So I found this
older thread, and I happened to see this link that Mkawa posted.
List of Hacker SpacesI clicked on it and followed the map to where I live not expecting to see anything within 2 hours. HOLY CRAP. I found one that is damn near within bike riding distance from my house.
http://www.meetup.com/Cedar-Valley-Makers/ is a link the my local one. I signed up just to see what this is all about. Will have to try and see if I can make one of the monthly meetings if I am not working. Starting 7 12's on Tuesday. Well the rest of the crew is starting on Monday but I will not work on Veterans day. Iowa actually has a state law regarding vets working on Veterans day. But the 7 12's should only be for a few weeks.