Here are Some of the Best Free Admission Museums in Iowa

The brutal cold of another Iowa winter says it's best to spend days inside. The predictably cash-strapped feeling that follows the holiday season suggests that cheap entertainment is the way to go. But free is even better than cheap, and as it turns out, there are plenty of free attractions in the state of Iowa.

I'm going to strictly focus on museums all throughout the state of Iowa that offer free admission. Below, I'll give you the name, address, and website of the specific museum as well as a brief description about what each one has to offer. A big shoutout to the website Iowa Road Trip for helping in the curation of this piece!

State Historical Museum of Iowa (Des Moines):

The State Historical Museum of Iowa in the capitol offers captivating history related to a plethora of things in the state, including the Civil War, RAGBRAI, and Iowans with careers in Hollywood and the entertainment industry. They are located at 600 E Locust Street in Des Moines. Visit their website here.

Iowa Gold Star Military Museum (Johnston):

The Iowa Gold Star Military Museum in Johnston has been called "the premier veteran's museum" in the entire state of Iowa. The history it houses spans the Mexican War of 1846 to present day. They are located at 7105 NW 70th Avenue in Johnston. Visit their website here.

Photo Credits: Canva

Des Moines Art Center (Des Moines):

One of the most acclaimed art museums in the state of Iowa, the Des Moines Art Center features permanent collections along with rotating exhibitions. Within its walls are works from famous artists like Edward Hopper and Georgia O'Keefe. They are located at 4700 Grand Avenue in Des Moines. Visit their website here.

John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum (Waterloo):

Basically located in our backyard, Waterloo, the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum houses a collection of machines, artifacts, and exhibits. The coolest part? It's inside the very first John Deere tractor factory, located at 500 Westfield Avenue in Waterloo. Visit their website here.

Old Capitol Museum (Iowa City):

The Old Capitol Museum served as the very first capitol for the state of Iowa. Now, it's a museum that recreates the early government of the state of Iowa. They are located at 21 North Clinton Street in Iowa City. Visit their website here.

Stanley Museum of Art (Iowa City):

Another hot museum in Iowa City, the Stanley Museum of Art includes modern, contemporary, ceramics, and several African, Asian, Oceanic, and Indigenous art collections. Look no further if you're seeking a museum that has a well-rounded, all-encompassing display of art and history. They are located at 160 West Burlington Street in Iowa City. Visit their website here.

I-80 Trucking Museum (Walcott):

Located in the same town as "The World's Largest Truck Stop," the I-80 Truck Museum is home to a plethora of vintage trucks, machinery, antique signs, and more! They are located at 505 Sterling Drive in Walcott. Visit their website here.

Antique Airfield Museum (Ottumwa):

If you're a fan of aircrafts and aviation, the Antique Airfield Museum in Ottumwa is a must-stop for you. Home to a large collection of planes big and small, its free admission is not the only draw. They are located at 22001 Bluegrass Road in Ottumwa. Visit their website here.

Carnegie Museum (Fairfield):

One of the oldest museums in the state of Iowa, the Carnegie Museum's collection dates back to 1876:

In recent years, the museum expanded to the Herring first floor gallery, which houses the ‘Fairfield History Exhibit’. This gallery has been a magnet for the locals and a favorite spot for those celebrating class reunions. Conversations here often start with ‘I remember…’, as visitors blend their personal memories and their families’ history with the artifacts on display. Each week new items are added to the exhibits which cover everything from the history of our schools, churches, and small towns to Fairfield’s industry and businesses - per the Carnegie Museum's website

The Carnegie Museum is located at 112 South Court Street in Fairfield. Visit their website here.

Sgt. Floyd River Museum and Welcome Center (Sioux City):

The Sgt. Floyd River Museum boasts three floors that house an incredible amount of rich river history, including that of Lewis & Clark. In addition, there are accessible "pilots rooms," so you can see what it's like first-hand to pilot a tow boat. They are located at 1000 Larsen Park Road in Sioux City. Visit their website here.

Sanford Museum & Planetarium (Cherokee):

In my opinion, planetariums are one of the coolest types of museums. Sanford Museum & Planetarium fits the bill. All of its exhibits, programs, and attractions are free to the public. They are located at 117 E Willow Street in Cherokee. Visit their website here.