BOONE HISTORY CENTER: On the main floor visitors are greeted by the main floor “Fareway Gallery,” named for the longest-standing grocery chain, which started in Boone in 1938. The gallery features rotating exhibits and a soaring ceiling with high beams of mahogany. Permanent exhibits in other areas include Boone's First Family Gallery (the Eisenhowers), the Command Sargent Major Marilyn Gabbard Military Gallery (items from the age of the Dragoons to contemporary), the Kate Shelley Railroad Gallery (Iowa's railroad heroine), and Becoming Boone (prehistory, Native American, early Boone businesses).

Museum hours are 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission to the museum is $5 for adults, $4 for Society members, $2 for youth ages 7-17, and FREE entry for children ages 6 and under. We boast dedicated volunteer museum guides, who are available to help visitors tour the facility or trace their genealogical roots.There is a gift shop with unique items including Iowa products and handcrafts by local artists.

MAMIE DOUD EISENHOWER BIRTHPLACE: Mamie Geneva Doud was born on November 14, 1896, at 718 Carroll St. in Boone. The Birthplace was later moved across the street to 709 Carroll. Mamie was the second of four daughters born to Elvera Mathilde (Carlson) and John Sheldon Doud. She grew up to become the wife of the 34th president of the United States, Dwight David Eisenhower. The Birthplace is temporarily closed for repairs. The documents, family history, Mamie's gala gowns, Ike's paintings, and other items may be seen at the Boone History Center.

HICKORY GROVE SCHOOL: The school, originally built in 1889, allows young visitors to sit in desks once occupied by students and for guests of all ages to remember a time that echoes a simpler era that can feel both comforting and primitive. Visitors to Hickory Grove imagine a time when the best seat in the room, on a cold December morning, was next to the potbelly stove, where children would listen to the teacher clicking chalk against the board; with their duty being the return of an answer on their own small slates. Historical maps, world globes, teaching tools, school primers, encyclopedias, and a variety of country school artifacts amplify a collection that spans from 1889 to 1956 when the school house finally closed its doors on May 11th. The museum is located at the site of the Battin Chapel, which contains a well-preserved railroad depot in addition to the chapel and school. Boone History Museums and the Battin Heritage Association jointly sponsor the museum, located at the juncture of old Highway 30 (E41) and J Avenue between Odgen and Boone.

To arrange a tour of the school and the other attractions on the site, contact the Boone History Center or visit the website.
For weddings at Battin Chapel, please contact The Battin Heritage Association at PO Box 759, Odgen, IA 50212

KATE SHELLEY PARK AND MUSEUM: July 6, 1881, is a date forever rooted in Boone County’s history. As the shadow of midnight encroached on the landscape of the river valley of Moingona, Iowa, and a ferocious storm raged in the vicinity of the Shelley Homestead, 15-year-old Kate Shelley crawled across the Des Moines River Bridge by grasping railroad ties, spaced 2 feet apart in places, under thundering skies and over frothing black waters that lapped beneath her, advancing to save the lives of those in danger, including herself. The medals she received for heroism are on display at the Boone History Center, along with the lantern she carried that night, a doll created in her image, and other commemoratives. The Depot Museum is currently closed, but visitors may visit the park and walk the trail to the river. The trail may be rough, and protective clothing is recommended.

Local

See and Do

• Boone History Museums Boone (0.0 miles) - BOONE HISTORY CENTER: On the main floor visitors are greeted by the main floor “Fareway Gallery,�...
• Iowa Arboretum Madrid (8.6 miles) - The Iowa Arboretum, located on 415 acres in Boone County's Des Moines River Valley showcases hun...
• Furman Aquatic Center Ames (12.8 miles) - Located in the heart of Ames, the $10 million Furman Aquatic Center includes a 550' lazy river w...
• Slater Area Historical Association Slater (16.0 miles) - Our Heritage Hall at 318 First Avenue houses our displays and collections of historical items of the...

Shopping

• The Frame Shop - Ames (14.0 miles) - The Frame Shop specializes in custom framing, dealing with paintings, prints, posters, and various c...
• Little Woods: Herbs and Teas - Ames (14.0 miles) - Little Woods LLC is a small scale tea blender specializing in teas and tisanes made from whole botan...