9 Little Known Museums In Iowa Where Admission Is Free

When the weather turns nasty in the Midwest, head inside to these free Iowa museums! Whether you’re looking for art, culture, history or more, you’ll be sure to find it in the Hawkeye State.

Facebook / University of Iowa Museums

Iowa State University's Farmhouse Museum was the very first building on campus. Before it was preserved, it was used as a residence for the University Dean.

Address: 601 Farm House Ln., Ames, IA 50011

Facebook / Sanford Museum and Planetarium

This science museum covers subjects from archaeology to astronomy, and their planetarium is one of the best in the Midwest.

Address: 117 E Willow St., Cherokee, IA 51012

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Facebook / Union Pacific Railroad Museum

Step back in time to the days of the rail, when the Union Pacific Railroad was the company that helped settle the west. This fascinating museum is one that will take you back in time.

Address: 200 Pearl St., Council Bluffs, IA 51503

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See an impressive collection of arrowheads and other Native American artifacts at this educational museum built from a personal collection.

Address: 21964 Hawk Dr., Keosauqua, IA 52565

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Google Local / Christopher Hyun

Learn Iowa's role in the establishment of pioneer trails, such as the Oregon, Mormon and California Trails. There's even a section discussing the Lewis and Clark expedition that chartered the American West.

Address: 3434 Richard Downing Ave, Council Bluffs, IA 51501

Google Local / Dianna Von Schwendler

Tour the maker of the world's mst famous blue cheese! Learn about how cheese is made by taking a walking tour of the farm, and then sample the cheese before you leave.

Address: 2282 E 8th St N, Newton, IA 50208

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Grant Wood's most famous painting was of this historic home, and today there is a center here dedicated to the Iowa painter and his life.

Address: 9654, 300 American Gothic St, Eldon, IA 52554

Google Local / University of Iowa Museum of Natural History

This University museum is one of the top Natural History museums in the Midwest. Learn about the evolution of humans, the extinction of the dinosaurs and more at this enormous historic building.

Address: 17 North Clinton Street, Macbride Hall, Iowa City, IA 52240

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Google Local / Nick Steffenmeiser

The Des Moines Art Center has to be seen to be believed. Walk through halsl and halls, passing thousands of paintings, on a journey through the history of Iowan and American art.

Address: 4700 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50312

If you love Iowa’s history, set aside the next nice day to explore some of our outdoor attractions, before the snow sets in. A Trip To This Little Known Ancient Ruin In Iowa Is Truly One In A Million and the perfect place to spend a fall day.