Adult Group Visits

Two adults gaze at an exhibit in the Iowa museum

The State Historical Museum of Iowa invites groups to take self-guided tours through a variety of exhibits displaying a rich collection of artifacts and documents. Visitors can journey through 13,000 years of Iowa history, learn about life in Iowa before it became a state, discover what inspired more than 76,000 Iowans to fight for the Union, and much more. The museum is wheelchair-accessible, and a limited number of wheelchairs are available at the front desk.

Museum Group Visit

All groups of 10 or more visitors should register at least two weeks in advance of their requested visit date. Requests must be submitted through the Museum Adult Visit Request Form. School groups should review our museum field trip options before submitting our School Visit Request Form. If your group is larger than 90 people, please email [email protected] to discuss possible options.

Schedule a Private Museum Tour

Looking to enhance your visit to the museum? Discover Iowa’s history through a private, expert-led tour at the State Historical Museum of Iowa. Choose a behind-the-scenes collection storage tour for access to areas not open to the public, or themed exhibit tours focused on historical topics. All private tours must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance and dates are dependent on staff availability.

Accessibility and Pre-Visit Information

Before your visit, review the Accessibility & Pre-Visit Information guide to find helpful information for your visit to the State Historical Museum of Iowa. The comprehensive guide includes information regarding mobility, sensory details, translation requests and additional topics to help prepare for your visit.

For accessibility questions and to request reasonable accommodations, please contact Accessibility Coordinator Lindsay Keast at [email protected] or call 515-281-8352. Please note that at certain times, certain accommodations may not be possible.

Parking

Complimentary parking is available in the State Capitol Complex Parking Garage located at Pennsylvania Ave and Grand Ave. Metered street parking is also available.