of Norman Rockwell's America. Frosting on the cake for Latter-day Saints is the fact that some have buildings associated with Mormon history. For information, call 1-800-868-7822 or visit the Web at www.800-tourvbc.com.

Bentonsport: Step back in time in this quiet village on the banks of the Des Moines River. There are antique shops to browse through and a self-guided walking tour that includes homes that are said to have been built by Mormons. Pick up a free brochure at Grees General Store, the Iron and Lace shop or the Mason House Inn.

Information: www.bentonsport.com