When exploring the most offbeat museums in Iowa, you might think you’ve seen it all – but you haven’t seen anything until you’ve been to the Bily Clocks Museum in Spillville. This small museum in a town of under 400 people is dedicated to the work of the Bily Brothers, two dedicated woodcarvers who crafted dozens of wooden clocks over more than a decade in the early 20th century. But these are no ordinary clocks – these are stunning works of art that bring unique scenes to life. These creations now all sit under one roof, along with some other surprises – including an exhibit dedicated to a famous visitor to Iowa – as well as historic buildings and objects. With a relatively low admission fee, it’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon in this charming small town.

Located in an old brick building, the clocks inside the Bily Clocks Museum are nothing like the analog clock you see on the outside.
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Every single one of these clocks is a work of art, hand-carved by the Bily Brothers a century or more ago.
Neil Waddell/Google Local
Many of these clocks are adorned with detailed carved figures, representing the beauty of American life.
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The brothers grew up near Spillville and took up woodcarving during the cold winter months.
Tours are available on site, so you can learn more about the history of these amazing clocks.
Bily Clocks Museum & Antonin Dvorak Exhibit/Facebook
However, the Bily Brothers aren't the only geniuses celebrated here! The world-famous Czech composer Antonín Dvořák lived in Spillville in 1893, during his extended visit to the United States.
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The museum has an exhibit dedicated to Dvořák’s work, as well, featuring historic objects from his time, and some of the instruments he used.
Alain Chotil-Fani/Google Local
He composed his 8th, and possibly part of his 9th (“New World”) symphonies while in Spillville.
The third pillar of the museum is the Bouska Schoolhouse, a historic cabin gifted to the museum in 1893. You can enter to see what a schoolhouse looked like in 19th-century Iowa.
Susan Walcott/Google Local
The historic artifacts on the grounds are truly fascinating, and more than interesting enough to hold your interest while you’re exploring.
Alise S/Google Local

Have you visited the Bily Clocks Museum in the tiny town of Spillville? Let us know about your visit to this offbeat museum in Iowa in the comments section! You can visit the Bily Clocks Museum website for all the details on the current exhibits. The Bily Clocks Museum Facebook page will also have details on upcoming events. It’s not the only one-of-a-kind museum in Iowa, either – if you’re in Decorah, about 20 minutes from Spillville, make sure to visit its massive Norwegian heritage museum.

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Bily Clocks Museum & Antonín Dvo?ák Exhibit, 323 S Main St, Spillville, IA 52168, USA