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
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

Copyright 2010-2013. Mahaska County Historical Society Inc. Site designed & hosted by


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.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Memories and Mayflowers
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
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
Serenades and Sundaes
Saturday, August 10
Quarterly Membership Meeting & Potluck
TOPIC: TBA
Monday, August 19
6:30-8:00 PM
48th Annual Fall Festival
Saturday, September 21
Autumn's Adventures
Saturday, October 5
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.