Nelson
Pioneer
Farm & Museum

A project of Mahaska County Historical Society Inc.

Admission

Open May through October

10:00 am - 4:00 pm Tuesday thru Saturday

12:00 pm - 5:00 pm Sunday

Closed Monday

Buses and Tour Groups Welcome

Please make advance arrangements by calling (641) 672-2989

E-Mail Us

Genealogy Library Hours

10:00 am - 1:00 pm Tuesday & Thursday

during open season

Admission Fees

$ 7.00 - Adult

$ 2.00 - Student (age 5-16)

FREE - Child (under 5, with adult)

FREE - Historical Society Member

$ 10.00 - Individual Annual Member

$ 18.00 - Family Annual Member

$100.00 - Individual Lifetime Member

$175.00 - Family Lifetime Member

2211 Nelson Lane - PO Box 278 - Oskaloosa, Iowa 52577 Phone: (641) 672-2989 E-MAIL US

The first museum in Iowa to honor the pioneer farmer, Nelson Pioneer Farm & Museum is operated by the Mahaska County Historical Society, Inc., a non-profit, educational institution. The compound now features historic buildings from all over Mahaska County, providing visitors a glimpse of what life was like for Iowans in 19th century America.

Founded in 1844, the Nelson homestead is one of the premier historic attractions in Mahaska County. The Nelson home, built in 1853, and the Nelson barn, built in 1856, are the focal point of the museum and are designated National Historic Sites by the U.S. Department of Interior.

Nelson Pioneer Farm Museum has several buildings on the grounds that can be toured inside and out. Most of these are handicap accessible. Many of these buildings have been moved from their original location to the farm for historic preservation. Both the Daniel Nelson home and barn sit in their original locations. The main museum houses several exhibits, including a quilt display, Indian artifacts, a miniature wooden circus and military memorabilia.

Honoring the Pioneer Farmer

UPCOMING EVENTS

Memories and Mayflowers
Saturday, May 25
Civil War encampment, flower lore and music.

Pony Express Riders Lunch Stop

Thursday, May 30, Approx. Noon - 1 PM

Join us as we welcome the Pony Express Riders of Iowa as they make a lunch stop at Nelson Pioneer Farm on the 3rd annual Pony Express Ride. Come see the horses, riders and wagons as they converge on the farm. For more information on their 3-day ride, click here to view their flyer.

Knots, Loops and Other Twisted Crafts
Saturday, June 8, 10 AM to 4 PM

Watch and learn how fibers, twine, yarns and thread get knotted, knitted, spun and laced. Sit and stitch on the Nelson porch (bring your own project). Demonstrations by rope makers, bobbin lacers and spinners. You try it: netting, knitting and finger weaving.

Thursday, June 20

Wagon rides: 6-8 PM

Candlelight tours: 7-9 PM

Barn dance: 7-10:30 PM

COST: $5.00 for age 12 and up, children under 12 FREE

Come along and tap your toes.
Join us for some do-se-does.

In Bradbury Hall at Nelson Farm

We'll go dancin' arm in arm.

Ride the wagon, see the site,

Then just dance and dance all night.

Marc and Brandi will play the tune

On that evening, the 20th of June.

Reid will call each step and twirl,

So come on out and bring your girl!

The Ties That Bind

Saturday, July 13

Quilts and barn quilts, family history, tying and shocking oats (weather permitting).

Serenades and Sundaes

Saturday, August 10

An old-fashioned ice cream social with music and fun for the family.

Quarterly Membership Meeting & Potluck

TOPIC: TBA

Monday, August 19

6:30-8:00 PM

This meeting is open to the public. Bring your own tableware and a dish to share.

48th Annual Fall Festival

Saturday, September 21

Crafts, games and good times. Don't miss the parade or the pioneer dinner.

Autumn's Adventures

Saturday, October 5

Apples, cider, donuts, pumpkins, wood smoke and a walk among the leaves.

Barn Dance

Thursday, October 17

Put on your dancin' boots and join in!

Quarterly Membership Meeting & Potluck

TOPIC: TBA

Monday, November 18

6:30-8:00 PM

This meeting is open to the public. Bring your own tableware and a dish to share.