Admission

Open May through September

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

$ 12.00 - Individual Annual Member

$ 20.00 - Family Annual 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

To find out more about what is happening at the FARM

go to the Events page.

Pioneer Skill School

at Nelson Pioneer Farm and Museum.

All classes will be held in Bradbury Hall

Thursday March 19, 2015

Starting at 6 pm. Ending times may vary.

Must be 18 to enroll

WOOD CARVING WITH ROGER BEANE

Learn the basics of wood carving by making a fun beginner's piece. Wood will be supplied. A sharp carver's knife is required. Tools should be ordered at time of Registration.

Cost: $20 for MCHS Members

$25 for non-members

$20.00 for carvers knife

BEGINNING SPINNING WITH BOB & JAN WILLIAMS

Are you fascinated by the lure of wool and home spun yarn for your latest knitting project? Learn the basics of spinning with a drop spindle from two master spinners.

Cost: $20 for MCHS members

$25 for non-members

$10.00 for spindle

BASKETRY WITH KELLY SIMMONS

Make your own small egg basketry. This time honored design has been used for centuries. Learn the skills while making a 4" decorative basket of your own. Supplies included.

Cost: $25 for MCHS Members

$30 for non-members

RUG TWINNING WITH KELLY HALBERT

Remember those rectangular braided rugs that were under the sink at Grandma's house. Those were twined rugs, made from strips of cotton. Make a small rug of your own. Your loom and cloth included.

Cost: $35 for MCHS members

$40 for non-members

Call 672-2989 to register or email curator@nelsonpioneer.org