History

History: 

Our museum was started in 1964 and has grown to two buildings, North and South, and a machine shed filled with farm implements, located next to the South Museum. Inside the walls of our 3 buildings, visitors can discover the treasure of over 10,000 artifacts used to tell the history of Central Iowa. Inside the museum there is so much to see and do.  Go back in time and see the general store, church, schoolroom, jail and post office. Visit 1880's bedroom, kitchen and parlor. Marvel at the wedding dress collection featuring a dress from 1893.  Enjoy the farm machinery, Civil War and military displays, natural history collections and much, much more. Through the generous donations of our patrons, we continue to depict the rich heritage in a way that all ages can enjoy. There is something for everyone! Our museum is operated by volunteers and donations which we use to maintaining the buildings. We are the “best kept secret in Iowa”… so come see us! We will be open  from 1-4pm on the last Sunday of the month, May-August, holidays: Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day, and Old Settlers weekend (Friday-Sunday). Private tours are also welcome. Please reach out if you are interested in volunteering- we are always looking for more helpers.

Historic Train: see our new edition at the South Museum lawn