Jordan House Museum
Explore a restored Victorian home, a vital Underground Railroad stop, featuring unique artifacts and engaging historical tours.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Jordan House Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a restored Victorian home, a vital Underground Railroad stop, featuring unique artifacts and engaging historical tours.
"We learned so much from Dee. A must when you have an hour to spend. The basement amazes me."
⏳ Book Your Tour
Highly recommended to book tours in advance to fully appreciate the Underground Railroad history.
✨ Ask About Special Exhibits
Check for unique events like Victorian pastimes or historical reenactments.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Underground Railroad Significance
Basement
Discover the hidden history of this home as a vital stop on the Underground Railroad. The basement is particularly fascinating.
Victorian Architecture & Artifacts
Throughout the house
Explore a unique Victorian home with original artifacts and furniture, including a special horned furniture collection.
Engaging Guided Tours
All rooms
Knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides bring the house's history and stories to life for all ages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Underground Railroad Tour
Embrace the Victorian Era
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Book Your Tour
Highly recommended to book tours in advance to fully appreciate the Underground Railroad history.
✨ Ask About Special Exhibits
Check for unique events like Victorian pastimes or historical reenactments.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly History
Guides are great with children, making history engaging for all ages.
🏠 Unique Architecture
Admire the distinct Victorian style and the special horned furniture collection.
What are some cool things in/about Des Moines that not many people know about?
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Book Your Tour
Highly recommended to book tours in advance to fully appreciate the Underground Railroad history.
✨ Ask About Special Exhibits
Check for unique events like Victorian pastimes or historical reenactments.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly History
Guides are great with children, making history engaging for all ages.
🏠 Unique Architecture
Admire the distinct Victorian style and the special horned furniture collection.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Jordan House Museum for its deeply informative and engaging guided tours, particularly highlighting its significance as an Underground Railroad stop. Guides are frequently commended for their enthusiasm and ability to connect with all age groups, making history come alive. While the house itself is appreciated for its unique Victorian charm and artifacts, some visitors note it's best not to compare it to larger, more elaborate historical homes.
"I highly recommend this tour of the Jordan house on the undergroundrailroad! We learned so much from Dee. A must when you have an hour to spend. The basement amazes me."
Jay Lutt
"Erin gave us a wonderful tour today. She was so enthusiastic, had lots of historical knowledge of both the house and its part in the Underground Railroad, knew so many stories and details about items in the house, and engaged all of us. She was especially great with the three children in the group."
Kathy Smith
"Gale was an excellent tour guide and the tour was very informative. My 10 year old was entertained, and we all learned so much."
Libby Nizzi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Jordan House Museum is located in West Des Moines. While specific public transport details can vary, driving is a common method. Parking information is usually available on their official website or by contacting them directly.
Parking availability can vary. It's best to check the museum's official website or call ahead to confirm parking arrangements for visitors.
As it's in West Des Moines, major roads leading into the city will be your best bet. Consult a GPS or mapping app for real-time traffic and the most efficient route from your starting point.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees can vary, and it's recommended to check the official Jordan House Museum website for the most current pricing information. Some events may have separate admission costs.
While walk-ins might be accommodated, booking tickets or tours in advance is highly recommended, especially for guided tours, to ensure availability and a better experience.
Opening hours can vary by season and day of the week. Always check the official Jordan House Museum website for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit.
Information on discounts for seniors, students, or children is typically found on the museum's official website. Special event pricing may differ.
Guided tours are a significant part of the experience, especially for understanding the Underground Railroad history. It's best to confirm if self-guided visits are permitted or if tours are mandatory.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The most recommended way to experience the Jordan House Museum is through a guided tour. Guides are praised for their enthusiasm and knowledge, making the history come alive. +1
Yes, many visitors report that children are entertained and learn a lot during the tours. Guides are skilled at engaging younger audiences.
The Jordan House Museum is historically significant as a former stop on the Underground Railroad, offering insights into this crucial period of American history.
You can see a variety of artifacts from the Victorian era, including unique furniture pieces like cattle horn furniture, and items related to the home's history.
A typical tour lasts about an hour, providing a comprehensive overview of the house and its history.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. It's best to check with the museum staff upon arrival or look for signage regarding interior photography rules.
The unique Victorian architecture, historical artifacts, and the basement area related to the Underground Railroad are often highlighted as visually interesting spots.
If interior photography is allowed, consider visiting during daylight hours to take advantage of natural light. Special evening events might offer unique lighting opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧👦 Families with Kids
Focus on the Underground Railroad aspect as it often captures children's imaginations. The stories of bravery and escape can be powerful. Also, highlight the unique Victorian items, like the cattle horn furniture, which can be a fun visual point of interest.
🏛️ History Enthusiasts
Pay close attention to the historical artifacts and the architectural details of the house. The museum's collection, including the unique cattle horn furniture, offers a tangible connection to the past. Consider attending during special events for even more specialized historical insights.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Underground Railroad at Jordan House
Travelers consistently praise the tours for their depth and the guides' ability to convey the gravity and importance of this history. The stories shared bring to life the risks and courage involved in the fight for freedom. It's a powerful reminder of the past and the ongoing pursuit of justice.
The museum's commitment to preserving and sharing this vital history makes it a must-visit for anyone interested in civil rights and American heritage. The detailed narratives provided by the guides ensure that the legacy of the Underground Railroad is not forgotten.
Victorian Charm and Unique Collections
A particularly noteworthy aspect of the museum's collection is its cattle horn furniture. This unique and distinctive style of furniture adds a special touch to the historical displays, showcasing craftsmanship and design trends of the era. The museum also features other artifacts that tell stories of the families who lived there and the community they were part of.
The combination of architectural beauty and curated historical items makes the Jordan House Museum a fascinating destination for history buffs and anyone interested in decorative arts. The engaging tours further enhance the experience by providing context and stories behind the objects on display.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit