8 Best Museums In Iowa
Most might describe Iowa as a state that is best known for rural landscapes and endless fields, but the truth is, the entire region is a cultural kaleidoscope that the unaware traveler might mistakenly overlook. Whether you are soaking in the masterpieces of O'Keeffe or Picasso at the Des Moines Art Center or studying the intricacies of a matchstick sculpture in Gladbrook, every region of Iowa has a story.
Des Moines Art Center - Des Moines
Iowa is rich with many museums and cultural centers, and at the heart of it all is the capital city of Des Moines.
The Des Moines Art Center is one of the centerpieces of artistic experience and celebration of the arts through a remarkable collection of contemporary and modern art. The building is an architectural wonder from renowned architects like I.M. Pei, and the inside has a vast collection of works from history's most iconic creators that may feature Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, or Georgia O'Keeffe. Even beyond these permanent featured works, the Art Center runs numerous temporary exhibits throughout the year to make it a place that visitors want to return to. The free admission is also attractive, getting this close to iconic works without an upfront cost.
When you have had your fill of the galleries, you can head up Ingersoll Ave and check out some of the local favorite eateries like Oak Park Restaurant.
Recharged and refueled, head back towards the Des Moines Art Center to commune with nature and explore diverse plant collections at the Clare and Miles Mills Rose Garden on the same property as the center.
The John Wayne Birthplace & Museum - Winterset
The Midwest is famous for being a rugged landscape before modern development created all the towns and cities that have grown up from the rural landscape. It is only fitting that Winterset, Iowa, would make one of Hollywood's most iconic western stars, a legend of the silver screen as rugged and chiseled as Iowa's terrain once was. In Winterset, you can find the John Wayne Birthplace & Museum, one of the only places in the country solely dedicated to Marion Morrison, better known as John Wayne. Within this location, you can find a collection of costumes and movie memorabilia from the actor's long-standing Hollywood career.
Before you ride off into the sunset from this town, check out a few more of its attractions, like the Roseman Covered Bridge. This is one of the memorable locations from the famous Bridges of Madison County. For a little more history, check out the Iowa Quilt Museum, a destination showcasing the artistry of quilt making in traditional and contemporary styles.
Iowa 80 Trucking Museum - Walcott
Long-haul trucking is an American pastime, and few places celebrate it like the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum in Walcott. This memorable destination is home to more than 120 restored semi-trucks, some dating back to the turn of the 20th century. Walking through this museum immerses visitors in the evolution of the trucking industry with exhibits like vintage gas pumps, trucks to explore, and short informative films explaining the crucial role of trucking in the American economy. Best of all, this museum has free admission, allowing families to explore the backbone of American distribution without an entry cost.
If you are looking for a sensible place to visit after you leave the museum, check out the Iowa 80 Truckstop, deemed the world's largest. It is in between Des Moines and Davenport on Iowa 80. This impressive complex offers multiple places to eat, a gift shop that is an attraction in its own right, a movie theater, a barber shop, and more.
University of Iowa Museum of Natural History - Iowa City
Home to the University of Iowa and the Hawkeyes, Iowa City hosts many attractions and cultural centers around the school. The University of Iowa Museum of Natural History dates back to 1858 and is one of the oldest college-affiliated museums in the United States. With natural science and cultural anthropology exhibits, visitors can expect everything from wildlife dioramas to massive fossil displays to document the progress of Earth's evolution over eons. If someone in your traveling party is interested in geology, biology, or ancient history, this museum has something to explore and enjoy.
For those looking for a quick bite to eat in a diner-style setting, try one of the college’s most popular destinations with the Hamburg Inn No. 2. These are quick but hearty portions sure to please most palates. If you still want to explore some of the rich history Iowa City is known for, check out the Old Capitol Museum near the History Museum, showcasing the state’s traditions and heritage in the building that was once the state capital.
James H. Andrew Railroad Museum - Boone
Few museums and cultural centers throughout Iowa offer the bang for the admission buck that the James H Andrew Railroad Museum in Boone does. This experience combines the history of the train industry and its role in the state, along with a thrilling adventure of traveling on a vintage train along the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad. The museum offers an impressive collection of steam engines, cabooses, and other interactive exhibits, and visitors also witness the restoration of vintage rail cars up close.
The nearby Rail Explorers business offers visitors a unique way to experience rail travel. Patrons can set out on a specially designed bike to ride on train tracks and experience the weather of Iowa on historic pathways. When you work up an appetite, head back up a couple of blocks from the museum to find one of the town’s most beloved eateries, El Viejo Mexican Restaurant.
Matchstick Marvels Museum - Gladbrook
While Gladbrook may be one of the smaller towns in Iowa, it features one of the most unique and artistic attractions, the Matchstick Marvels Museum. Artist Pat Acton has dozens of sculptures on display in this location. These are highly detailed models of iconic and recognizable structures, ranging from the U.S. Capitol to Hogwarts Castle and the International Space Station. These sculptures are unique because they are made exclusively of wooden matchsticks. Throughout the building, over 8 million matchsticks are used in various art pieces, along with complementary video, documenting the creative processes and engineering necessary to achieve these intricate designs.
Once you have seen the museum's impressive creations, take some time to relax and enjoy the tranquility of small-town life in Gladbrook City Park. This green space, lush with meticulous landscaping, offers a quiet and serene break from the bustle of daily life.
Putnam Museum and Science Center - Davenport
When you can blend science, history, and education into an interactive destination for discovery, you might be talking about Davenport’s Putnam Museum and Science Center. From exploring the ancient civilizations of the world to the ancient history of this particular region of Iowa, there is a well of historical exploration awaiting a visitor. Everything is here for those wishing to unravel the wonders of science, from STEM labs to a full-scale submarine replica.
Davenport is home to multiple museums, so there is much more to see and do when you have stepped away from Putnam for the day. The Figge Art Museum is a renowned destination with galleries of American and global contemporary art creations, minutes away from the facilities.
Pella Historical Village and Vermeer Windmill - Pella
More than just a single museum location, this charming Dutch-inspired village is a journey into the rich history of Dutch heritage that this town has come to claim. With over 20 historical structures ranging from authentic settlement homes and workshops to a blacksmith forge, this preserved city section is a step back in time. The actual museum of the space is the Vermeer Windmill, the largest working of its kind in the United States, which is still capable of grinding grains. Visitors can enter the windmill to enjoy sweeping views of Pella and the surrounding areas and gain insight into milling techniques still in practice.
To learn even more about Pella’s unique history, you should take the time to check out the Scholte House Museum & Gardens, a few minutes away. You can tour the historic home of the town's founder and appreciate the lush, green gardens surrounding the property.
Whether you are just passing through or a lifelong resident of The Hawkeye State, Iowa’s abundance of museums and cultural centers provides visitors a memorable experience to understand the rich roots of the region. Adventure awaits, whether you are celebrating the life and legacy of John Wayne in Winterset, learning about the grain grinding traditions of Pella’s old windmill, or appreciating the vital beating heart of long-haul trucking to the American economy in Walcott. Iowa is a state where the curious can always get a new question answered for those brave enough to explore each of its ninety-nine counties.
