Admission

Nelson Pioneer Farm and Museum

Daniel and Margaret Nelson settled their farm in 1843. They raised six children here. Two Civil War veteran mules made their home with the family. In 1958 when grandchildren Roy and Lillian died, the farm became the home to the Mahaska County Historical Society.

Since 1960 we have been honoring the rural pioneer, sharing his life and her thoughts through the place they lived, the skills they had and the items they left behind.

A visit to Nelson Pioneer Farm and Museum is a walk in the past. Join us Tuesday through Sunday every week for a quiet self-guided exploration or come on a special event day for programs and presentations of days gone by.  Many events include hands-on activities.

So come share the fun and enjoyment of Nelson Pioneer Farm - not just another old farm!

Our genealogy library is closed for renovations. We will continue to meet research requests as we can, but the reading room is closed until work is complete. Feel free to call 641-672-2989 with questions.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

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We are not a public park. We are a historic site with specific open hours. In order to protect our buildings and artifacts, we have to operate in this way.

Photographers, we appreciate that you enjoy our views enough to bring clients here. But you need to call our Director Margaret at 641-672-2989 or email her at curator@nelsonpioneer.org to get permission. She needs to let our caretaker (who lives on site) know that cars and people will be around the site and that they have permission to be there.

Thank you for complying with our policy.

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