There's A Medical Museum In Iowa That's Both Wonderfully Weird And Creepy
By Kim Magaraci|Published May 18, 2018
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Kim Magaraci
Author
Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
Iowa is a strange place — there’s no denying it. One of the most fascinating spots in the entire state is hiding in a university building in Iowa City. Here, you’ll find the Medical Museum in Iowa that will both fascinate you, and kind of creep you out.
Iowa's Medical Museum is located at the The University of Iowa Hospital, in Iowa City.
One of the biggest attractions in the museum is the gorgeous but heartbreaking Iron Lung. This machine was used to keep patients breathing when stricken with a bout of Polio.
There's an impressive set of tools and instruments preserved in the Medical Museum, like these various dental tools. The dental exhibit makes a modern-day visit look like a trip to the spa.
Can you guess what these tools were used for? You might be able to tell by the saw that this was an early amputation kit. Suddenly, I'm very thankful for modern medicine!
Despite the weird and creepy things you'll find in this Iowa Medical Museum, it's worth taking the time to appreciate the struggles, sacrifices, and commitment of Americans in our early medical history.
Our modern procedures, vaccines, medications, and treatments all stemmed from early doctors, who learned from their experiences and worked tirelessly for our health and well-being.
The Medical Museum is located in the Patient and Visitor Activities Center on the eighth floor’s John W. Colloton Pavilion. The Museum is open from Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, it’s open from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is always free!
