Cresco's Beadle Park is located along Highway 9 and is the setting for several important Howard County historical exhibits. The Heritage Train is Iowa's most complete restored railway exhibit open to the public. The Borlaug Sculpture honors Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Dr. Norman Borlaug and the Historic Log Cabin is home to historical artifacts from the area.
A 1951-built 101A/Model FP7 diesel electric locomotive uniquely restored has been placed in the park. It was the first of this model sold to the Milwaukee Road railroad line. This piece of equipment serves to remind people of the railroad heritage connected to Cresco. The railroad acted as the foundation which eventually raised Cresco to a central position in the county. It even forced the 3 neighboring communities of New Oregon, Howard Center and Vernon Springs to pack up buildings and all possessions and move to the newly established hub. Rail service through Cresco and Howard County ended in 1983 with the tracks removed the following year. All that was left was an engine, box car, flatbed and caboose purchased from the Milwaukee Railroad in 1984. The locomotive was purchased in non-operating condition and has been restored to operating condition by local volunteers and placed in the Park.
A historic 1854-constructed log cabin is also housed in the park. The cabin was continually occupied for one hundred and ten years. In 1964, it was donated to the Howard County Historical Society. It was then moved into the park and a museum has been developed inside. The cabin features the original hand hewn, dovetailed logs. It consists of one room downstairs with a loft above. It has been furnished as if it were still in use. The Historic Log Cabin is open June-October.
The cache is a magnetic container. No need to climb under the train to look for this one.