
We all have a bucket list, whether it’s a mental one or you actually write it down. My favorite moments are the times when my bucket list gets things added the moment I see something. Sounds funny, right? That’s okay if it does. I found myself in the Madison County Historical Museum seeing things that I had no idea I’ve been searching for. That is the mark of an extraordinary museum.



We found out that glass can be amazingly preserved when it’s aging in the conditions explained above. The things you learn when you step foot into a county museum. I would like to remind everyone that we are just scratching the surface of the exhibits you’re going to encounter here in Winterset.


The voice of George Washington Carver in his last public address flowing through the museum was not something I knew I wanted to hear. This was truly a remarkable gift to us and all who visit, and you will need to get here and listen for yourself. Inspiration comes in many forms and Winterset is home to a very powerful voice in our nation’s history.


There is always many things to see from local veterans in every county museum we’ve been to. This was the only time I have seen a photo album like this. Emma did an incredible job of preserving history through the lens of her camera and documenting the horrors of the 1940s. Please take time to flip through her album to see her days in Europe bringing aid to a desperate continent. This was one of the most moving pieces I’ve ever experienced.
Rock hounds love these community museums and you’ll see why. There’s millions of years of history that’s housed right here in Winterset; and the little geologist inside you is going to get a big kick out of the basement.




They say kids love this part of the museum and I’m here to tell you that it won’t be just the kids. Your trip to Madison County will be a little rocky and you’re going to be just fine with that. Winterset on the rocks. I love it!


The grounds of the entire museum complex are beautifully kept and you’ll want to wander through all of them. The Bevington-Kaser House is the Victorian era time capsule that gives you one of the most historic tours of Iowa in this time period. Every corner, drape, bedroom, parlor, and item has a story; and the crew here in Winterset can tell you all about them. We learned so much from our guided tour and we truly encourage everyone to spend part of your afternoon getting to know Madison County heritage. Supporting these places is always the to-do of our travels, and we hope to see more travelers enjoying them as much as we do for decades to come. Thank you to all that joined us and we’ll see you again!