All open air museums to visit in Iowa

Experience history come to life at open-air museums in Iowa. These museums feature historical buildings, reenactments, and interactive exhibits in an outdoor setting.

Are you interested in experiencing history firsthand? These are the best open air museums in Iowa:

  1. Pappajohn Sculpture Park1

    Pappajohn Sculpture Park

     Des Moines, IA
    The John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, located within Western Gateway Park in Des Moines, Iowa, spans 4.4 acres. The park, which opened in 2009, initially featured 24 sculptures, but has since added four more to its collection.
  2. Dan Nagle Walnut Grove Pioneer Village2

    Dan Nagle Walnut Grove Pioneer Village

     Long Grove, IA
    The Dan Nagle Walnut Grove Pioneer Village is an open-air museum situated at the northern edge of Scott County Park. This location is approximately four miles northeast of Long Grove in Scott County, Iowa. The museum offers a unique opportunity to experience history in a natural and open setting.
  3. Lidtke Mill3

    Lidtke Mill

     Lime Springs, IA
    Lidtke 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.
  4. Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum4

    Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum

     Decorah, IA
    The Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, located in Decorah, Iowa, serves as the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School. It boasts a collection of over 33,000 artifacts, 12 historic buildings, and a library and archives. This extensive collection provides a comprehensive insight into the Norwegian-American experience, making it a valuable destination for those interested in cultural history and folk art.
  5. Living History Farms5

    Living History Farms

     Urbandale, IA
    Living History Farms, situated in Urbandale, Iowa, is a sprawling 500-acre open-air museum. Its primary objective is to educate visitors about the agricultural history of Iowa spanning the past 300 years. The museum uses the methodology of living history to depict the lives of people living on farms in the years of 1700, 1850, and 1900, engaging in various agricultural activities.
  6. 6

    Living Heritage Tree Museum

     Storm Lake, IA
    The Living Heritage Tree Museum is situated in the city of Storm Lake, Iowa, in the United States. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to explore a collection of heritage trees in an open-air setting.
  7. 7

    Delaware County Historical Museum Complex

     Hopkinton, IA
    The Delaware County Historical Museum Complex is an open-air museum situated in Hopkinton, Iowa. It comprises nine buildings that are located on the grounds of the former Lenox College. This unique setting provides a rich historical context and a unique experience for visitors.