Iowa History Museums

Adair County Historical Museum

The museum is focused on the rich heritage of Adair County.  Properties include and old railroad depot, an 1898 Church, and the George A. Wilson house.  The museum is located on the west side of Greenfield on Highway 92.

Greenfield Aviation Museum

Features the history of aviation in Iowa and includes the Iowa Aviation Hall of Fame.  Located at 2251 Airport Road in Greenfield, IA.

Schildberg's Antique Car Museum   [Photos]

Featuring an extensive collection of antique cars, the museum is located on East Iowa Street in Greenfield, IA just east of the public square.

Icaria Museum and Research Center

503 8th Street in Corning, IA.

Allamakee County Historical Society Museum

Housed in the original 1861 Allamakee Courthouse, the museum, visitors can step back in time to the early days of Allamakee County.  Filled with early artifacts such as military objects, complete court room, farm tools and rooms furnished in 19th and early 20th century style.  A genealogical research center is located on the premises.  Also located on the grounds is the Gjefle Log Cabin which was built in 1872.  Located at 121 Allamakee Street in Waukon, IA.

Built in the 1860s, Horridge House is home to the Benton County Historical Society's Museum and Archives.  Located at 612 First Avenue in Vinton, IA.

Marshall One Room School

A one room schoolhouse built in 1893 near Laurens in Pocahontas County, Iowa.  The school was moved to the UNI campus in 1987 and serves as a museum devoted to the history of one room schools in Iowa.  Visit it at the UNI, 3219 Hudson Rd. in Cedar Falls, IA.

Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad

While visiting in Boone, catch a ride on this operating 1893 railroad, with a steam locomotive.  They even have dinner trains.  Catch it at 225 10th Street, Boone, IA.

Mamie Doud Eisenhower Birthplace 

[Biographical Facts]

The birthplace of the wife of Dwight D. Eisenhower, First Lady Mamie Doud.  The museum contains exhibits related to the life of Ike and Mamie Eisenhower along with local history inside this restored Victorian home.  Address is 709 Carroll Street in Boone, IA.

At Heartland Acres, visitors’ experience a wealth of information and hands-on fun. Experience how Iowa agriculture touches everyone, even you, by means of interactive exhibits, new and antique farm equipment and implements, simulators, historical displays, live farm animals, 77 acres of test/show plots and Classic Car Museum.  Located at 2600 Swan Lake Blvd in Independence, IA.

(dead link Apr 08)

The museum contains artifacts and exhibits depicting early life in Buena Vista County.

214 5th Street in Storm Lake, IA.

Holding artifacts and exhibits related to the past life and  history of Butler County.  Located in Alison on the fairgrounds.  Also on the fairgrounds is an historical log cabin which at one time served as a stagecoach stop between Waterloo and Mason City in Coldwater Township.  It was also the first hotel in Greene.  The museum and cabin are open during the annual county fair or call for appointment 319-267- 2664.

Greene Historical Museum

Housed in a 1900s boarding house, the museum stores a large collection of historical items and is operated by the Greene Historical Society.  Located at 102 North First Street in Greene, IA.

Shell Rock Historical Museum

A new museum operated by the newly organized Shell Rock Historical Society, the museum opening is scheduled for July 4th 2007.  The museum will be housed in an 1920s Craftsman style house and will offer exhibits demonstrating the history of Shell Rock, Iowa.

The Old Mill

Built in 1867, the five story mill was built by the founder of Shell Rock.  The mill operated until 1978 and today the mill may be viewed from the outside and includes an antique shop.  Located at 103 North Cherry Street in Shell Rock, IA.

Herbert Hoover Presidental Library and Museum

Dedicated to the life and career of Iowa's only president, Herbert Hoover.  See Herbert Hoover's birthplace, a Quaker Meeting house, a blacksmith shop and the graves of Mr. and Mrs. Hoover.  Located at 210 Parkside Drive in West Branch, IA.

[Church History]   [Church Photos]

Completed in 1864, services are still held in this quaint little church in the wildwood.  Visitors are welcome to the services and tours can be arranged.  On Highway 346 in Nashua, IA.

Located at 300 E. Third Street in Spencer, IA.

Historic Peterson, Iowa

Monona Historical Museum   [History]

Focused on the history of Monona, the museum features historical documents and artifacts related to the early times in Monona.  The society has recently opened the Willa Helwig History Center where researchers will find materials and documents related to the genealogy and history of people of Monona, Iowa.  Located at 304 S. Egbert Street in Monona, IA.

Clinton County Historical Society & Museum

[Virtual Tour]

A collection of artifacts, documents and photographs relating the history of Clinton County, IA.  The society offers a research library and publishes books of early documents.  Located at 601 South First Street in Clinton, IA.

Abbie Gardner Sharp Cabin  [Spirit Lake Massacre]

The historic 1856 log cabin features the story of Abbie Gardner and Dakota leader, Inkpaduta.  Near the cabin is a memorial devoted to the memory of those who died in Spirit Lake Massacre.

[Online Photo Gallery]

The historic 1865 Victorian house was the childhood home of the key coordinator of the women's suffrage movement (Carrie Chapman Catt.  Today the home is a museum open to the public.  Located near Charles City, IA.

Floyd County Museum

The museum contains a large collection of historic farm tractors, farming implements and tools housed in Dr. Salsbury's Laboratories building.  Step back in time through the period rooms on display including an old time drug store, a country school classroom and the 1853 Muchlar cabin.  The museum also offers some research materials and sells local history publications for the historian or genealogist.  Located at 500 Gilbert Street in Charles City, Iowa.

Marble Rock Historical Museum

Housed in what was originally a bank built in 1885, the limestone building today holds a collection if artifacts and items related to the history of Marble Rock.  The museum now encompasses the Rural Living Museum next door.  Both are operated by the Marble Rock Historical Society.  Located at 313 Bradford Street in Marble Rock, IA.

This historical village is a 4 acres complex consisting of ten buildings and exhibits where the history of Guthrie County unfolds for visitors.  Historic buildings include an 1851 log cabin, The Panora Depot, a 1913 Church and a country schoolhouse and more.  Amazingly enough there are 37 country schoolhouses still standing in Guthrie County.  Located at 206 W. South Street in Panora, IA.

The museum focuses on the rich pioneer history of Humboldt County. On the extensive museum grounds you can visit the Mill Farm House, Hardy Church, Red Barn, Willow School, Log Cabin, Jail, Kettle Shed, Chicken Shed and Clancy Building.  Besides displays of Indian artifacts, cars, farm machinery, a bank, post office, and early photography studio, the Clancy Building houses a Research Room with photographs, maps, newspaper clippings, and much more.  Trees and flowering plants native to Iowa enhance the Museum grounds.  Located in Dakota City east of Humboldt, the museum grounds and buildings are the venue for many summer events, such as the Fall Fling and the Mill Farm House.

Old Settlers Park

Featuring a log cabin erected in 1890 by the Old Settlers Association of Humboldt County.  Located in Livermore, Iowa.

Kellogg, Iowa Historical Museum

Actually comprising 6 historic sites including the 1909 Simpson Hotel, an old barn, the 1919 Kellogg Savings Bank, the 1877 Bethel Country Church, and the Rock Creek Country School.  The museum is focused on the local history and genealogy of pioneer families who settled in Kellogg, Iowa.  The historical museum complex is operated by the Kellogg Historical Society located at 218 High Street in Kellogg, IA.

Preserves and displays the history of Johnson County, Iowa and surrounding area.  Properties include the 1855 Johnson County Poor Farm, which is being restored, the 1876 Coralville Schoolhouse and the Plum Grove Historic Home.

Located in Coralville, IA.

Plum Grove Historic Farm

The 1844 home has been home to Governor Robert Lucas, Eleanor Hoyt Brainerd, Jacob Switzer and Richard Hughes.  Archaeology digs are being performed at the historic site located at 1030 Carroll Street in Iowa City, IA.

Built between 1808 and 1809, it was the first U.S. Military Post established in present day Iowa.  Located on the Mississippi River in Fort Madison, Iowa.

African American Historical Museum and Cultural Center of Iowa

Brucemore Mansion and Cultural Center   [History]

These ancient Indian burial mounds are purported to have been constructed between 100 BC and 200 AD by moundbuilder Indians.  There are seven mounds.  Visitors will find an educational center with information about the mounds, artifacts and a diorama.  Located on Iowa Highway 99 in Toolesboro, IA.

John Wayne's Birthplace

Madison County Historical Museum

Operated by the Madison County Historical Society, the museum offers exhibits and displays of historical artifacts donated by Madison County residents and maintains a research library.  Other historical buildings in this complex include the Bevington - Kaser Mansion, Winterset Train Depot, Zion Church, the Field Mercantile Store and a stone barn.   Located at 815 South Second Avenue in Winterset, IA.

Pella Historic Village   [History]

The village consists of over 20 buildings.  Some are more than 150 years old.  Featured is the Wyatt Earp House.  Offered by the Pella Historical Society, learn what life was like in this early Dutch community.  Address: 507 Franklin Street, Pella, IA.

Scholte House   [History]

Built 1847-1848, the home remained in the Scholte family until it was given to the Pella Historical Society to be used as a museum.  The 22 room home contains some original furnishings.  Located at 728 Washington Street in Pella, IA.

The museum features displays and exhibits of historical artifacts and items from the past of Marshall County.  Collections include Early American Glass, a General Store, history of the rural frontier, military history, early medicine, dentistry and nursing history.  A historical reference library is available for researchers.  Located at 202 E. Church Street in Marshalltown, IA.

Matthew Edel Blacksmith Shop

The 1883 blacksmith shop was one of the first businesses in the brand new town of Haverhill, IA.  Today the shop serves a museum and holds items just as they were the the shop closed it's doors in 1940.  Visitors will see demonstrations of blacksmithing and tours of the site.  Located in Haverhill, IA.

Historic Places in Mitchell County

St. Ansgar Heritage Association and Museum

The museum has collected a large amount of artifacts and items related to the history of St. Ansgar and includes boxes and boxes of early newspapers.  Located at 126 W. Fourth in St. Ansgar, IA.

Exhibits include a Lewis & Clark display, antique farm equipment, a barbed wire collection, an Eskimo Pie exhibit and other artifacts related to early Monona County history.  Located at 47 12th Street in Onawa, IA.

Monona County Veterans Memorial Museum

Collections include historical military memorabilia and some antique military vehicles, planes and helicopters.

Operated by the Monroe County Historical Society, the museum contains artifacts from homes, farms and mines in Albia and the surrounding areas.  Located at 114A Avenue East in Albia, IA.

Nodaway Valley Museum

The museum is focused on history of the Nodaway River valley in southwest Iowa. Features are Goldenrod School-Birthplace of 4-H, historic buildings from the area, Native American artifacts, quilt display, WWII Prisoner of War Camp, display on native son Glenn Miller, farm machinery. Located on the south side of Clarinda, IA on Hwy. 71.

Hoyt Sherman Place 

[Virtual Tour]  [History]

Built in 1877, this grand manor home was home to Hoyt Sherman, a prominent businessman.  Today the home houses a museum featuring paintings, furnishings and ancient artifacts.  Next door is a 1923 theater.  It has been restored and hosts theatrical productions, musicians and other local performing arts events.  Located at 1501 Woodland Avenue in Des Moines, IA.

Living History Farms   [History and Historic Sites]

Salisbury House Museum   [History]

Erected between 1923 and 1928, the 42 room mansion was built for Carl and Edith Weeks.  Today the mansion features a museum containing collections of art, paintings, antiques and documents which belonged to the Weeks family.  Located at 4025 Tonawanda Drive in Des Moines, IA.

Terrace Hill Historic Site  [Virtual Tour]  [History]

Wallace House Museum

The Grinnell Historical Museum is authentically furnished as a late-Victorian residence in an 1895 building.  Its mission is to preserve the history of the city Grinnell and Poweshiek County.  Located in the McMurray house at 1125 Broad Street. in Grinnell, Iowa.

Spaulding Center for Transportation / Iowa Transportation Museum

Housed in an abandoned carriage factory, the Iowa Transportation Museum is a place to learn about the past and present of transportation in American and how it has shaped America.  The Spaulding Carriage and Automotive Works buildings are over 120 years old.  Located at 927 Fourth Avenue in Grinnell, IA.

Buffalo Bill Cody Homestead   [Free Cody Trail Brochure]

This 1847 farmhouse is the boyhood home of Buffalo Bill Cody of the Wild West Show.  Built by his father, Isaac Cody, the home has been restored and contains period furnishings.  Buffalo roam the surrounding prairie.  Located at 28050 230th Ave at Bluff Road in Scott County, Iowa.

German American Heritage Center   [History]

Focused on the German-American immigration, the organization is striving to create library archives, a museum and cultural center in the Midwest. Davenport was once the gateway to the west for German, Scottish, Swiss and Irish immigrants. The Heritage Center is housed in the partially restored Standard Hotel and is a significant resource for student education, history and genealogy research. Located at 712 W. 2nd Street in Davenport, IA.

Putnam Museum

State Historical Society of Iowa Museum

Walnut Grove Pioneer Village

[Virtual Tour]  [Olde St. Ann's Church]

Walnut Grove was a popular stage coach stop in the 1860s.  This Village has 18 historic buildings which include an 1890 bank, 1870 Donahue Train Depot, a saloon, barber shop, dr. office, General store and more.  Take a stroll through the past on the old boardwalk.  Located in Scott County Park at Davenport, IA.

Alton Historical Museum

The museum features items related to the history of Alton, Iowa and is housed at the Alton Public Library located at 605 10th Street in Alton, IA.

Ames Farmhouse Museum

Smack dab in the center of the Iowa State University campus, this 1860 house was built for the State Agricultural College and Model Farm.  Today it is a museum focused on the first 50 years of Iowa State.

The Ford Dodge Museum brings the history and frontier days of Northwest Iowa alive.  The Lewis Armistead Museum is located in the only original Fort building still standing.  Home to many historical buildings including the 1855 Carlson-Richey Log house, an 1857 one room schoolhouse, the "Cardiff Giant", and many buildings built to represent pioneer buildings of the time period.  They even have a log chapel where weddings are performed throughout the year.  Visit the Fort Dodge Museum at the junction of South Kenyon and Museum Road in Fort Dodge, IA.

Museum Index for Other States

Iowa Census Records