Nelson Pioneer Farm / Mahaska County Historical Society

Home
United States
Oskaloosa, IA
Nelson Pioneer Farm / Mahaska County Historical Society

This family farm turned museum has been here over 175 years. It contains agricultural and county artifacts, buildings and history for Mahaska County Iowa.

The first museum in Iowa to honor the pioneer farmer, Nelson Pioneer Farm & Museum is operated by the Mahaska County Historical Society, Inc., a non-profit, educational institution. The compound now features historic buildings from all over Mahaska County, providing visitors a glimpse of what life was like for Iowans in 19th & 20th century America. Nelson Pioneer Farm Museum has several buildings

on the grounds that can be toured inside and out. Many of these are handicap accessible. Most of these buildings have been moved from their original location to the farm for historic preservation. Both the Daniel Nelson home and barn sit in their original locations. The main museum houses several exhibits, including a quilt display, medical history, and military history.

04/29/2026

Nelson Pioneer Farm opens for the season May 1. We'll be here Tuesday through Saturday 10-4. Stop in and see us sometime!

04/23/2026

Recently found in our collections is this tiny tintype, note the penny as a comparison. Mr. W.H. Chapman was a watchmaker and jeweler and was situated on the south side of the square in Oskaloosa in the 1860s. He moved on to Marshalltown after a brief stay here.

04/10/2026

Do you know who I am? I arrived at Nelson Pioneer Farm several years ago; you think someone would recognize me. There is nothing on the back of the picture to remind people of my name.

03/04/2026

March is Women's History Month. It seems impossible not to think of Margaret Carden Nelson when contemplating the significant women who have called Mahaska County home. Margaret was born and married in Ohio, arriving in Iowa in 1841, with the family making its way making to what is now the Nelson Pioneer Farm by 1844. She gave birth to six children all of whom survived her. Given the medical standards of the day, that was an amazing feat. A farm wife of her era, she tended to small livestock, raised a large garden and kept her family healthy, wealthy and wise. In 1891, she joined Daniel in Forest Cemetery, Oskaloosa, Iowa.

02/27/2026

Don't miss out on the fun! Join the Nelson Pioneer Family. Membership is only $15 for an individual or $25 for a family. Send your check to 2211 Nelson Lane, Box 578, Oskaloosa, IA 52577. Or visit our website to use your credit card. You won't be sorry!

02/04/2026

Dozens of Mahaska County Humane Society volunteers have dipped hundreds of Granny Smith apples in caramel, chocolate, frosting and toffee., wrapped them, and tied them with a bow. Working from the Nelson Pioneer Farm kitchen, the apples will be available for purchase at Mahaska Drug. Every dog deserves a good life, as does every kitten.

01/30/2026

For sale or rent: a breezy little home, needing a bit of work but well worth the effort for the charm of a few acres in rural Mahaska County.

Okay, not really, but this picture comes from the archives at Nelson Pioneer Farm. Do you happen to know where it stood, or who owned it?

01/23/2026

Do you recognize anyone from the 1908 2nd and 3rd grade classes at New Sharon?

12/31/2025

All of us at Nelson Pioneer Farm wish you the best and brightest New Year. May 2026 prove a blessing to all.

12/24/2025

Wishing you and yours the happiest of holidays and a delightful 2026.

Address

2211 Nelson Lane
Oskaloosa, IA
52577

Website

https://nelsonpioneer.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Nelson Pioneer Farm / Mahaska County Historical Society posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Nelson Pioneer Farm / Mahaska County Historical Society:

Shortcuts

Want your organization to be the top-listed Non Profit Organization in Oskaloosa?