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Learn about the history of western Iowa's Loess Hills at these fun, interesting, and unique museums on the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway!
Kids will love the interactive exhibits at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in Sioux City. The Squirrel Cage Jail is another fun museum that children of all ages will enjoy. The Glenwood area has immense cultural history, and the Mills County Historical Museum features artifacts and more about Native American history from the area. Check out the list below to learn more about some of the best museums in the Loess Hills, then plan your road trip on the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway using the Explore the Byway page. |
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Squirrel Cage Jail
Photo: Golden Hills RC&D
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The most “haunted” attraction in Council Bluffs is said to be the Historic Squirrel Cage Jail. The unique jail was built in 1885 on the site of an old church morgue; one of 18 revolving jails built — and the only one with three stories. Today, it’s one of only three left standing.
What’s a revolving jail you ask? The jail’s pie-shaped cells revolve inside a cage that only has one opening. To let prisoners out, jailers would have to revolve the cells around until the desired cell was flush with the one door. That architectural concept alone gives the jail a certain chill. The jail’s use was discontinued in 1969, and it has since been preserved and opened as a museum by the Historical and Preservation Society of Pottawattamie County (HSPS). Text from Unleash CB |
Mills County Historical Museum
Photo: Iowa Gallivant
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The Mills County Historical Museum is located in the city of Glenwood, Iowa, near Glenwood Lake Park. Owned and operated by the Mills County Historical Society, the museum was founded in 1959.
The Mills County Historical Museum is made up of a main building as well as several historical buildings available for touring. The main building is two stories tall and contains Native American and military artifacts. Other collections include special toy, camera, and specialty shop displays. Group tours are available by appointment only. Admission is free to the general public. For more information on the Mills County Historical Museum, for museum hours, or to schedule a tour, call 712-527-5038. Text from National Park Service |
Fremont County History Center
Photo Fremont County Historical Society
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The current facility opened in May 2014, after an eight year renovation project. The museum is a combination of the history of Fremont County and the history of the Rodeo.
It tells the stories of Fremont County, such as Lewis and Clark visiting the county, the Orphan Train, the Underground Railroad, and the Civil War. The lobby contains a gift shop and a photo gallery featuring all of our Fremont County towns. Other exhibits include prehistoric history, Native American history, a history of businesses of Fremont County , and military history. Rodeo exhibits include the Sidney Rodeo Band, Legion Drill Team, Rodeo Clowns, Rodeo Queens, Contestants and Events, Rodeo Stars, Veterans and Volunteers, Rodeo Hospital and Rodeo History. Text from Fremont County Historical Society |
Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
Photo: Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
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In a beautiful park right along the banks of the Missouri River in Sioux City stands the impressive 20,000-square-foot Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center where visitors will enjoy an impressive collection of permanent exhibits that focus on the Expedition’s story from July to September 1804.
The Interpretive Center is filled with technology, including the unique Keelboat Theater, where guests can view the 15-minute film, “A Visit with William Clark.” And throughout the Center, everyone enjoys the realistic animatronic characters of Thomas Jefferson, Captains Lewis and Clark, Sergeant Charles Floyd, and Seaman and his new friend, a prairie dog. Text from National Park Service |
Three more for the road . . .
General Dodge HouseCouncil Bluffs house-museum built in 1869.
Photo: Golden Hills RC&D
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Smithland Log Cabin MuseumVisits by appointment at restored log cabin.
Photo: Seth Brooks
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Kiwanis Museum Complex (Onawa)
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Railroad memorabilia and historic buildings.
Photo: Kiwanis Museum Complex
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