History:

Founded in 1844, the Nelson homestead is one of the premier historic attractions in Mahaska County. The property, maintained by the Mahaska County Historical Society, Inc., a non-profit, educational institution, now features historic buildings from all over Mahaska County, providing visitors a glimpse of what life was like for Iowans in 19th century America.

The Nelson home, built in 1853, and the Nelson barn, built in 1856, are the focal point of the museum and are designated National Historic Sites by the U.S. Department of Interior.