Ever wonder how your food goes from the field to your plate? Discover that – and a whole lot more – when you visit the agricultural museums found around Iowa.
1. Living History Farms
When you first set foot on Living History Farms in Urbandale, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Watch a blacksmith forge metal, see how pioneer families lived and tour the Flynn Mansion. Ask any kid and they’ll tell you, a visit just isn’t complete without a stop by the General Store for some delicious old-fashioned rock candy.
2. Iowa’s Dairy Center
Moooove on over to Iowa’s Dairy Center in Calmar to see a fully operational farm and the Iowa Dairy Museum, where you can learn about the evolution of dairy farming. The on-site dairy herd is milked three times a day and you can catch all the action from the milking parlor’s viewing platform.
3. Nelson Pioneer Museum
Discover what life was like for Iowans in the 19th century at Oskaloosa's Nelson Pioneer Farm & Museum. We’re talking country store, log cabin, schoolhouse, Quaker meeting house, stagecoach shop and blacksmith. You’ll see it all in Oskaloosa! And don’t forget to check out the main museum for exhibits like a quilt display, military memorabilia and a miniature wooden circus.
4. Heartland Acres Agribition Center
Take a stroll through agricultural history at Heartland Acres in Independence. There, you’ll get to see farm machinery, livestock, interactive displays and more. Agriculture of the past, present and future is all represented here.
5. Maasdam Barns at the Historic Evergreen Ridge Stock Farm
Breathtaking barns are yours for the viewing at the Historic Evergreen Ridge Stock Farm in Fairfield. For nearly 30 years, these barns housed award-winning draft horses that were used to power farm equipment of the era. Tour the barns and museum to learn more about farm life in the early and mid 20th century.
6. Midwest Old Threshers Heritage Museum
What will you discover at the Midwest Old Threshers Heritage Museum in Mount Pleasant? Steam engines, antique tractors, a 1915 family farmhouse, a farm implement display, a buckwheat mill, a printing press, interpretive exhibits about water and the popular “Women… partners on the land” exhibit. And that just scratches the surface.
7. National Farm Toy Museum
Big farming is found in miniature form at the National Farm Toy Museum in Dyersville. From the second you step inside, you’ll be wowed by thousands of farm toys, exhibits and displays found throughout the museum. If you’re around in June, join collectors and enthusiasts for the annual Summer Farm Toy Show.
8. Froelich Tractor and General Store Museum
Did you know the first gasoline-powered tractor was invented by Iowan John Froelich? But that’s not all he invented. Froelich is also credited with inventing a washing machine, mechanical corn picker and the first air conditioner, which led to the formation of the Carrier Air Conditioning Company. Learn all about this Iowan’s inventions when you visit the museums in Froelich.
