Explore the Rich History of the Jordan House Museum
The Jordan House is a Victorian Home listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a member of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program. It is the oldest structure in West Des Moines and one of the oldest in Polk County. It was built in the 1800s by one of the first settlers in West Des Moines, James C. Jordan, and now serves as a museum that highlights its history as part of the Underground Railroad.
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Tours
Tours are offered most Fridays and Sundays with advance ticket purchase and last 75 minutes. Because of the tour length and the historical artifacts inside the home, it may be best suited for older children. Two flights of steep stairs might be difficult for some people to navigate. The tour is mostly standing, but chairs can be provided upon request.
The tour begins with a short video, then leads to the basement to view the Underground Railroad exhibit, as well as the kitchen and bed/sitting room where the Jordan family first lived. It continues with a walk through the main level and a discussion of the families that lived in the home. The tour ends upstairs, where visitors view the bedrooms and many artifacts from the period.
The Underground Railroad Exhibit
It was fascinating to learn that the Jordan House was part of the Underground Railroad, leading enslaved people to Canada. Abolitionist John Brown, known for leading the raid at Harpers Ferry, also stayed at the Jordan House. During the tour, learn more about the Underground Railroad, including the known stations in Iowa, as well as the paths to freedom.
Artifacts and Information
Learn about different ways of life, explore interesting artifacts, and discover more about the families who once lived in the home. Find out how some of our main streets, like Mills Civic Parkway, got their names, the history of Valley Junction, and fun stories, including how ladies once used their hat pens to ward off others. Older kids will enjoy braiding to create a section of a rag rug and learning how to use a loom.
General Details
Address: 2001 Fuller Road, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Phone: (515) 225-1286
Hours: Jordan House tours are offered most Fridays and Sundays at 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM. Jordan House tours require an advanced-purchased ticket.
School groups, private groups, and virtual tours of the Jordan House Museum can be scheduled Monday-Thursday and other times, based on staffing.
Cost: $6.20 (including fee) for ages 5 and up