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Farm House Museum

Purple lilies rise in front of the Farm House Museum on campus.  Mandatory credit: (Christopher Gannon/Iowa State University)

Nestled in the center of Iowa State University, the Farm House Museum sits as a monument to early Iowa State history and culture. The first building on campus as well as a National Historic Landmark, the Farm House was built in 1860 and functioned as living quarters for various Iowa State deans, professors, farmhands and students. Undergoing a lengthy restoration from 1970-76, the Farm House evolved into a public museum. Now students, faculty and community members can enjoy the museum while remembering the significance that one small building had upon shaping a nationally recognized land-grant university. 

Click here for current exhibitions.

Cost

The cost is free, with a suggested donation of $8. 

Hours 

Monday - Friday, noon - 4:00 p.m.
Closed Saturday & Sunday

Closed University Holidays

Click here to see when the museums are closed.

Accessibility

There is a ramp from the sidewalk on the west side of the Farm House to the front porch. There is no sensor to open the door. Only the first floor is accessible, there are some flooring transitions that are not level and some doorways in the historic home are narrower than 36 inches.

The ISU campus is bike and pedestrian friendly. There is limited vehicle access to Osborne Drive and Farm House Lane from 7:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Should you need to access these roads during these times to visit the Farm House Museum, please call the office at 515.294.3342 ahead of your visit to receive instructions.
 

Address

601 Farm House Lane
Ames, Iowa 50011

Parking

Memorial Union Parking Ramp
2229 Lincoln Way
Ames, Iowa 50011

East Campus Parking Deck
500 Wallace Road
Ames, Iowa 50011

Schedule a Tour

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