Nelson Pioneer Farm and Museum 5.0 (reviews)

It's time to go back in time in Iowa with the Nelson Pioneer Farm and Museum, where the whole family can experience what 19th century life in the state would have been like!

Founded in 1843, the Nelson homestead is one of the premier historic attractions in Mahaska County. The property is a non-profit, educational institution, featuring historic buildings from all over the county, offering this unique glimpse into Iowa's past.

It was actually a couple named Daniel and Margaret Nelson who raised their six children on the farm, and since 1960 the Historical Society have been honoring these rural pioneers, sharing their lives and thoughts in the very place they lived, as well as the skills they had and the items that they left behind.

During your time at this pioneer farm, you can take a walk in the past during a self-guided exploration, all in your own time and really taking in the historic buildings and sites. Kids can use those imaginations to create the people, and the sights, and the sounds that would have surrounded them over 100 years ago!

We imagine life would have been pretty different to life they are used to today!

In addition to the self-guided visits, you can also attend a special event day filled with programs and presentations of days gone by - many of these events and programs feature hands-on activities which are perfect for those kids! 

So let's enjoy a historic day out in Iowa, and walk in the footsteps of 19th century Iowa pioneers!