5.0Iowa 80 Trucking Museum(591 reviews) - Awesome Truck Museum Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Visitor Centers • Speciality Museums • History Museums
The Iowa 80 Trucking Museum was a dream of Iowa 80 Truckstop founder Bill Moon. His love for trucks and the trucking industry laid the foundation for this museum. Over 100 vintage trucks are on display, as well as antique signs and gas pumps. The museum also features the REO Theatre where visitors can enjoy watching films about trucks and trucking.See more..
This library-museum commemorates the 31st President of the U.S. and the first born west of the Mississippi River. Exhibits track Hoovers life and political career. The large temporary gallery has changing exhibits that relate to American history. The Museum sits on the grounds of the Hoover National historic site where visitors can tour Hoover's birthplace cottage, blacksmith shop, Quaker meeting house, the local school and the Hoover's gravesite.See more..
4.5Union Pacific Railroad Museum(300 reviews) - Comprehensive corporate museum with silly COVID rules Friday: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
Our museum has chronicled more than 150 years of American railroad history through unique artifacts and immersive interactive games. Admission is free.See more..
4.5Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center(282 reviews) - Great Lewis & Clark interpretive center Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
The Sioux City Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center and the Betty Strong Encounter Center comprise an almost 20,000-square-foot, private, non-profit cultural complex, built and sustained by Missouri River Historical Development, Inc. (MRHD). The Interpretive Center opened in 2002 to commemorate the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial. It expanded in late 2007 with the opening of the adjoining Betty Strong Encounter Center to fulfill a permanent mission of "commemorating a history of encounters before, during and after the expedition. Joined by the symbolic Crossroads, these two parts create a Missouri Riverfront home for exhibits, programs and activities that explore how we live together as diverse people and how we care for our land, our great river, and other natural resources. Admission and programs are free.See more..
4.5The Putnam Museum & Science Center(226 reviews) - Always Something New to See and Learn Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Natural History Museums • Science Museums
The Putnam is a place where people connect with history and ideas by doing, making and experiencing. Our classes and special events are a great complement to our hands-on exhibit galleries. There is always something new to discover and something for everyone at the Putnam.See more..
4.5Vesterheim(208 reviews) - Great exhibits! Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds to engage in the conversation of the American immigrant journey through the lens of the Norwegian-American experience, and to participate in the continual evolution of traditional folk art as it meets new influences. Vesterheim offers innovative and interactive exhibits, classes, and programs, both at the dynamic campus and park in scenic Decorah, Iowa, and online at vesterheim.org.See more..
4.5State Historical Museum(192 reviews) - Thursday, December 8th visit. Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM History Museums
My wife and I visited around 2:30 pm. Both of us have never visited, and I would be hard pressed to say I ever even thought of visiting. I am so glad we stopped by. We parked in the capitol complex parking structure, the entrance off of E Grand ave. It is free to park there. Then you need to walk way around the building to get in the front entrance. We were greeted by 2 men working the reception desk. They were wonderful! It is free to visit! We started our visit on the 1st level, with the Mammoth display. Then moving on to the equally impressive 2nd floor. There are restrooms on each level. What a fun visit. Plenty to see and read. And it was far better than I had imagined. It is very well done. I would absolutely stop by again.See more..
4.5Old Capitol Museum(160 reviews) - A museum of Iowa Territorial and early State government Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • History Museums
The Old Capitol remains one of the most recognizable symbols of the state of Iowa. In the many years since the cornerstone was laid in 1840, the building has served state legislatures, countless university uses, and has undergone multiple additions and renovations. Now a National Historic Landmark, the Old Capitol Museum welcomes you to explore. Located in the heart of downtown Iowa City, the building offers special event venue rentals and also features both permanent and changing exhibitions. Admission is always free. Join us!See more..
4.5Salisbury House(156 reviews) - Historic English-style mansion Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Art Museums • History Museums
The King's House in Salisbury, England, was the inspiration for this Tudor mansion.See more..
What a great place! The woman working there gave us a quick overview of what was located on each floor.the museum was interesting and there are tons of brochures available for things to do in not only Iowa but also the surrounding states. Restrooms are in a separate building but just a short walk away. Great location as it’s right off the highway.See more..
4.0Amana Heritage Museum(105 reviews) - Best part of visit Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • History Museums
History of the Amana Colonies, which from 1855 to 1932 were an experiment in Utopian living.See more..
4.5Museum of Natural History(99 reviews) - More Than Expected Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Natural History Museums • Architectural Buildings
Established in 1858, the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History has been free and open to the public for more than 160 years. In Iowa Hall, explore 500 million years of Iowa's natural and cultural history in exhibitions featuring dioramas, specimens, and artifacts. Discover the adaptation and diversity of birds and mammals around the planet in the 3rd floor galleries. The museum strives to inspire—in visitors of all ages—an understanding and a sense of wonder, discovery, respect, and responsibility for our natural and cultural worlds through exhibits, educational programs, and collections.See more..
4.5National Farm Toy Museum(97 reviews) - Recommend this bargain museum. Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • Points of Interest & Landmarks • History Museums
Check out the place where agricultural history is on a roll! The National Farm Toy Museum in Dyersville, IA, houses memorabilia and farm toys of today and yesterday. The museum’s mission is the preservation of the history of agriculture through farm toy collecting. The whole family will enjoy discovering how farming has changed throughout the years and the history of the tractors that make successful harvests happen. The National Farm Toy Museum is open daily. Admission: Adults $7, Seniors $6, Juniors 6-17 $5 and Kids 5 and under are free.See more..
4.0Danish Windmill Museum(91 reviews) - Nice little stop Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops • Speciality Museums • History Museums
The Danish Windmill is a museum for all people interested in Denmark, Danish customs, Scandinavian traditions and, of course, windmills. Elk Horn’s Danish windmill is America’s only authentic working Danish windmill. The mill, originally built in Nørre Snede, Denmark in 1848 was brought to the United States in November, 1975 and rebuilt in Elk Horn, Iowa by community volunteers in 1976, America’s Bicentennial year. Open 7 days a week.See more..
Interesting exhibits and very educational in learning about the history of the Germans in the Quad City area. Fun merchandise in the gift shop including really beautiful Christmas decorations from Germany. See more..
4.5National Pearl Button Museum(61 reviews) - Highly Recommend! Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour History Museums
The ultimate museum for the pearl button enthusiast! The pearl button industry - the "gold rush of the Midwest" - was centered in Muscatine, the Pearl Button Capital of the World, in the early 1900s. We feature Muscatine's entrepreneurial, ecological, & philanthropic stories from the 1890s to modern times. Free entry, donations welcomed.See more..
History buffs be prepared to spend hours viewing the many unique items, pictures, and stories in the Museum's multiple buildings. The Clark Museum is one of the largest private museum collections in the upper Midwest, including the largest display of pictures, stories, and memorabilia from the Iowa Great Lakes and surrounding region. The large South Building contains many hundreds of pictures, each with a story describing the image. Thousands of business advertisements and other historical items are on display. Spend time in the newly renovated North building by viewing scenes of the past, including many one-of-a-kind items from the Arnold's Park Amusement Park and renowned local businesses. The North Building also features a seating area where you can relax and take in the history. Located on the western edge of Milford, just 4 miles from the Arnold's Park Amusement Park.See more..
4.5Sioux City Railroad Museum(45 reviews) - Best and Most Complete Train History! Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Historic Sites • History Museums
Originally known as the Milwaukee Railroad Shops, the Railroad Museum is located along Highway 12 in Sioux City, Iowa. This historical treasure, nestled in between the scenic Loess Hills and the Big Sioux River, was built in 1917. At one time this site was a large industrial complex that serviced and repaired locomotives and railcars for 65 years. Today this 30-acre complex is home to the Sioux City Railroad Museum. Only a handful these places still exist in the United States. Today, after several years of preserving and restoring what remained, the museum is able to showcase rare artifacts and architecture that represent an important and influential time in our nation’s history. The Railroad Museum and its historical atmosphere create a unique environment for friends and families to learn and enjoy. We are building tracks for the future!See more..
4.0Western Historic Trails Center(43 reviews) - A worthwhile visit! Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Visitor Centers • History Museums
This center tells the story of the Mormon pioneers who moved west during the 1800's. It sits right next to the beautiful temple and there are many grave markers on these grounds of people who died there. There is a short movie that brings to life some of the sacrifices and trials that these people endured. The displays depict the homes they lived in, and the circumstances of their situation. Some of the stories are heartbreaking, and many are inspiring. This was a very worthwhile visit!See more..
The Fort Museum houses an impressive collection of relics from Iowa's frontier days, including an array of military, Native American, and natural history artifacts. Our Frontier Village is home to an amazing 1855 Carlson-Richey log cabin, an original one room Belle Plaine schoolhouse, and many more amazing buildings to explore.See more..
This was the site of a prisoner of war camp that housed more than 10,000 German prisoners from 1943 to 1946.See more..
5.0Midwest Old Threshers(38 reviews) - History Comes Alive Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
Come visit the Heritage Museums where you can step back into our agricultural heritage. We invite you to climb aboard one of the many traction steam engines, including the largest steam engine - a Case 110. Sit behind the wheel of an antique tractor or take a look at the Stationary Steam Engines featuring a Murray Corlliss engine display.See more..
We loved our visit to this museum! We were warmly welcomed right from the start and our tour guide was fantastic. He taught us so much about the history of Fort Madison as we went through all of the different rooms of the building. He even let me play the organ! We spent about 2 hours here, 45-60 minutes inside touring and then the remaining time chatting with Andy and watching trains- it was especially cool to go up onto the footbridge and catch a few coming by.See more..
4.5Abbie Gardner Cabin(34 reviews) - So interesting! Historic Sites • History Museums
Be certain to watch the movie first before looking around---be sure to look at the grave sites to the east. Curator is very knowledgeableSee more..
The Mamie Doud Eisenhower Birthplace, located in Boone, Iowa , is Open for the season. The Mamie Doud Eisenhower Birthplace holds an enormous amount of history and information about the 34th First Lady of the United States. Mamie was born in the house November 14, 1896. The museum has many artifacts of Mamie's life.See more..
4.5African American Museum of Iowa(32 reviews) - Unexpected Friday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
The African American Museum of Iowa is a statewide museum dedicated to preserving, exhibiting, and teaching Iowa’s African American history. As Iowa’s leading educational resource on the topic, we educate more than 30,000 people each year through museum tours, traveling exhibits, research services, youth and adult education programs, and community and fundraising events.See more..
Based on reviews, we decided to take a tour of this riverboat museum and were happy we did. For a very modest price (cash) we were given a tour thru the riverboat with information and history about stern wheelers on the Mississippi. We enjoyed this plus or minus 30 minute stroll and discussion thru the various levels. Interesting with a great guide. To find this riverboat map yourself to Victory Park. Lock observation deck right nearby. See more..
5.0Muscatine Art Center(26 reviews) - A TRUE GEM Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums • History Museums
Once the private home of a lumber heiress, the Musser Museum features many distinctive architectural details of the Edwardian period. The adjoining Stanley Gallery hosts national, traveling art exhibitions. Funded in part by the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts. The Muscatine Art Center is one of only 802 museums nationwide accredited by the American Association of Museums. This honor signifies that the Art Center has undergone a rigorous and lengthy process involving intensive self-examination, peer review and a thorough examination by the Accreditation Commission. Accreditation by the AAM means the Muscatine Art Center is recognized for demonstrating excellence and operating in accordance with the best practices and highest standards in the field.See more..
The Jordan House, a stately Victorian home of Italianate Gothic design, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a member of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program. It is one of the oldest structures in Polk Country and the oldest in West Des Moines. Built by one of West Des Moines’ first settlers, James C. Jordan, the house today serves both as a museum for West Des Moines and as the office of West Des Moines Historical Society. The sixteen period rooms serve as a fitting backdrop of displaying the many antique treasures gathered from the rich heritage of West Des Moines. Visitors will also be interested in both the Underground Railroad Exhibit and the many artifacts from the regular railroad which played an important role in the early years of West Des Moines. One hour guided tours are offered beginning at 11am and then again at 1pm. Doors open 15 minutes before tour begins. Dates of tours: Memorial Day-Labor Day: Friday, Saturday and Sunday Labor Day-Memorial Day: Friday and SundaySee more..
Lot's of questions about what it was like in the good old days. What is a phone booth? Is that really how type was set to print a newspaper? Great educational for four kids that don't have their nose buried in a cell phone.See more..
The museum is comprised of a 16,000 Main Building, Ag Building, 1865 Barn, Steam Engine House and Blacksmith shop. Exhibits include furnished Victorian era rooms, 1930's rooms, General Store, Post Office, Barber Shop and Millinery Shop. Newton was known as "the washing machine center of the world" and over 70 machines from Maytag and other Newton Companies are on display.See more..
5.0Templeton Rye(19 reviews) - Was Fun to Watch Bottling Process in Action Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Distilleries • History Museums
We arrived in time to watch the bottling cycle in progress. Interesting to observe how fast the bottles fill, the corking machine and shrink wrap processes. Our tour guide and the production crew were friendly and answered all our questions about the history of Templeton and other local area sites. While Templeton rye is distilled out of state; they use a special Prohibition-era Kerkhoff recipe from the 1920s when many defiant residents of this small Iowa town became outlaw bootleggers. Their visitor center has a good variety of Templeton Rye merchandise. Although there was a tasting bar, a change in Iowa law now forbids them to serve samples of their product. The good news is the law finally allows Iowa distilleries to sell their products, so TR is building a major expansion and will start distilling, selling and resume tastings of their rye.See more..
5.0RVP~1875 Historic Furniture Shop & Museum(19 reviews) - Having fun with wood! Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums • Lessons & Workshops • History Museums
RVP~1875, the world’s leading historical furniture shop and museum, is located in the Milligan Lumber, building (National Historic Registry). Owner Robby Pedersen is a Master Furniture Maker with over 20 years experience, who has built over 900 pieces of historically accurate furniture using only the tools, techniques and finishes used in 1875 Iowa. On display is the Midwest’s largest working set of 19th-century woodworking tools, including an 1860’s foot-powered lathe, an 1870’s hand-crank ripsaw, and over 500 different hand planes. The showroom displays over 100 of Robby’s prototype pieces of furniture, each with a story of historical significance. Robby passionately shares his love of historic furniture making and how it relates to Iowa history with his visitors.See more..
5.0Madison County Historical Complex(18 reviews) - More than Bridges in Madison County Friday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
This historical complex captured our attention for several hours, especially the 1856 Bevington-Kaser House. The docents and other guides are superb in showing you so much about this areas history and artifacts. Children will enjoy the open spaces occupied by authentic buildings such as a post office and country school. There is so much more here than the Bridges and John Wayne BirthplaceSee more..
4.5Wickiup Hill Learning Center(13 reviews) - Beautiful Place with lots of wildlife! Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Natural History Museums
I stopped here briefly while traveling through the area. In my short time exploring, I saw many birds, frogs, snakes, and turtles. I was surprised by how many different animals I saw! I didn't have time to look around inside the center onsite, but all the other facilities were in great shape. This would be a great place for a day trip. I hope to go back sometime to explore more of the trails and the center.See more..
4.5Kinney Pioneer Museum(13 reviews) - A great way to spend a few hours with history Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
Experience life on the Iowa frontier through the vintage exhibits and living history. Visit a pioneer village with a one-room schoolhouse, log cabin, old jail, blacksmith shop. Home to the only remaining Colby car - manufactured in Mason City. Demonstrations of pioneer crafts and trades during special event days. Call ahead for schedule. Open May-Sept, Tues-Sun 1pm-5pm.See more..
4.0The History Center(11 reviews) - History Plus Friday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
The History Center is the home of the shared stories of Linn County. Located in the historic Douglas Mansion, The History Center tells stories of famous figures of the community and everyday residents; the rich and needy; and those from every ethnicity and race who have populated Linn County. We are a community of immigrants, of strivers, of dreamers - and of the occasional rogue, as well.See more..
4.0Wapsipinicon Mill and Museum(10 reviews) - Historic 6-story Pioneer Grist Mill Spent < 1 hour History Museums
This 1870 grist mill is located along the Wapsipinicon River in downtown Independence. It was originally used as a flour mill. Then in the mid 1900's it switched to milling livestock and poultry feed. The mill is 6 stories tall, has an 8 inch thick brick exterior and an interior made of hand-hewn timbers held together with square nails and wooden pegs. Inside are the original millstones, belt & bucket elevators, grain storage bins, shafts, milling equipment and milling tools . The mill is owned by the Buchanan County Historical Society. Self-guided tours are free but donations to help restore the mill are appreciated. It's open mid-May through mid-September, Tues - Sun, noon to 4pm. See their website for info on the mill's history, current hours, etc.See more..
I come to this museum every time I'm in Shenandoah. Was born here, and though I have not lived here for a long time, I love to revisit the history of Shen's first families, the industries that put it on the map, and it's founding. This and more are the museum's treasures. Docents can answer any questions. Don't miss this when you are in the area!See more..
4.5Monona County Veteran's Memorial Museum(9 reviews) - Excellent Small Town Veterans Museum with Freedom Rock Spent More than 3 hours Military Museums • History Museums
This is one of the best done Veteran's Museums I have been to. The curator is a volunteer and when open it is staffed by volunteers, the majority of which are all veterans. The local American Legion also meets in this building. The Freedom Rock was just finished last year, is lighted, and has a roof over it for protection. Onawa definitely cares about their Veterans and they are all proud of the service. The unique aspect is the volunteers that are more than willing to not only give you a personal tour, but tell you first hand stories of their deployments.See more..
This past weekend we were in the Swedesburg area and decided to stop at this museum. We are warmly greeted and given a tour. Behind the museum are two reproductions of stores from days gone by. What fascinated us most was the restored wagon outfitted as it would have been has it traveled from farm to farm with merchandise. This should be a stop on travelor's trips. They even serve beverages and other items.See more..
4.0Manning Heritage Park(8 reviews) - Wonderful experience Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours History Museums
The centerpiece of the Manning Community Foundation is its beautiful Heritage Park- a location packed with attractions that will take visitors back in time and give them a glimpse of what ‘would have been’ had their ancestors not made the courageous voyage from Germany across the Atlantic and then some. We invite you to visit our 350-year old authentic German Hausbarn, brought over from Germany in 1996. We’ll tell you how it got here, what it was used for and what life was like in Germany in the 1600’s. Step back into the late 1800’s and take a look at the historical Trinity Church or the early 1900’s and see what living on a rural farmstead might have been like at the Leet/Hassler Farmstead. Take a tour of the Konferenz Centre, which boasts a large hall, tavern and restaurant dining room available for weddings, business meetings and other special events. We look forward to meeting you in person when you visit our hidden treasure along the Highway 141 by-way of rural Iowa.See more..
The Theatre History Museum celebrates popular live entertainment from the middle of the nineteenth century through the middle of the twentieth century. In particular, we commemorate the tent shows that toured small Heartland communities. We have an extensive collection of painted backdrops and a Toby Tolliver Hall of Fame. We have a research library of scripts, photos, and other memorabilia.See more..
4.5Locust School(8 reviews) - /Great stop a lot of history History Museums
I attended eight years--one room school--1854-1960 /reunion each year in October--pie auction at church next doorSee more..
4.0Coralville Lake visitor center(8 reviews) - Cool place to visit and see Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Natural History Museums • Children's Museums • History Museums
The visitor center holds various exhibits of local flora and fauna. They have a neat film run time of 15 minutes explaining the Devonian Gorge area and how it came to be. Fossil hunting and wildlife spotting amongst the many other thousands of things there are to do in this area. Camping and swimming and boating and fishing, etc. The visitor center holds a plethora of info that kids of all ages will love to see and do over and over again. NO FEE is required here. Wheel chair accessible and drinking water and bathroom facilities available. Nice friendly staff eager to answer your questions. Plenty of literature on hand too. Take pictures! Kids will thank you for it. In my opinion, this place is a cool place to visit and see.See more..
Happened to have had some time to kill so decided to follow the signs from Interstate 80 in Iowa to Wagaman Mill in Lynnville. Definitely a longer detour than I had expected but worth it I think. We arrived on a Sunday (they are open 1-4) however it wasn't quite noon when we arrived so we were unable to tour inside the museum. But that was ok because our mission was just to get out, stretch our legs and enjoy the view. Really nice up-close view of the Skunk river rushing pass, we crossed the foot bridge to a nice picnic area that we viewed driving into town. Would have been nice to have remembered the bug spray as we have had a lot a flooding/rain in this area so everywhere is prime mosquito hatching grounds!See more..
I was in Davenport to visit family and looking for something to do when I decided to visit the Beiderbecke Museum. I had heard great things around about it from around the Quad Cities and wanted to check it out. It was an excellent educational experience, and I learned a lot about Beiderbecke's (and the city of Davenport's) role in the history of Jazz. It is a small space, but they used what they had well. It was filled with displays, artifacts, and exhibits. I am not a musician but I was able to understand the stories being related by their displays. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for something to do in downtown Davenport. I would suggest staying 45 minutes to an hour.See more..
5.0Lewelling Quaker Museum(6 reviews) - Very Cool Friday: Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • History Museums
Great museum with a great history. Our guide provided us with a wealth of information. The home is very well preserved. You will most likely need to call in advance as the museum has very limited hours, but they will gladly accommodate a tour. Very cool. See more..
4.5Ice House Museum(6 reviews) - Really enjoyed this peek into history! Friday: Spent < 1 hour History Museums
What a well-organized museum. We went years ago before the flood and it was super cool back then, albeit a bit jam-packed. Now, they have fewer items but it's so much more organized. I really enjoy visiting this museum and bringing our family here (they live out of state).See more..
4.0Des Moines County Heritage Center Museum(6 reviews) - Great displays Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Children's Museums • History Museums
The Heritage Center Museum is located in historic Burlington Iowa. The building is the former Burlington Public Library, built in 1898. The Gothic Revival building is on the Register of Historic Places, and features such gems as the Hypatia stained glass windows, marble chip mosaic floors, and original hand carved woodwork.See more..
