Posted in Iowa
June 30, 2015
10 Unique Museums In Iowa That You Must Visit At Least Once
Where can you find a museum dedicated to Hobos or antique farm toys? The answer is…only in Iowa. We Iowans are lucky to have some very cool, very unique museums right at the tips of our fingers. With so much to explore it can be hard to figure out where to start. Luckily for you, we have a list for that. Here are 10 of the most unique museums in Iowa that you have to visit at least once.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
The Hobo Museum can be found in the town of Britt, which is the home of the National Hobo Convention. This is the only museum that dedicates itself to the hobo way of life.
The Sgt. Floyd Riverboat Museum in Sioux City is an old army inspection boat turned museum that sits on the riverfront. It is named for Sergeant Charles Floyd, the only man to have died on the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
The Duke's birthplace is now a museum in Winterset, where over a million visitors have gone to take a look into the early life of John Wayne.
The Bily Clocks Museum in Spillville showcases the elaborate, beautifully hand-carved clocks, created by the Bily brothers.
The Herbert Hoover Museum/Natural Historic Site in West Branch consists of the two room cottage where Hoover was born in 1874, as well as the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and grave sites of the former president and his wife.
The Squirrel Cage Jail Museum in Council Bluffs is an old jail turned museum, where visitors can see the only 'squirrel cage jail' on this side of the Mississippi.
The Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum in Burr Oak lets visitors walk through the childhood home of Laura Ingalls Wilder and experience her childhood. The museum is popular for its extensive doll collection.
The Gasoline Tractor/Town Museum in Froelich is a great place to visit for those interested in inventions. John Froelich, the town's namesake, created the gas tractor, air conditioner, dish washer, washing machine and more.
9. The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium in Dubuque is an affiliate to the Smithsonian and is an awesome place to check out. They do many cool exhibits, and currently have a really neat Titanic exhibit going on.
The Vesterheim Norwegian American Museum in Decorah is an absolutely amazing, premiere museum for anything Norwegian American. They were recently named one of the "15 Best Small Town Museums in the U.S."
What are some more unique or quirky museums in Iowa? We’d love to hear about your favorites!
