Museum

Built in 1964, the Museum houses two floors of traditional exhibits, with the genealogy library on the top floor. Begin your tour of the site through the blue door and see topics of Mahaska County history including: first inhabitants, early settlement, John F. Lacey, and the musical heritage of the area. New exhibits include the state-of-the-art “A Legacy of Patriotism and Service” and “Weaving Creativity” on the lower level. On the main floor you will see exhibit including “Modern Medicine in Mahaska,” “Mined, Sculpted, and Fire: Pottery around Mahaska County,” a framed portrait and art gallery, railroading in the county and more.

You will also find our gift shop in the museum.

A Note to Photographers

Please call our Director Mac at 641-672-2989 or email her at director@nelsonpioneer.org to get permission to come take photographs of the property. This is not an open site and permission is necessary so we can let our property caretaker know.