List of museums in Iowa facts for kids
Welcome to a list of awesome museums in Iowa! Museums are special places where you can explore cool stuff. They collect and take care of objects that teach us about history, art, science, and different cultures. You can see these collections and exhibits up close. This list focuses on real-life museums you can visit, not just ones online.
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Explore Iowa's Amazing Museums
Iowa has many fantastic museums. They cover everything from old cars to famous people. You can learn about history, art, science, and even how people lived long ago.
History and Heritage Museums
These museums help us understand the past. They show us how people lived, worked, and played in Iowa.
African American History in Iowa
The African American Museum of Iowa in Cedar Rapids shares the rich history and culture of African Americans in Iowa. It's a great place to learn about important stories and contributions. The African American Historical and Cultural Museum of Waterloo also preserves and shares Black history through exhibits and artifacts.
Iowa's Pioneer Life
Step back in time at places like the Adair County Heritage Museum in Greenfield. It's an open-air museum with a country school, a church, and an old house. The Kalona Historical Village in Kalona shows you what life was like for Amish and Mennonite communities. It has 13 restored buildings to explore.
Famous Iowans and Their Homes
You can visit the birthplace of famous people! The Herbert Hoover National Historic Site in West Branch is where President Herbert Hoover was born. It includes his childhood home and a museum. The John Wayne Birthplace Museum in Winterset celebrates the life of the famous actor. You can also see the Mamie Eisenhower Birthplace in Boone, home of President Dwight Eisenhower's wife.
Historic Houses and Mansions
Many old homes are now museums. The Brucemore in Cedar Rapids is a huge 21-room mansion. The Granger House Museum in Marion is an 1870s home. These places show how people lived in different eras.
Life on the Farm
The Living History Farms Museum in Urbandale is a special place. It shows farm life from the 1700s, 1850s, and 1900s. You can also see what a small town was like in 1875. The Nelson Pioneer Farm Museum in Oskaloosa also has a 19th-century farmhouse and other historic buildings.
Art and Culture Museums
Iowa has many places to enjoy art and learn about different cultures.
Amazing Art Collections
The Des Moines Art Center in Des Moines has a fantastic collection of paintings and sculptures. The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art is known for its many works by famous Iowa artist Grant Wood. You can also find art at the Figge Art Museum in Davenport, which has art from Haiti, Mexico, and the Midwest.
Unique Cultural Experiences
The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids celebrates Czech and Slovak history and culture. The Museum of Danish America in Elk Horn explores the history of Danish-Americans. These museums help us understand different traditions.
Music and Entertainment
If you love music, check out Music Man Square in Mason City. It's a museum about composer Meredith Willson, who wrote "The Music Man." The Iowa Rock 'n Roll Music Museum in Arnolds Park celebrates Iowa's rock and roll legends.
Science and Technology Museums
Discover how things work and learn about the natural world.
Science for Kids
The Science Center of Iowa in Des Moines is a fun place for hands-on learning. It has many interactive exhibits for all ages. The Family Museum in Bettendorf and the Iowa Children's Museum in Coralville are perfect for younger kids to explore and play.
Cool Cars and Trains
The Antique Car Museum of Iowa in Coralville has over 90 cars from 1899 to the 1970s. The Iowa 80 Trucking Museum in Walcott has antique trucks and trucking history. For train lovers, the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad in Boone offers a heritage railroad experience and a museum. The National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa has a huge collection of motorcycles.
River Life and Transportation
The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium in Dubuque is amazing! It has an aquarium, historic boats, and exhibits about the Mississippi River. The Sergeant Floyd River Museum and Welcome Center in Sioux City is on a historic inspection boat and teaches about the Lewis and Clark Expedition and river travel.
Specialty Museums
Iowa has some truly unique museums that focus on specific interests.
Sports and Games
The National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum in Knoxville celebrates sprint car racing. The National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum in Waterloo honors wrestling legends. The National Balloon Museum and Ballooning Hall of Fame in Indianola tells the history of hot air ballooning.
Tiny Treasures
The National Farm Toy Museum in Dyersville has a huge collection of toy farm equipment. The Matchstick Marvels Museum in Gladbrook features incredible sculptures made from matchsticks!
Nature and Outdoors
The Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center in Sioux City teaches about local wildlife and nature. The Fossil & Prairie Center in Rockford lets you explore Devonian fossils and learn about prairies.
Other Interesting Museums
- Anamosa State Penitentiary Museum in Anamosa: Learn about the history of this prison.
- Bily Clocks Museum & Antonín Dvořák Exhibit in Spillville: See amazing hand-carved clocks and learn about a famous Czech composer.
- Grotto of the Redemption in West Bend: A beautiful Catholic shrine with a museum of minerals and precious stones.
- Iowa Gold Star Military Museum in Johnston: Learn about Iowa's military history.
- Palmer Museum of Chiropractic History in Davenport: Explore the history of chiropractic care.
Defunct museums
- George Wyth House, Cedar Falls, formerly operated by the Cedar Falls Historical Society, sold in 2014
- Hometown Perry, Iowa, Perry, Iowa, closed December 31, 2007
- Linn-Olson Museum, Villisca, contents auctioned off in 2012
- Minerville Country Village, Donnellson
- Museum of Religious Arts, Logan, closed in 2016
- Science Center, Cedar Rapids, closed in 2015
- Schield International Museum, Waverly, closed in 2009
See also
- Museums list
- List of historical societies in Iowa
- List of nature centers in Iowa
Resources
- Iowa Museum Association
- Historic House Museums in Iowa
- Historical Museums in Iowa
