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Jordan House Museum

4.7

·108 reviews·West Des Moines, United States

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

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more personal tours

CrowdLow

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Jordan House Museum

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more personal tours

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore a restored Victorian home, a vital Underground Railroad stop, featuring unique artifacts and engaging historical tours.

4.7

(108 reviews)

"We learned so much from Dee. A must when you have an hour to spend. The basement amazes me."

TIP

⏳ 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.

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 108 reviews

Type

Museum

Address

2001 Fuller Rd, West Des Moines, IA 50265, USA

Website

wdmhs.org

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

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.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Underground Railroad Tour

The Jordan House Museum is a key stop on the Underground Railroad. Tours are highly recommended to understand its significance and the stories of those who lived there. Booking in advance is wise, especially for group visits.

Embrace the Victorian Era

Step back in time at this beautifully restored Victorian home. The museum often hosts special exhibits and events, like the 'Popular Victorian Era Pastimes' that included tarot readings, offering a unique glimpse into the past.

Best Times

When

Weekday afternoons

Why

Fewer crowds, more personal tours

Crowd

Low

When

Special event days

Why

Unique exhibits & activities

Crowd

Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

New acquisition at the Jordan House Museum! Our friends at @vesterheim.museum deaccesioned this rocking chair, and it's a perfect addition to the cattle horn furniture in James Jordan's office! #wdmhs #horned #history

wdmhistorical

16 likes • 212 views

⏳ 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.

The first annual Jordan House Heritage Jubilee in West Des Moines yesterday (Oct. 11, 2025) featured historical activities, demos and music by The Weary Ramblers. The free event was organized by the @wdmhistorical and @wdmparkrec. This year marks the 175th anniversary of the Jordan House Museum. IHJ encourages Iowans to visit the museum and to see the new Legacy Woods Project as it unfolds. #iow...

iowahistoryjournal

2 likes • 25 views

I love a great opportunity to play dress up, so it’s no surprise the I had SO much fun reading cards for the, ‘Popular Victorian Era Pastimes’ exhibit at The Jordan House Museum in West Des Moines last Wednesday evening. Spiritualism was popular during this era, including tarot and oracle card readings. I used period accurate reproduction tarot and oracle decks and of course, did my best to dres...

connectedtarot

8 likes • 328 views

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 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.

reddit.com

What are some cool things in/about Des Moines that not many people know about?

I’m thinking about stopping in Des Moines next year on a road trip. What are some things you recommend checking out?

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

4.7

(108 reviews)

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

Engaging guided tours

Underground Railroad history

Knowledgeable guides

What People Dislike

Not comparable to larger homes

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.