It was totally AWESOME!! I highly recommend it! They have one of the first "Luverne cars" made…read morethere. The "Luverne vehicle company quit building cars and became popular for building fire trucks. The company moved to SouthDakota. There are 6,231 nutcrackers there and none are exactly the same. They are all different sizes and characters. We love nutcrackers, and we have a small collection of our own. We were fortunate to meet the amazing lady "Betty" who was President of the Historical Society there. She donated her collection of about 2,500 nutcrackers AND was instrumental in helping with the museum's growth. She was a total delight, and we enjoyed her telling us all about the museum's growth. The city of Luverne has taken pride in becoming the city of nutcrackers in my opinion. They are all around the town. They told us they are building a giant nutcracker to greet people as they come into town. It sounds like it is going to be very impressive! So far the boots are built. They hope it will be completed by the end of this year. We can't wait to go back and visit again! The town people seem really nice too. The museum has a doll collection, books, many other things to see. We spent 3 hours there. Had a great time! We will be back!

What a neat, FREE, museum! There is so much to see here, to include close to 6000 Nutcrackers! A…read morevery nice and impressive collection. The guide who was there today was very nice and answered all our questions. We would recommend stopping by!

The Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum is located next to the Amusement Park and also contains an…read moreIowa Welcome Center and a Gift Shop. The Iowa Rock n' Roll museum and the Queen II Excursion Boat are also a short walk away for those who want to experience a historical Lakes "trifecta". And when I stopped by a few weeks ago, there was also a Victory motorcycle rally and exhibition in progress, which made this area the central place for a lot of interesting things see and do. The Museum itself contains historic memorabilia of the Iowa Great Lakes, which includes Spirit Lake, Big Spirit Lake, and both Okoboji Lakes. It has on display restored wooden boats, historical photographs, and other artifacts. Multimedia presentations have been developed to illustrate the nautical and ecological history of this area of Iowa. Premier exhibits include the Old Okoboji store, a resurrected wooden boat and hundreds of riveting photos of past lakes area vacationers. I'm now old enough to have seen some of these historical exhibits outside of the museum! And when I look at old Fun House pictures of the Sugar Bowl, I wonder how I escaped injury! The other interesting learning experience are the stories of all the water craft that sank on West Okoboji (e.g. #30 Boat), and those of which that are still down there. And every summer that I return, I learn something new.

First time came here on Sunday!! we looked around to find some info and the area events, then we…read morelook around the museum!! I recommend this place and friendly staff!!

My boyfriend, my brother & I all had fun here last weekend! I love the different selections of…read moreSioux City history they have here!

A beautifully maintained facility. The greeter at the desk warmly welcomed each visitor this…read moreThursday. The building is large enough to host a huge antique road builder but small enough to see everything in a morning. I'd guess you'll spend two hours looking at fossils and nostalgic Sioux City memories. There's a medium-sized native American; fair exhibit that didn't quite pop. But I'm nitpicking; this 5 star museum is beautifully put together. Then again, not everything can be a life-size tyranasaurous rex skull. That thing kind of steals the show in over in that part of the building. In fact, when I was looking at dino stuff, I wished I'd seen that skull last. I'll put a selfie of it; I look ugly but I need you to see this head. The rex's, not mine. Once you see that, most of the other fossils are forgettable. Except to the 13 year old children who are so knowledgeable about paleontology! Apparently, The Hard Rock Hotel donated some of the coolest pieces, including the t. rex, an unforgettable gift to the Sioux City community. Finally, speaking of community is what I think of as a Community Room. It's a behind the scenes facility, also beautifully maintained, where significant events can be shared. In fact, that was how I wound up at the Sioux City Museum. It was the location for the Juneteenth celebration in Sioux City. As a freedom loving American and a military veteran who believes in "justice for all," I've had an interest in this holiday for years. In most communities I've been to, Juneteenth either doesn't get seriously recognized, it gets a mention in the schools or, at best, it was celebrated in church with prayer, a program and, downstairs at Second Baptist Church of Ottumwa, a feast. In Sioux City, after a multi-year absence, the historic holiday of Juneteenth was celebrated in the museums community room. As a wild guess, at least a hundred people were there to listen and to eat soul food. The program explained how slavery ended in the US after the Civil War. But the landowners of Texas refused to let their slaves hear the news; those victims actually weren't slaves, they were free. The white "slave" holders of Texas kept the secret, working these free people for TWO YEARS, until a Federal military unit showed up to break the news: You're all free.

These guys sell their "antiques" on ebay, but if you really want to see the breadth of all the neat…read morestuff that these guys have collected, take the short trip out of town and visit this place yourself. I have even found stuff from my Father's old gas station in Estherville. The older couple that owns the property are humble and friendly folks who are more than happy to show you around, give you a history of some of the pieces, and help you figure out how to ship it back home.

Will someone please contact me from this place. I have a Indian arrow quiver that was stolen from…read morethere. Its beauty is just like all the other artifacts in the museum. The art work is dead on as the other art work on all the other artafacts in the museum. A pair of moccasin slippers I never seen becouse my great grandmother wore them until there was nothing left. Shame on her. But the Quiver was passed down to me. I now have it and wanted 2 know if i can get in trouble for having it?? I am thinking about returning it 2 its place but i do not want 2 get in any trouble for it. I know none of the authentic artifacts are for sale . My Great Grandad broke into the museum like 60 years ago and took these two items. Thats how the story goes anyways. If someone contacts me i will include photos of the quiver. Call 319-241-4398

Enjoyed my stop at the National Music Museum, prompted on a bitter-cold December day as a result of…read moresome terrific & frequent advertising along my drive on the 29. This site is more about the instruments than the music or the artists, however. Located on the campus of the University of South Dakota, the museum has a lot of exhibits and rooms full of historic instruments such as organs, pianos, guitars, drums, and horns. Liked learning about Johnny Cash, many other items. Enjoyed their interactive videos and music within the exhibits. Lots of parking.

Although a pretty college town, Vermillion is not as colorful as its name. You won't see the…read morescarlet red of cinnabar, but you can see an outstanding museum filled with a wide collection of musical instruments. The guitar collection seemed to attract the most gawking among the visitors, but my favorite gallery held varied configurations of wind instruments that eventually evolved into their current form. Of course, the Italian stringed instruments created in Cremona by Andrea Amati in the mid-1500s and later perfected by Antonio Stradivari were highlights. Wear a jacket and forget the sunglasses. The galleries are cold and dimly light. Our visit took an hour. The parking lot has spaces that are clearly marked for students, metered spaces with no listed hours of operation, and unmarked spaces. According to the person working at the museum, the metered spaces operate on weekends and the unmarked spaces require a parking pass - even when school is not in session. He provided us with a visitor parking pass.

I had been to so many other Lewis and Clark sites, and so I did not budget much time for this one…read more I thought it would be the same old, same old, right? Well, about half of the building is dedicated to Lewis and Clark's journey, and the other half is the Betty Strong Encounter Center which has more artwork and local subjects. I spent a surprising amount of time here. I really like how some of the exhibits discusses Sergeant Floyd's death, which was previously glossed over. I only knew that he was the only death on the trial, but I never knew the circumstances. There's a nearby obelisk that also memorializes his death if you want to further explore the history.

While visiting Sioux City Iowa, I decided to spend half of the day just getting to know the area…read moreand exploring so I ended up over at the Lewis and Clark interpretive center. This was amazing and it is a must see for anyone who is wanting to know a little bit about our history in America and a lot about Sioux City. The exhibits are fantastic, the building is gorgeous as is the setting out on the riverfront. There are also lots of other places surrounding it that are locals and tourists alike. There is a dry docked boat museum next-door and there is also a cultural center attached to Lewis and Clark building that is a must as well!! All the way in addition, multimillion dollar improvement done to their waterfront area here that's in that same section. Park your car in their ample parking lot and start walking.

Have you ever seen a steamboat made into a Welcome Center and Museum? Me neither. So I had to go…read moreinside to check it out. I was met with two of the nicest ladies (working on a Saturday) answering questions and giving directions. Inside the steamboat is a small place to buy souvenirs and snacks as well as a museum on multiple levels. The majority of the museum is accessed up two small staircases. Kids and adults will find this Welcome Center a perfect place to stop in. Restrooms were in a separate building and a playground was available for the kids to get out some energy. There was also a beautiful walking path by the water to walk your dog. Go in and tell the nice ladies Marie sent you!

The last time I was here was 7 years ago. I was here two weeks ago & I had fun with my friend who…read morealso was here with me! A lot of interesting things to see regarding Sioux City & Lewis & Clark voyage!

Very cute boat, be prepared to read a lot and learn from the pictures and the cute little models!…read moreGood for The whole family and it's free! Just make sure there are not a lot of people there at the same time cause it's narrow. The staff is friendly and the few souvenirs are cheap.

Local museum open Saturday's 9-1, free admission, run by friendly volunteers. More then 4000…read moresquare feet of historical and local items with their own story. Items like an urn used in the reburial of Sargeant Charles Floyd in 1895 (member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition), also a local horse drawn hearse which is over a 120 years old. There is also a metal star with the letters GAR. What was this organization and who were they? Come explore and learn some local history.

This was a really cool find in Arnolds Park! It's a museum full of old currency (money) from the…read morelate 1800s and on. It features lots of old money from different Iowa towns and cities of course, but has currency and change from every state as well. The museum curator (who is from Wisconsin) is also incredibly knowledgeable and helpful as well. He was very friendly and honestly, made the museum experience for us an unforgettable one. Definitely check this out! And it's for the low, low price of FREE to experience as well, though a donation would be nice of course.

Money, Money, Money - Must Be Funny - In the Rich Man's World…read more... The Higgins Museum is a quirky place that I didn't expect to find in the middle of the Iowa Great Lakes Region. It's been on my list for a few years now, and during one of my Gayle-permitted "wandering" times, I decided to stop in and look around. And since my grandfather's bank failed during the Great Depression, this was another personal historical journey that I sometimes like to take. What's inside is the chance to view and enjoy the largest collection of National Bank Note issues on permanent exhibit anywhere in the country. The Higgins Museum opened in 1978, with its stated purpose being the acquisition, preservation and display of the National Bank Notes. There's also a few cool historical displays including a money making machine, a bank teller window and vault, and a bullet safe. Many people regard these notes as America's commemorative paper money. The Landing of Columbus, the embarkation of the Pilgrims, the signing of the Declaration of Independence and other great events of our history are illustrated on the notes of the first charter period. All of the notes honor the towns (including one for Estherville), the banks, and many thousands of individuals who played key roles in the development of our country and its resources.