Cultural Attractions in Iowa

World-renowned museums, music, amazing architecture and more! With Iowa's Choice Hotels^® you'll be a stone's throw away from it all. Take a peek at the cultural attractions the state of Iowa offers.

In the Northwest Region

Battle Hill Museum of Natural History
Highway 175 E.
Battle Creek, IA  
712-365-4414

Enjoy more than 4,000 natural history specimens on display at this fantastic cultural destination. From full-body wildlife mounts - over 600 in all - to real mounted skeletons of animals like rhinoceroses, elephants, and giraffes, there's something for every curious mind at the Battle Hill Museum of Natural History.

In the West Central Region

Nathaniel Hamlin Park and Museum
Highway 71
Audubon, IA  
712-563-9594

There's something for everyone at this fascinating Iowan cultural attraction, which is home to a wilderness area containing two resident elks. Inside the museum, you'll enjoy exhibits which will detail life in the old days. Afterward, explore the surrounding grounds, and you'll come across things like antique farm machinery, a little red schoolhouse, and more.

In the Southwest Region

Ellston Pioneer Museum
Main Street
Ellston, IA  
641-783-2155

Visit a fascinating location which provides visitors a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse into the past of our country. The Ellston Pioneer Museum guides guests into the world of the pioneers, where the restored Cornwall Pioneer Home serves as a stop-off for history-hungry travelers. See a rural schoolhouse and more, and afterwards visit National Old Tresherman's Hall of Fame - all at this Iowa cultural destination.

In the North Central Region

Jenison Meacham Memorial Art Center and Museum
1179 Taylor Avenue
Belmond, IA  
641-444-3534

Experience the best of the art world at Jenison Meacham Memorial Art Center and Museum. This fantastic cultural destination has served as North Central Iowa's prime art facility for more than 20 years, and as such contains an assortment of thrilling art exhibits, murals and artifacts depicting the lives of area pioneers.

In the Central Region

Christian Petersen Art Museum
Iowa State University Campus
Arnes, IA  
515-294-9500

Find yourself in the vestiges of historic Morrill Hall, where a new art museum has taken Iowa State University Campus by surprise. Many of the works at the Christian Petersen Art Museum are by - who else? - Christian Petersen. Other works have been contributed by varying contemporary artists, making this a can't-miss cultural destination for Iowa travelers.

Fort Des Moines Museum and Education Center
Army Post Road
Des Moines, IA  
515-282-8060

Experience what's been deemed "A truly vibrant cultural destination". Fort Des Moines Museum and Education Center is America's largest memorial to black and female soldiers. Explore 4.6 roving acres which include a 20,000 square-foot museum and a historic chapel.

In the South Central Region

Sweet Corn Serenade Crafts
A Street
Oskaloosa, IA  
641-672-2591

Experience once-in-a-lifetime thrills at Sweet Corn Serenade Crafts, where tons of enjoyment is to be had year after year. Thrilling exhibitions range from the tame to the extreme, and there's something for everyone to make, do and simply take in. From beads to pretzel sticks, enjoy the variety of activities at this crafty destination.

In the Northeast Region

Porter House Museum
401 W. Broadway Street
Decorah, IA  
563-382-8465

Step back in time at the Porter House Museum, which pits viewers face-to-face with a real Italianate house complete with its original furnishings. Marvel at the lavish design of this architectural gem, and afterwards view exhibits which range from exotic butterflies to South American artifacts.

In the East Region

Dubuque Museum of Art
701 Locust Street
Dubuque, IA  
563-557-1851

Do you have a penchant for art? Do you love to guess at what an artist is trying to convey in his surreal works? Or do you just enjoy a fine day at a first-class art gallery? If your answer to any of those questions is "yes", we highly recommend the Dubuque Museum of Art, which is well-known for its changing exhibitions by national, regional and local artists.

In the East Central Region

Amana Community Church Museum
4210 V Street
Armana, IA  
319-622-3567

Some people know just how to guide guests into the past, and the tour guides at Amana Community Church Museum are just that sort of folk. As such, they'll give you an in-depth tour of one of the oldest churches in Iowa: built in 1865, this gorgeous historical building has been preserving the Amana religion for plenty of time.

In the Southeast Region

Iowa Aviation Museum
2251 Airport Road
Greenfield, IA  
641-343-7184

Experience once-in-a-lifetime thrills and equally rare displays at the Iowa Aviation Museum, appropriately located within the vicinity of Greenfield Airport. The museum is dedicated to the preservation of aviation history and houses a hall of fame, 15 early aircraft models, and lots more.

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