Are you into science and technology and are you looking for the best science museums to visit in Iowa? These are the ones:
1George M. Verity Riverboat Museum
Keokuk, IAThe George M. Verity is a historic pusher boat that is now displayed as a museum ship in Keokuk, Iowa. This unique vessel offers visitors a glimpse into the past, showcasing the history and significance of river navigation in the United States. The boat itself is a testament to the engineering and design of the time, with its steam-powered paddle wheel and steel hull. 2Iowa 80 Trucking Museum
Walcott, IAIowa 80, located along Interstate 80 off exit 284 in Walcott, Iowa, holds the distinction of being the world's largest truck stop. It is a unique attraction that offers a glimpse into the world of trucking and the services that cater to this industry. Visitors can explore the vast area and experience the various amenities offered at this mega truck stop. 3Iowa Aviation Museum
Greenfield, IAThe Iowa Aviation Museum is situated at the Greenfield Municipal Airport in Greenfield, Iowa. The museum is committed to preserving the rich aviation heritage of Iowa. It provides an opportunity for visitors to explore and learn about the history and development of aviation in the state. 4Pine Creek Gristmill
Muscatine, IAThe Pine Creek Gristmill is a significant historical site located in the Wildcat Den State Park in Muscatine County, Iowa. This building has been recognized for its historical value and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. It offers visitors a glimpse into the past and the opportunity to learn about the history of the area. 5Sergeant Floyd River Museum and Welcome Center
Sioux City, IAThe Sergeant Floyd River Museum & Welcome Center is a historic museum boat located at 1000 Larsen Park Road in Sioux City, Iowa. This unique museum offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the history and significance of the Missouri River and the United States Army Corps of Engineers. The boat itself is a piece of history, having been built in 1932 as a utility vehicle and towboat for the Army Corps of Engineers. 6Historic General Dodge House
Council Bluffs, IAThe Grenville M. Dodge House is a historic house museum located in Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States. This Second Empire mansion was built in 1869 and was the home of Grenville M. Dodge, a Union Army general, politician, and a major figure in the development of the railroads across the American West. The house was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1961 and is now owned by the city of Council Bluffs and is open for tours. 7Putnam Museum
Davenport, IAThe Putnam Museum and Science Center, located in Davenport, Iowa, is a museum of history and natural science. It was formerly known as the Davenport Academy of Natural Sciences. The museum is a significant cultural and educational institution in the region, offering a wide range of exhibits and programs that cater to various interests. 8Midwest Central Railroad
Mt Pleasant, IAThe Midwest Central Railroad is a heritage railroad that operates within McMillan Park in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. This narrow gauge railroad is a significant part of the Midwest Old Thresher's Reunion, a popular event in the region. The railroad offers a unique experience of historical transportation, making it an interesting destination for tourists interested in history and railroads. 9Reeve Electric Association Plant
Hampton, IAThe REA Power Plant Museum, formerly known as the Reeve Electric Association Plant, is a historic site located near Hampton, Iowa. This museum is housed in a structure that played a significant role in the rural electrification of the United States in the 1930s. It offers visitors a unique insight into the history of electricity and its impact on rural life. 10Lidtke Mill
Lime Springs, IALidtke Mill, also known as the Lime Springs Mill Complex, is a historic building located on the Upper Iowa River in the 'Old Town' area of Lime Springs, Iowa. This L-shaped structure is composed of limestone covered with a yellow brick veneer. The main section was completed in 1857 and was rebuilt after a fire in 1894. It is part of the 10-acre Lidtke Park. 11Wapsipinicon Mill
Independence, IAThe Wapsipinicon Mill is a historic industrial building located in Independence, Iowa, United States. This mill is a significant part of the local history and offers a unique insight into the industrial past of the region. It's an ideal destination for those interested in history and architecture. 12Grout Museum of History and Science
Waterloo, IAThe Grout Museum District, located in Waterloo, Iowa, is a collection of museums named after Henry W. Grout. The district includes the Grout Museum of History & Science, Bluedorn Science Imaginarium, Rensselaer Russell House Museum, Snowden House, and the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum. Each museum offers a unique exploration into different aspects of history and science. 13Railswest Railroad Museum
Council Bluffs, IAThe RailsWest Railroad Museum, located at 16th Avenue and South Main Street, is a significant historical site in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Operated by the Historical Society of Pottawattamie County, the museum provides a comprehensive illustration of the history of railroads in the area. It's an ideal destination for those interested in learning about the development and impact of rail transportation in the region. 14Restored BN Depot & WWII Museum
Red Oak, IAThe Chicago, Burlington Northern and Quincy Depot, also known as the Red Oak Burlington Northern Depot and WWII Memorial Museum, is a historic train depot located in Red Oak, Iowa. This depot is not just a museum but a piece of history itself, having been established by the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad. It offers a unique glimpse into the past, providing a tangible connection to the history of railroads in the United States. 15Wabash Depot Museum Complex
Moravia, IAThe Wabash Depot Museum, previously known as the Wabash Combination Depot-Moravia, is a historic train station situated in Moravia, Iowa. This museum is a testament to the rich history of railroads in the region, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. It is one of the two remaining standard-plan wooden Wabash combination freight and passenger depots in Iowa, making it a unique destination for history and train enthusiasts. 16National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum
Knoxville, IAThe National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum is a unique institution dedicated to the world of sprint car racing. It serves as a Hall of Fame and museum for a wide range of individuals involved in the sport, including drivers, owners, mechanics, builders, manufacturers, promoters, sanctioning officials, and media members. This makes it a comprehensive destination for anyone interested in learning more about the history and key figures of sprint car racing. 17Buffalo Bill Museum
Le Claire, IAThe Buffalo Bill Museum is a significant cultural institution located in LeClaire, Iowa. The museum's primary focus is on life along the Mississippi River and the local history of the area. Visitors can gain a deep understanding of the region's past and its relationship with the river, which has played a crucial role in shaping the local culture and economy.- 18
Science Center of Iowa
Des Moines, IAThe Science Center of Iowa, a science museum, is situated in Des Moines, Iowa. The museum was initially opened in 1970 and later relocated to its present location in 2005. This center is a hub for scientific exploration and learning, offering a variety of exhibits and interactive experiences for visitors of all ages. - 19
Mid America Air Museum
Sioux City, IA - 20
The Sawmill Museum
Clinton, IA - 21
Iowa Aviation Heritage Museum
Ankeny, IA - 22
Iowa Gold Star Military Museum
Johnston, IA - 23
Airpower Museum
Ottumwa, IAThe Airpower Museum, situated near Blakesburg, Iowa on Antique Airfield, is a spacious aviation museum covering an area of 20,000 square feet. This expansive space allows for a wide range of exhibits and displays, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of aviation history. - 24
Clinton Engines Museum
Maquoketa, IA - 25
Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum
Arnolds Park, IA - 26
National Balloon Museum
Indianola, IAThe National Balloon Museum in Indianola, Iowa, is home to the U.S. Ballooning Hall of Fame. This prestigious institution recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the sport and development of ballooning. It's a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the history and key figures of this fascinating sport. - 27
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad
Boone, IA - 28
Jefferson Telecom
Jefferson, IA - 29
Great Plains Wing Council Bluffs, IA - Commemorative Air Force
Council Bluffs, IA - 30
Iowa Children's Museum
Coralville, IA - 31
Sanford Museum and Planetarium
Cherokee, IA - 32
Danish Windmill
Elk Horn, IA - 33
Hub City Heritage Corporation Railway Museum
Oelwein, IA - 34
John L. Lewis Memorial Museum of Mining and Labor
Lucas, IA - 35
Lockmaster's Heritage House Museum
Guttenberg, IA - 36
Wagaman Mill and Museum
Lynnville, IA - 37
National Pearl Button Museum
Muscatine, IA - 38
Heitkamp Planetarium
Dubuque, IA - 39
Higgins Museum of National Bank Notes
Okoboji, IAThe Higgins Museum of National Bank Notes is located in Okoboji, Iowa. This museum is dedicated to the collection and display of national bank notes, offering a unique insight into the history of banking and currency in the United States. - 40
Plagman Barn – Northeast Iowa Farm and Antique AssociationP
Garber, IA