The rolling prairies of Iowa were home to over 12 Native American tribes but by the 1850 they had all been moved to reservations or pushed west across the Missouri River opening the land for settlement and homesteading. The first setters were American citizens who moved west and farmed in the eastern portion of the state. The Homestead Act attracted European immigrants with large groups from Great Britain, Germany, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark who populated the center and western areas.
The museum has one gallery with a good overview of Iowa’s early history from the Native Americans to homesteaders. Other galleries explore a range of subjects in more depth. Included are the Civil War with display cases full of carefully preserved artifacts from Iowa Union soldiers, WWI with original posters, the RAGBRAI which is a bicycle ride west to east across Iowa, the movie industry in Iowa, and the careless handling of natural resources which destroyed the buffalo herds, the oyster button industry, and game hunting for profit. Fortunately some conservation efforts are being used to preserve one of the most valuable resources, the rich soil which has blown away and eroded until only half of the original 14’ – 16’ is left.
The museum is accessible.
Two hour meter parking is available on the street in front of the museum. Nearby streets have longer time limits. RVs will fit by using two spaces. Museum 41.59023, -93.60885
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