Accessibility & Site Visit Information

Updated 4/1/2024

Montauk Historic Site is located on U.S. Highway 18 (called Harding Road) just north of Clermont. There are brown highway signs indicating where to turn. The driveway is at the top of a hill and has two gate pillars at the entrance. It is sometimes hard to see from the highway.

Parking

The parking lot will be to your right as you near the main house area. It is a graveled lot and can be uneven in places. There is a designated parking spot reserved for vehicles which are properly marked with a disability parking permit, such as a license plate or government-issued hang-tag.

We strongly encourage those who need to park closer to do so by driving up to the back porch ramp and parking near the sidewalk there.

Walkways & Entrances

The walk from the parking lot to the house is some distance. You may either take the graveled walkway, or the driveway. Both are uneven in places and may have loose gravel. Please drive up to the back porch ramp if needed.

Tours typically start at the front of the house. To access the front entrance there are three steps to the front porch, and two steps into the house.

If stairs cannot be utilized, please use the back porch entrance. It has a modern sidewalk and accessible ramp. There is no step going into the house from the back porch. 

Inside the House: Tours

A typical tour is 45 to 60 minutes in length. However, we are happy to adapt to shorter times if that is necessary to accommodate a need.

Lighting is low in places in the house. Natural sunlight is used in many rooms.

All public walking areas are carpeted with a low pile carpet. There may be some small door thresholds to walk over in some of the rooms.

There is a staircase of 21 steps going to the second floor with a banister to use. However, if you cannot access those stairs, a virtual tour of the upstairs can be viewed on our iPad (CC included).

We have padded folding chairs upon request to use if you cannot stand for the duration of the tour and need to sit.

If needed for emergency or extenuating circumstances, there is a restroom in the house for use. It is very small, however, and is not ADA accessible.

At any time if you need to leave the tour, inform your guide and they will show you out.

If water is needed for drinking, please ask staff; there is bottled water for visitors.

There are no sounds relating to the tour in the house except for the playing of a short song from the historic music box. However, the doorbell may be rung from the outside while you are on a tour. It is a very loud buzzing sound.

Grounds

Walkways & Farm Buildings

Many walkways and areas are uneven, and consist of gravel or yard space.

There is one step to get into the Icehouse building. You can see the entire space from the sidewalk.

There is a screen door to open and no step to get into the Laundry room. You can see the entire space from the sidewalk.

There is one step and a doorway frame to enter the Workshop. You can see some of the space from the sidewalk.

The Carriage House has a ramp and the exhibit located inside offers braille, large print, and Spanish translation of the text. The exhibit is tactile and encourages touch.

The Barn has an uneven concrete lip at the entrance of the building and it is not currently wheelchair accessible. Areas inside the barn are often narrow and can be difficult to maneuver. The exhibit located inside offers braille and Spanish translation of the text.

Other buildings on the grounds include a chicken coop, hog shed, and two corn cribs. Those are all located on yard space and uneven ground. The hog shed and corn cribs are located on steep hills.

Trails

We have large grounds to enjoy and we encourage the use of them. We have picnic tables (located on yard space) and walking trails.

There is a graveled part of a walking trail near the house that is flat and has a short loop. The rest of the trails are woodland trails with uneven ground, woodland debris, and inclines. Look for signage on the grounds indicating where the trails are.

There is a map of the trails available along with a brochure of the farm buildings with information.

Restrooms

We have two outdoor public restrooms. Toilets in each are low, although there are support bars in the stalls. There are no infant changing stations in either restroom.

Faucets on the sinks need to be turned continuously for water to come out. If water is needed for drinking, please ask staff; there is bottled water for visitors.

There is a staff-only restroom inside of Montauk. However, if for some reason the outdoor facility is not accessible for you, please let staff know and we can show you to the other restroom.

Emergency Information

In case of emergency please dial 911.

Fayette Co Sheriff: 563-422-6067

Nearest Hospital Facilities

Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital and Clinic
Approximately 10 miles (16 minutes) away
112 W Jefferson St., West Union, IA 52175
563-422-3811

Nearest Veterinary Services

North Fayette Animal Clinic 
Approximately 10 miles (16 minutes) away
163 W Franklin St., West Union, IA 52175
563-422-3300

Postville Veterinary Clinic
Approximately 9 miles (14 minutes) away
110 Hyman Dr., Postville IA 52162
563-864-3631

First aid kits can be found in Montauk, please ask staff for assistance.

For severe weather conditions: Please enter the house through the back porch door. Staff will leave this door unlocked during these situations. Once you enter the house, take the first right, then the door to the right goes to the basement. Staff and other guests may be down there sheltering.

Other Accommodations & Feedback

The State Historical Society of Iowa is dedicated to providing accessible and welcoming experiences for all audiences. Please call 563-423-7173 with any questions or to request accommodations.