Abandoned Iowa from Arcadia Publishing

Have you ever wondered why there are so many abandoned schools and churches? The consolidation of districts, a lack of members, a declining community, a desire for new structures--the list of reasons is endless. The intrigue of finding abandoned places is strong, but schools and churches have become a favorite thing to photograph.

Nicole Renaud has wandered all over Iowa to capture a chunk of abandoned schools and churches. Some are well preserved and maintained and others are crumbling, such as Apollo School, Vennard College, and Loucks Grove Church. All of them have some amazing memories inside their walls. This book covers over thirty schools and churches that once were.

NICOLE RENAUD has been fascinated by the forgotten since her childhood. It started at antique shops and flea markets her parents would frequent as she grew up. As high school rolled around, she was into anything and everything photography, but her favorite was film developing in the dark room. This provided an outlet for her fascination of old churches, farmsteads, and any building that was abandoned and crumbling. Fast forward ten years or so, and it has become an amazing hobby for her and her husband. While he does video, Nicole is behind the camera trying to preserve the memories left behind in the places they find. You can follow her on Instagram @rural.wandering.animal.lover.