Despite being born and raised here in Eastern Iowa I'm always amazed when I find out about a place that I had no idea existed. I was completely unaware that a nature preserve right here in Eastern Iowa features a mysterious circle of stone structures. How did they get there? Where did they come from?

Those strange stones are located in Johnson County at a place called the Harvest Preserve. Located just outside of Iowa City, it features beautiful views of the Iowa landscape and is home to a stone structure with an interesting history. Only In Your State reports that Harvest Preserve is a members-only nature sanctuary. A yearly pass will cost $100, but they do sell a limited number of $10 daily passes during the week. While there is plenty to see and enjoy at the preserve, one sight leaves people with more questions than answers.

Harvest Preserve Foundation via Facebook
Harvest Preserve Foundation via Facebook
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As Only In Your State points out, the stone figures in a circle formation at the center of the park don't look like they belong here in Iowa. And that is because they don't. The stones originated on the tiny island of Flores near Indonesia. Experts say they date back nearly 4,000 years. According to Only In Your State, back in 2001, locals on the island didn't want the stones anymore so they were sold to an antique dealer. They somehow wound up at Harvest Preserve and are arranged just like they were on the island of Flores.

Harvest Preserve Foundation via Facebook
Harvest Preserve Foundation via Facebook
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It reminds me a bit of Stonehenge on a lesser scale. Experts say that they were used as part of ancient religion. No matter their use, they make for a strange work of art in the middle of an Iowa prairie. If you are interested in a daily pass to Harvest Preserve you can visit their website or Facebook page.

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