Please call our Director Margaret at 641-672-2989 or email her at curator@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.
Open May through September
10:00 am – 4:00 pm Tuesday thru Saturday
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm Sunday
Closed Monday
For Buses & Large Groups
Please make advance arrangements by calling (641) 672-2989
2211 Nelson Lane
P.O. Box 578
Oskaloosa, Iowa 52577
Phone: (641) 672-2989
Nelson Pioneer Farm & Museum is closed for the season.
The museum and historic site operates for public visitation May thru September.
We occasionally have off-season events; be sure to check our Activities page for more information.
Bradbury Hall is open for business year-round. We also accept and fulfill research requests year-round.
Use our website to explore our site and learn more about our organization.
We look forward to seeing you in our 2021 season.
7 hour rental period falling between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Contract starts – 8 a.m. the day before the event
Contract ends – 10 p.m. the day after the event
Building usage – Day before the event: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Day of event: 8 a.m. to midnight
Day after event: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Ideal for weddings with significant set up and/or tear down needs, having wedding couple open gifts with family
Contract starts – 12 p.m. the day before the event
Contract ends – 12 p.m. the day after the event
Building usage – Day before event: 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Day of event: 8 a.m. to midnight
Day after event: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Standard wedding usage. (i.e. set up begins noon on Friday, the reception is Saturday, tear down finished by noon on Sunday)
**If you anticipate difficulties with set up and tear down in the allotted times above, we recommend considering the three day rental or adding the 4 hour add on or another half-day to your contract**
Contract starts – 8 a.m. on first day
Contract ends – 10 p.m. on second day
Building usage – First day: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Second day: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Ideal for retreats, reunions, conferences
Contract starts – 8 a.m.
Contract ends – 10 p.m.
Ideal for luncheons, showers, graduation parties, birthday parties, reunions, awards receptions
Beer and wine may be served on premises with the payment of the alcohol fee and providing a certificate of liability* from the client’s insurance company with minimum coverage of $1,000,000. Any cash bar or beer and wine sold must comply with Iowa state law and Renters must have proper licenses for the event. HARD LIQUOR IS NOT ALLOWED ON THE PREMISES.
*If your insurance does not provide single-day special event insurance, you may consider looking at www.wedsafe.com for a special policy.
This is defined in one of two ways. 1.) The use of open areas of the grounds for an outdoor ceremony (the client provides any furniture, sound system, tents, etc.), or 2.) arranging with the director to have the historic buildings open and available for guests to view during your event. Photography of the exteriors of the buildings are included in the standard rental fee.