Are you a train enthusiast? Here are the best railway museums in Iowa:
1
Historic 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. 2
Midwest 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. 3
Dan Nagle Walnut Grove Pioneer Village
Long Grove, IAThe 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. 4
Railswest 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. 5
Restored 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. 6
Wabash 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.