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George Maier Rural Heritage Center and Museum: A Glimpse into Iowa's Rural Past

Explore rural life in Iowa from the 1850s onward at this museum, featuring a vast collection of artifacts and agricultural implements.

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The George Maier Rural Heritage Center and Museum in Elkader, Iowa, offers a fascinating look into the lives and work of Midwesterners from the 1850s onwards. Housed in a historic 1919 livestock pavilion, the museum showcases a vast collection of rural artifacts, agricultural implements, and household items, all gathered by George Maier, a lifelong resident of Clayton County.

A brief summary to George Maier Rural Heritage Center and Museum

Local tips

  • Check the museum's limited operating hours (weekends only) before planning your visit.
  • Call ahead to arrange a tour, especially for large groups.
  • Explore the town of Elkader and Clayton County while you're visiting the museum.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The George Maier Rural Heritage Center and Museum is located at 1000 Mascara Rd, Elkader, IA 52043. From Highway 13, turn onto Mascara Road. The museum is a short distance down Mascara Road, near the Turkey River and the city campground. Parking is available at the museum. There is no fee for parking.

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Discover more about George Maier Rural Heritage Center and Museum

Step back in time at the George Maier Rural Heritage Center and Museum, a tribute to rural life in Clayton County and Northeast Iowa. Located in Elkader, Iowa, the museum is housed within the historic 1919 Elkader Sales Barn, originally a livestock pavilion for the Elkader Fair. When the fair ended, the pavilion became the sales barn, and in 1998, it found new life as the George Maier Rural Heritage Center. The museum's collection is the result of George Maier's passion for preserving the story of rural Iowa. After returning from World War II, Maier began collecting countless treasures from auctions and sales across the Midwest. Today, visitors can explore thousands of artifacts, including early John Deere tractors, horse-drawn harvesting equipment, and hit-and-miss engines. Car enthusiasts will enjoy the restored 1913 Studebaker and vintage car parts. The museum also features one of the largest clock collections in the area, with over 300 clocks of various makes and styles. Beyond the machinery and vehicles, the museum displays household appliances used long before electricity, offering a glimpse into daily life in the past. The exhibits chronicle rural life in Clayton County and Northeast Iowa, with antique farm equipment, tools, advertising signs, musical instruments, and photos. The museum also highlights Maier's military service, showcasing uniforms from all military branches.

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