Museums – Where history comes to life!

EDINBURGH HISTORIC VILLAGE operated by the Jones County Historical Society

Edinburgh Historic Village and Museum
13838 Edinburgh Road
Scotch Grove, IA 52310

Established in 1839, Edinburgh was the first county seat of Jones County. The pioneer village of Edinburgh exists less than a mile from Edinburgh’s original location in the center of the county. It features several historic buildings which were relocated to the village from their original locations in Jones County, including a one-room schoolhouse from Cass, veterinary clinic and blacksmith shop from Oxford Junction, railroad freight depot from Anamosa, log doctor’s office from Fairview, and the Lemmer log cabin from rural Jones County. There is a country church, farm-hand’s house and the museum’s main buildings that hold the treasures of Jones County and items of days gone by.    Jones County Historical Society – edinburghpioneervillage.com

Open Sunday afternoons 1-4 pm May through September. Join us for other events: a pancake breakfast the first Sunday in May, the Edinburgh Folk Festival the last Sunday in August and the Safe Trick-or-Treat the Sunday before Halloween. Admission is free – Donations are deeply appreciated.

We are proud to have the Jones County Historical Society as a JC Tourism Member!

Anamosa State Penitentiary Museum

406 N High Street, Anamosa, IA 52205

Open Friday – Sunday, May through October, the Anamosa State Penitentiary Museum is housed in the former cheese factory on the north side of the penitentiary and showcases the 150+ year history of Iowa’s largest prison.  The museum offers displays describing prison life, the role of the “guard” through the years, notorious inmates, a large variety of photographs from the prison’s early days and a complete cell setup. For more information call 319-462-4101.  We are proud to have the Anamosa State Penitentiary Museum as a JC Tourism Member!

Olin Heritage Center

309 Jackson St., Olin, IA 52320-9716

Open by appointment, the Olin Heritage Center celebrates the oldest town in Jones County. Founded as Rome in 1835, Olin is now named after D. A. Olin, General Superintendent of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad. Discover… Why does Olin use a gazebo for their town symbol? Where was the college located? What railroad sounded their whistles thru Olin until the 1970’s? And much, much more!

Checkout the Olin Heritage Center website or Call 318-484-2875 for a tour.

We are proud to have the Olin Heritage Center as a JC Tourism Member!

Oxford Junction Heritage Museum

107 W. Broadway St. Oxford Junction, Iowa.

Oxford Junction Heritage Museum includes a wonderful collection of local history items including an Oxford hay loader and wagon box made by Lasack Brothers & Co. The museum is open during the summer on Saturday mornings between 9 and 11 a.m. or you may call for special appointments at 563-488-3342 or 563-826-2914.  Find them on Facebook     

We are proud to have the Oxford Junction Museum as a JC Tourism Member!

Tri-County Historical Society of Cascade

Monticello Heritage & Cultural Center

211 North Sycamore Street, Monticello Iowa

Built in 1949 in the heart of Monticello, the Monticello Heritage & Cultural Center used to be the St. Luke’s Methodist Church. The charming old church has been revamped into a museum of Monticello history and memorabilia and has character in its own right. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a handicap accessible building full of educational, entertaining, always changing displays of local history for all ages. The museum is run by local volunteers determined to keep the history of Monticello alive and continue to educate future generations. Connect with your past by finding local items on display. We guarantee you will learn something new and leave with a greater appreciation for the generations that came before you.

Come browse through Monticello memories.  Monticello Heritage and Cultural Center on Facebook.

Calkin Square

104 E Main Street, Wyoming, Iowa

Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the home contains many of the original items used by Dr. Martin Calkins, Wyoming’s first Mayor.  The office is one of the few authentic country doctor’s offices remaining intact in the Midwest from the 1800’s.  Calkin’s Square is situated on a twelve-lot square block along Main Street (Highway 64) in Wyoming, Iowa. The earliest part of the house was built in 1858. A principal addition on the East side, the music room, is believed to have been built in 1864.  The house and property were left to the City of Wyoming by Walter and Mary Briggs, grandson and granddaughter of Dr. Martin H. Calkins. Click here for more information.

Hotel Williams and Wyoming Historical Museum

117 W Main Street, Wyoming, Iowa

The Wyoming Historical Museum, located on the south side of Wyoming’s Main Street, is once again a tourist attraction in Eastern Jones County, Iowa.  A devastating fire, in July of 2013, nearly claimed the large building that was built in 1878 from Wyoming’s native brick and known as The Williams Hotel. Little by little, the twenty rooms have been renovated and displays showing the history of the community have been created.  For rates, hours, and additional information call 563-488-3198. Hotel Wyoming & Wyoming Historical Museum

Grant Wood Gallery