The Coolest Visitor Center In Iowa Has A Museum Inside An Old Towboat

Sioux City, located at the very northwest corner of Iowa, is one of the state's most underrated destinations. Bordering Nebraska and South Dakota, it's home to one of the most famous spots in the state - the Sergeant Floyd Monument. This towering obelisk is an iconic sight in the Hawkeye State, paying tribute to the quartermaster of the Lewis and Clark expedition, Charles Floyd. But did you know that the obelisk isn't the only tribute he has in the state? His name was given to a famous towboat built in 1932. It served as a support vehicle, but today it serves a very different purpose - as a museum boat! And the Sergeant Floyd Monument visitors center is one of the coolest visitors centers in Iowa. Not only can you learn a lot about the state here, but you can enter the boat itself and get an up-close look at Iowa's history on the river.

Like all other Iowa welcome centers, the Sergeant Floyd Welcome Center is a great place to learn about Iowa.

However, it has one thing that sets it apart from the others - it's set on an actual museum boat, permanently docked in Sioux City!

You enter the museum just like you would board a boat, which is a very cool experience.

Inside, you'll find dozens of historic exhibits relating to the Lewis and Clark expedition, in which the boat's namesake participated.

But that's only the start - you can see exhibits relating to all of Iowa's extensive exploration and travel history.

It's no surprise that this fascinating exhibit is a local favorite for tour groups and school trips.

The museum is full of interactive activities that give visitors an idea of what it was like to guide this famous boat.

However, the fan-favorite exhibit has got to be the extensive selection of miniatures recreating Iowa's history and geography!

Have you visited the Sergeant Floyd Monument visitors center in Iowa? Do you agree it's one of the coolest Iowa visitors centers? Tell us about your visit to this Sioux City institution in the comments section! You can find out more about the museum on the Sioux City Museum website. While you're in the area, why not book a stay at The Warrior Hotel?