Event Recap
Join State Historical Society of Iowa Administrator Valerie Van Kooten on a one-day trip that explores the Underground Railroad in southwest Iowa.
Several southwest Iowa locations served as hotbeds of Underground Railroad activity, situated as they were just above the Missouri state line. The John Brown Trail, with new signage being placed by State Historical, starts in this area.
Note: This guided tour is recommended for adults and learners ages 8 and up.
Trip Details
Cost: $109/person
State Historical Society of Iowa (SHSI) members will have the first opportunity to register. Registration will be open exclusively to members through March 6. After that time, if there are spaces available, non-members may sign up.
Not yet a member? You can purchase a membership and pay the trip fee at the same time here (you must still fill out a paper or online registration form).
Registration and Payment Options:
Print the mail-in registration form, attached below.
Cancellation Policy:
Until March 18, 100% refunded.
From March 19-April 1: 50% refunded.
From April 2 on, no refunds. It is possible you could “sell” your spot to anyone on a waiting list.
Trip Itinerary
7:30 a.m.: Meet at the Historical Museum (600 E. Locust Street in Des Moines) to load our bus from CIT Charters, Inc. The bus will be on the north side of the building, parked along Grand Avenue. Free parking is available across the street at the State Parking Garage.
10:00 a.m.: Arrive at the Jacob Todd House in Tabor, we’ll divide into 2 groups to tour the home. Docents will provide us information on how the Underground Railroad worked here and the background on John Brown training his men and storing weapons here.
11:30 a.m.: A buffet lunch will be served by local restaurant, YeYa’s Scratch Kitchen. After a leisurely lunch, we’ll board the bus for a one-hour trip to Lewis, Iowa.
2:00 p.m.: Arrive at the Rev. George B. Hitchcock House near Lewis, Iowa. Volunteer docents here will take us through the house and relate the story of John Brown’s journey through the area as well as the freedom seekers who passed through the house on their way to the next station.
3:30 p.m.: Depart for Des Moines, arriving approximately 5:30 p.m.
Bus Rules
Snacks and beverages are okay, but no alcohol.
Be on time; if we say we’re leaving at 1:15, we’re leaving at 1:15!
In consideration of others with breathing issues, please—no perfumes or strong lotions, body sprays, etc.
Questions about the trip? Contact Val Van Kooten at (515) 281-8749 or Valerie.vankooten@iowa.gov.
Event Details
Join State Historical Society of Iowa Administrator Valerie Van Kooten on a one-day trip that explores the Underground Railroad in southwest Iowa.
Several southwest Iowa locations served as hotbeds of Underground Railroad activity, situated as they were just above the Missouri state line. The John Brown Trail, with new signage being placed by State Historical, starts in this area.
Note: This guided tour is recommended for adults and learners ages 8 and up.
Trip Details
Cost: $109/person
State Historical Society of Iowa (SHSI) members will have the first opportunity to register. Registration will be open exclusively to members through March 6. After that time, if there are spaces available, non-members may sign up.
Not yet a member? You can purchase a membership here (you must still fill out a printable or online registration form to sign up for the trip).
Registration and Payment Options:
Print the mail-in registration form, attached below.
Cancellation Policy:
Until March 18, 100% refunded.
From March 19-April 1: 50% refunded.
From April 2 on, no refunds. It is possible you could “sell” your spot to anyone on a waiting list.
Trip Itinerary
7:30 a.m.: Meet at the Historical Museum (600 E. Locust Street in Des Moines) to load our bus from CIT Charters, Inc. The bus will be on the north side of the building, parked along Grand Avenue. Free parking is available across the street at the State Parking Garage.
10:00 a.m.: Arrive at the Jacob Todd House in Tabor, we’ll divide into 2 groups to tour the home. Docents will provide us information on how the Underground Railroad worked here and the background on John Brown training his men and storing weapons here.
11:30 a.m.: A buffet lunch will be served by local restaurant, YeYa’s Scratch Kitchen. After a leisurely lunch, we’ll board the bus for a one-hour trip to Lewis, Iowa.
2:00 p.m.: Arrive at the Rev. George B. Hitchcock House near Lewis, Iowa. Volunteer docents here will take us through the house and relate the story of John Brown’s journey through the area as well as the freedom seekers who passed through the house on their way to the next station.
3:30 p.m.: Depart for Des Moines, arriving approximately 5:30 p.m.
Bus Rules
Snacks and beverages are okay, but no alcohol.
Be on time; if we say we’re leaving at 1:15, we’re leaving at 1:15!
In consideration of others with breathing issues, please—no perfumes or strong lotions, body sprays, etc.
Questions about the trip? Contact Val Van Kooten at (515) 281-8749 or Valerie.vankooten@iowa.gov.
Registration Details
Advance registration and trip fee is required to attend this guided tour. Registration options include:
Register & pay ONLINE here. - OR - Print the mail-in registration form, attached below.