Much of the credit for Iowa’s success and strength rests on the shoulders of the farming families who settled here. Through their tenacity, incredible work ethic, and ingenuity, they laid the foundation for our state to become one of the most productive states agriculturally in the nation. These characteristics remain in our farmers of today as well, but the methods and equipment that farmers use have changed astronomically from when Iowa was settled. Iowans are accustomed to seeing combines and tractors pulling grain carts at harvest time nowadays, but what did farming used to look like in Iowa? Thanks to Nelson Pioneer Farm in Iowa, that question has an answer.
If you’re curious what farming and community life looked like in the 1800s and 1900s, there’s no better place to learn about it than at Nelson Pioneer Farm in Oskaloosa.
Laura S. / Used With Permission
This expansive property has 15 historical buildings such as a post office, a blacksmith shop, a general store, a log cabin, a one-room schoolhouse, a church, and a stately brick home built in the 1850s with a summer kitchen and washhouse.
Nelson Pioneer Farm / Mahaska County Historical Society / Facebook
Each building is a museum in and of itself, equipped with period tools and housewares. Many of the buildings were moved onto the site for preservation as well as to share their history with the community.
Nelson Pioneer Farm / Mahaska County Historical Society / Facebook
The property also boasts several barns and outbuildings to display an extensive collection of farming equipment and other tools that pioneers used. You’ll even find the graves of two mules, Jenni and Becky, who served in the Civil War!
Nelson Pioneer Farm / Mahaska County Historical Society / Facebook
In the museum proper, you’ll find gorgeous quilt collections on display, military paraphernalia, old musical instruments, gowns, children’s toys, and thousands of other items that preserve and display a fascinating portion of Iowa’s history.
Nelson Pioneer Farm / Mahaska County Historical Society / Facebook
Nelson Pioneer Farm is open from May through September, and their hours and ticket prices are kept up to date on their website.
Nelson Pioneer Farm / Mahaska County Historical Society / Facebook
You can spend hours touring the whole village, and make sure to check out any events they may be having like the annual oat harvest.
Nelson Pioneer Farm / Mahaska County Historical Society / Facebook
During the summer, they also organize Laura Days with a plethora of activities from the Laura Ingalls Wilder era such as candle dipping and rug braiding. The farm regularly hosts the Dog Hollow Rendezvous and puts on an incredible annual Fall Festival with live demonstrations and activities.
Nelson Pioneer Farm / Mahaska County Historical Society / Facebook
Guests both young and old are in for a treat at this Iowa pioneer farm! Learn more at the Nelson Pioneer Farm website, and start planning a trip to Mahaska County today. Oskaloosa has plenty more to do as well.
Laura S. / Used With Permission
Nelson Pioneer Farm / Mahaska County Historical Society / Facebook
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Address: Nelson Pioneer Farm & Museum/Mahaska County Historical Society, 2211 Nelson Lane, Oskaloosa, IA 52577, USA
