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 and hidden museums in Iowa that you have to visit at least once.
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
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. It's one of the most interesting hidden gems in Iowa.
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. This makes for one of the most unique day trips in Iowa.
The Bily Clocks Museum in Spillville showcases the elaborate, beautifully hand-carved clocks, created by the Bily brothers. If you're looking for little-known museums to visit in Iowa, you should add this one to your list.
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. This is one of the strangest hidden gems in Iowa.
The Laura Ingalls Park & 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. A visit here could be one of the most unique day trips in Iowa you could take.
The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium in Dubuque is an affiliate to the Smithsonian and is an awesome place to check out. They have many fascinating exhibits on animals, people, and history.
Among all the little-known museums inIowa, the Vesterheim The National Norwegian-American Museum in Decorah is an absolutely amazing, premiere museum for anything Norwegian-American. In the past, it's been named one of the "15 Best Small Town Museums in the U.S."
What are some other unique or quirky hidden museums in Iowa that you know about? We’d love to hear about your favorites!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hidden Museums In Iowa
September 07, 2021
Melissa M.
What are some hidden gems in Iowa I should visit?
Have you ever visited The Swinging Bridge in Columbus Junction, Iowa? How about Crystal Lake Cave in Dubuque? Read our article, 10 Enchanting Spots In Iowa You Never Knew Existed, to learn about some of the state’s best hidden gems. You can also take our Ultimate Iowa Hidden Gem Road Trip that will take you to 10 little-known spots around the state like Pikes Peak State Park in McGregor, the Field of Dreams Movie Site in Dyersville, and the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum in Waterloo.
What are some unique day trips in Iowa?
Are you ready for a unique day trip adventure? Read our post on 11 Unique Day Trips In Iowa for some ideas to places like the Villages of Van Buren, the Amana Colonies, and Des Moines’ Historic East Village.
What are the best road trips to take in Iowa?
If you’re looking for a road trip in the great state of Iowa, how about a waterfalls road trip? Or maybe a haunted road trip is more your style? Get some ideas in our article, 8 Unforgettable Road Trips To Take In Iowa Before You Die.
Iowa In Your Inbox
Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!
Michaela is a born and raised Iowan. She writes for a newspaper by day, and writes content for websites by night. In her spare time, she enjoys reading a good book, or just binge watching Netflix.
Love Iowa?
Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!
