Reviews of American Gothic House & Center (Tourist Attraction)

Tracy Porter

Loved making our own version of American Gothic! Check out the hours for the visitors center in advance, though and you will be able to use clothing to dress up for your pic. We were very happy to be able to make a quick stop.

Madonna Pralle

Finally I was able to visit here. The history is well documented. Setting and buildings are well maintained. It represents our proud Midwest history. Check this off my bucket list.

Jeff Rokkum

It looks exactly like the painting, the visitors center is excellent though!

Craig Cather

Small but very interesting history inside! A must see if you're ever in the area. Price is free they do take donations to help keep up the building and the home. There is a half hour video you can watch. Toy can even dress in the same style clothing worn in the painting and have you're picture taken in front pic the house!

Ivy G

Super cool place to visit. Not somewhere that you would spend a whole day out though. A nice quick trip.

Tami Fry

Love little bits of history like this.

Kathy Suess

It was closed when we were there but it was pretty cool to walk around out side

Lana Anderson

It was closed on Sunday, so we didn't get to see much.

Joseph Greene

Nice place for a quick stop

LoRena Allen

Great art history hidden right in Iowa's backyard! Fun little trip. Great museum and you can dress up and take pictures all for free. Donations are always welcome!

Ron Whitlock

Very Interesting.

Patty Spencer

We absolutely loved it. And the lady that worked there was very helpful and nice

Buster Limes

Neat place to visit. So much to learn.

Mary R

You MUST go visit this gem!!

Donna Simmons

The Reception Center was very nice. Lots of information in there. The lady that was working the afternoon has a lot of information herself on the area. It helped since we were just passing through. Unfortunately we couldn't get into the house because they were putting a roof on it at the time. But we will return. Nice area so many things to see.

barb mays

Definitely a must see of Iowa. Been going through this town for almost two months and didn't know what I was missing. Needs more advertising, wasn't many people there. I'd definitely recommend people to go. Also family friendly and pet friendly.

Jeanette Kreutner

House is beautifully restored.

Tracy Porter

Loved making our own version of American Gothic! Check out the hours for the visitors center in advance, though and you will be able to use clothing to dress up for your pic. We were very happy to be able to make a quick stop.

Mark Boyer

The stories revolving around this well known painting are very interesting. Well told by the displays within the visitor center. Costumes are available allowing for memorable photographs to be taken.

Bionic Bunny Rabbit

It was awesome ❗

Madonna Pralle

Finally I was able to visit here. The history is well documented. Setting and buildings are well maintained. It represents our proud Midwest history. Check this off my bucket list.

Jessica Edwardson

Iconic. A must see!

SADMULE

Classic bit of american history, nice little Museum that is free of charge.

Lynda Estrella

Being close by the American Gothic House, I had to stop by. It was worth going there and experiencing the differences between the painting and real life. This was worth the trip.

Ryan Irwin

Cool place to visit and see a little piece if Iowa history. Was impressed with the visitors station too, lots of information.

Steve Sobczak

A small, out of the way museum, but they have done a great job with it. The video is well done and worth the 20 minutes to watch. Don't forget to get your photo in front of the house!

Aaron Filgo

A really neat experience. To learn more about the painting and famous painter Grant Wood. Did you know the man who modeled was pretty ticked off when he was recognized in the painting? Also some Iowans were irked about the way they were portrayed in the painting. The AGHC is a great day cation trip. #nerdout

Andre Outlaw

It was closed while we were passing through. But still nice to see. Lots of pesky flying insects so we didn't stay long. Grabbed a pamphlet, took a few pictures, and continued on our way. The area was very clean. Very quiet. And seemed very safe. What more could you ask for in an attraction.

mh clark

Very interesting. Well done.

Jenny Osborn

The staff here is fantastic! We had arrived shortly before closing time and the staff still allowed us to get into costume and take our pictures by the house.

Lele Gilmoore

House was in middle of remodeling,museum is great

John Mark EIGSTI

This is a neat place to visit. The museum and video can be done in about 45 minutes. Staff is volunteers who do add a lot. The house is under construction this year - 2018 - but still neat to go inside of. No cost unless you buy a shirt or postcard. Eldon is a good little town.

Pam Gerhardt

They have a small museum and gift shop. They also have clothes so you can dress up like the painting so you can take a picture. Nice and informative. There is a video.

Theresa Allen

I toke my grand kids from California there thay loved it.

Amber Gopel

Super cool place to visit an iconic image. Found it by accident. Staff is amazing here. Can't go inside the house but you can dress up and replicate the painting.

Jim Watters

This was a great center! They have a lot about Grant Wood's entire career. So glad the house was saved and is now an historical site.

Lewis Butler

If you find yourself in the middle of no where in Iowa, must stop.

Dan Berte

Worth a visit if you are passing through. The actual house is small

David Meyer

How can you not like this place? The house is iconic and the little museum next door is a gem. They even have clothes imitating the clothes of the figures in American Gothic painting that you can use to make your own American Gothic photo. Museum staff person was more than willing to take our picture with the duds on in front of the house. She was a super nice lady---so courteous and friendly. No admission charge, those you'd have to be a real chiseler not to give a donation.

Deidre Dinan

Amazing little place. Not big so a quick little detour but really neat. Love the little educational value to show my kids plus as a bit of a nerd myself I was thrilled to see that the home has been maintained for all these years

Brenda Small

Love this place

Scott Hartman

Americana. Museum details why Wood and this painting are significant. Awesome staff member.

Reno Faoro

I really enjoyed my visit there in 2012.

Carl Valle

I had no idea this place existed but you have to go there if you're anywhere near it it's unbelievable

Jay Mumper

Very cool & unusual. Did not expect to find this in an obscure small town. Great friendly staff.

Bianca Crum

House is under construction but still a fun trip

Reda Baughman

Had so much fun there listening to music and looking in the museum seeing the old house getting refurbished loved it everyone needs to see it at least once in their life.

Joseph Cannon

Girl that works there could not have been nicer or more helpful.

Jeffrey Bair

A fun early morning outing.

Leon Connelly

Very informative and the volunteers are friendly

Kevin Fox

Very neat to see this history. They have clothes you can try on with pitchfork and glasses so you can get a photo in front of the famous house.

David Garner

Drove 826 miles to see this house. Worth every mile!

Gregory Forck

We found this by accident on the way to Ottumwa. Had no idea this was here, but thoroughly enjoyed stopping and visiting!

Morgan Taylor

It's definitely worth a stop if you're in the area! There's a small museum with additional art pieces from the artist and others.

David Meyer

How can you not like this place? The house is iconic and the little museum next door is a gem. They even have clothes imitating the clothes of the figures in American Gothic painting that you can use to make your own American Gothic photo. Museum staff person was more than willing to take our picture with the duds on in front of the house. She was a super nice lady---so courteous and friendly. No admission charge, those you'd have to be a real chiseler not to give a donation.

scott schwienebart

My wife told me I had to stop impersonating a flamingo. I had to put my foot down.

Allen Littles

Was closed, but enjoyed the grounds.

Tammy Cassady

Great place to visit

Sean Flynn

Thought they were closed for the day, with it being Memorial Day. Jumped out of the car to snap some photos then all of a sudden the CLOSED sign was flipped to OPEN. The little museum was pretty informative and you could dress the part and take your photo in front of the house if you wanted. Picked out a couple post cards then we were on our way.

Matt Uhlman

We've heard about the American Gothic House for a couple years and finally got down a chance to visit and we were not disappointed. The second most recognized image in the art world is a nestled off the main road in the town of Eldon, pop 927. The chance to come see this place is like having the opportunity to talk with Mona Lisa and ask her if she's happy or sad, but here you get a chance to put on American Gothic garb and pose for your own parody of the famous portrait. In the past at least - During the summer months, the Pitchfork Pie Stand is operated over of the house and you get a chance to walk in the living room and check out some of the better pie we've ever tasted. Inside the center, there's a lovely area with plenty of information about the history of the portrait, Grant wood (the artist) and some very nice volunteers who tell stories about the inspiration behind the picture. The gift shop has eveything from shirts to DVDs and will give you plenty of opportunities to bring friends and family members proof you saw THE American Gothic house. Great folks working here, some excellent photo ops and chance to visit one of the most iconic places in the world are reason enough to visit Eldon. The pie shop in the summer is a bonus to an already wonderful trip!

Steven Johnson

Love going to see that place they did a great job restoring that place

Carl Slaugh

Great place to gain a greater appreciation of 1940s Midwest life. Kids loved it, especially costumes and pictures.

Deidre Dinan

Amazing little place. Not big so a quick little detour but really neat. Love the little educational value to show my kids plus as a bit of a nerd myself I was thrilled to see that the home has been maintained for all these years

John Ferris

Staff was so friendly. They help you into the costumes and take your pic for free. Free museum was great as well.

John Henry Muhrer

A piece of art history. Quick visit is all that is needed.

Dawn

Well worth the trip. You can't actually go in the house but that is fine since the exterior is what is famous. Nice welcome center adjacent to it. They have a great set up that provides easy on and off costumes, plus pitch forks, so you can stand in front of the house to recreate the iconic painting. Staff will take your picture or you can take your own.. Nice museum and gift shop too.

Deb Bennerhahn

Very cool wonderful museum

Jared McCullough

Full of history and exhibits, along with the famous house, the American Gothic House is a must see for anyone who remembers seeing the famous painting. There is a gift shop and there are bathrooms on site. You can even dress up and take pictures in front of the house like the painting. Visits inside the house are by tour guides only. Just one of many rural sights to see in Iowa.

DM01

So fun! The museum was very informative and the costumes that you can put pin to take pictures in are a hoot. The people working the counter were super nice and helped us get dressed and then took pictures for us too. This is a hidden gem!

R Block

If you have the chance to stop, do it. This house just brought a smile to my face having been featured in so many parodies.

Mark J.

Great little museum in the middle of nowhere. The original house is very nice and they have free costumes to take free pictures in front of the Gothic house. Inside the museum there is an old 30-minute PBS bio on painter Grant Wood that plays on a loop.

Matthews Fan Company

Great experience. The docents are well informed and care.

Bill Ferrel

Very nice side trip while we were touring the villages of Van Buren. Worth a stop to see.

Laura Bremmer

Got to imitate the original painting. The museum was the perfect size and very informative.

Dani Graham

This is a great place to visit - See the house depicted in the painting and then visit the information center for lots of interesting facts about the artist. There are even costumes that look like the characters in the painting that you can wear to have your photo taken in front of the house.

J.D. Myers

Fun place to visit. Didnt realize what made this place famous and almost skipped it. Glad I didnt.

Susan Wright

The house itself is currently undergoing some work to the porch but the gift shop and museum were open. The staff was friendly and it was a great place to get out and let our toddler run outside for a bit on the drive between Des Moines and St Louis

Brandi Worthy

What a gem we stumbled upon. We stopped by on our way home to Alabama from the 65th National Square Dance Convention in Des Moines, Iowa. The staff was awesome and the facility was immaculate. The gardens are outstanding! What an awesome memory.

Anna Duran

Great little museum celebrating an iconic artist from Iowa

Bob Gomia

It was cold wet and raining when we stopped by. It was fun to see for the family and stand in the same place for a family shot. I think it was worth dropping down off the interstate for a little bit of history.

Tammy Miller

Small, out of the way. Unsure if allowed to go into the house or not. The town has a lot of old buildings that are interesting as well.

Michelle B

A nice little stop on the way through Iowa. The museum staff is super friendly and will help you take a picture in front of the house.

Denise Carroll

This was so beautiful

Mark Bressler

Grant Woods' American Gothic house is so tiny, but the art it inspires is large. A must see in SE Iowa.

Heidi Gardner

Just happened by this beautiful slice of art history. It's a unique and fun opportunity to take photos in the style of the famous painting.

Mark McCrory

Not much to really see or do. Interesting quick stop for art history aficionado.

Trina Gilliam

Tremendous amount of fascinating history behind one of America's most interesting artists.

Kris Stoner

Great place, little piece of history. There are costumes to dress up and have your photo taken as well. Fun fact, the 2 in the photo were not related or in a relationship. The woman was the artists (Grant Wood) sister and the man was their dentist. The house behind them was actually a kit ordered from Sears.

Tess Martens

Fun historical place to visit! They have costumes inside the gift shop you can use to dress up like the American Gothic Father and Daughter. Great place for a short stop along a roadtrip or one destination. We spent about an hour there.

Mona Beth Flick

I wanted to include this stop while working my road survey assignment in Iowa. As luck would have it? Our very last record was just 14 miles away. Worth the trip, even though the inside of the house is closed for viewing until September 14, 2019. Seeing that house made famous by Grant Wood made it worth it. Loved the grounds and the center.

Alisha Sundquist

Neat!

Jeff Williams

Great place to stop. Get a picture with history

Molly Hart

Fun little site to see

Gary Einck

Very interesting and informative. Real American history!

Miles Long

Loved this place so cool to see even tho they were updating at the time I was there

Timothy Robinett

Surreal. I would have liked to browse the museum but it was closed for Thanksgiving.

Lynette Haddock

Interesting.

lisa tegethoff

This site has a good museum that tells the history of this famous house and painting. A if gift shop where you can buy a momento of your visit. When available you can put on their costumes and get your photo taken for around $40.00. It is surely small town Iowa.

Scott Nance

We got to go inside the house. It was really cool to see the inside.

Sarah Hartman

Really cool to stop by and see the house used as the backdrop to one of the most iconic paintings in American history. There are plaques and a brochure outside so you can learn and enjoy even if the museum is closed.

mario natarelli

Very cool and great people working there

Kasha Smith

Small cute attraction for local history. Nice spot to stretch your legs on a long car trip.

Michael Kolodzie

Fun, hilarious, and historic. The staff was informative and friendly. We had a wonderful time.

Janet Peterson

Cool place

Tess Martens

Fun historical place to visit! They have costumes inside the gift shop you can use to dress up like the American Gothic Father and Daughter. Great place for a short stop along a roadtrip or one destination. We spent about an hour there.

Dani Smith

Interesting information and a fun, different way to kill some time and spend a day near home!

Jeff Bailey

I pulled up at this place in the middle of the night bumping Kendrick Lamar. Felt like I was the only person in the world. Spooky and fun to see at night. Came back the next day, but had just missed the visitor center hours so we borrowed the pitchfork from the statue to recreate the famous Painting. Well; if you ever are in the area, i'd recommend it. But it's a long drive from anywhere else notable to go see. And there really isn't anything else out there but corn fields and silos. Definitely check it out at night if you are driving past it. It's only a two minute drive off the highway.

Maggie Parker

Super cool!! You can dress up and it's an overall great time.

Mona Beth Flick

I wanted to include this stop while working my road survey assignment in Iowa. As luck would have it? Our very last record was just 14 miles away. Worth the trip, even though the inside of the house is closed for viewing until September 14, 2019. Seeing that house made famous by Grant Wood made it worth it. Loved the grounds and the center.

Aaron Grimm

Very nice facility about the works and life of Grant Wood. A wonderful treasure for the town of Eldon. Very professional staff willing to answer any questions the other guests or myself had. There is good signage from the main road. I was able to get thru the parking lot with a pickup and trailer, a large motorhome or travel trailer might prove to be more difficult.

Patricia Kampa

Great layout to pose with clothes just like American Gothic. Fun!

Terrance Martin

STOP here! Great place. The person working that day (last Monday) was delightful. Personable, informative,kind and helpful. So nice. This place is a true treasure on the road. do not miss it!

Warner Arthur

Staff was great. However we came quit a ways out of our way to get there to find it under construction and not able to tour. Perhaps a note to this may be on order.

Michael Wilde

Nice place to visit. To bad the house was under construction. Well informed museum about the story and beginning of how the painting camr about

Jennifer Crone

More than I expected. Very educational and fun. No charge to use clothing and pitchfork for photos!

jim giebler

A fun place to visit and learn about.

Willi Slischewski

Fun place. I like the fact, that it's free. Also they give you dress up clothes and help you with pictures.

TheOneAnd OnlyMe

Was very beautiful and had lots of information about the house and famous painting based on the house. It also had tours of the house that i didn't get the chance to go on but would be really cool because you get to go inside the house! Overall just very pretty and informational.

Bruce Dunsbergen

It was a nice attraction.

Terry Acord

Didn't know it was so close

Ben Jorgensen

Cool place full of rich history a perfect roadside stop to just enjoy that Iowa beauty

Teri sue Ryon

Very interesting

Pam Negri

Enjoyable place to visit. The people here were very helpful and we got a fun picture!

Robert Hubbard

The staff was extremely helpful and friendly.

Bryan Burningham

Cute little shop. Great for people who appreciate art. A short visit is all you should plan

Penny Sobczak

This is a great little museum!! Fun to see the house and get pictures! Well Worth the stop!!

Heather Hasty

Nice and clean, excellent people working there, so helpful and kind! It was a great little stop on our way home.

Jessica Carlson

We got there after hours. But the building and statues are in great shape!

Mallory Kessen

Super relaxing and peaceful. I loved the signs explaining more in detail and even had a chance to sketch the house myself on one of the benches. Loved it. Well worth it!!

Matthew Froah

Great place to visit. There was construction on our visit in Sept of 2018, but should be completed soon.

Ann Alexander

Amazing experience aided by enthusiastic volunteers! Learned alot about Grant Wood and why he's important to American art, and impact on global art of his time and since.

fred harwood

Awesome experience, ladies working inside were great fun and knowledgeable, helped us get dressed up for a picture, no charge but be sure and drop some dough in the box so we don't lose this little piece of history

Jeff Way

A wonderful place to visit. Great little gift shop and museum

Donna Cronce

Interesting info about such an iconic piece of art, the artist, the history. You can dress up and recreate the scene in front of the house.

Craig Chladny

Lady at the counter was super helpful. Very cool little road trip stop. Worth the detour.

lisa rose

My husband grew up there

Cat Thulhu

If you like art and history this place is wonderful.

Benjamin Valpey

This is a very nice area that is kept up well. The land is beautiful and the mini plaza has several very well detailed and interesting descriptions to be read. Though a bit hard to get to, it is worth the stop.

Jane Eskridge-Dale

Very fun stop on our trip. Doesn't take too long and was interesting.

Marvin Smith

A little piece of Americana.

Bob Cervera

Wonderful piece of American history! A must see!

Tom LeHew

Very informative, well worth the stop.

KR Campbell

Wonderful to see it in person.

Gary Swayne

Where else can you get the Original American Gothic story than the place itself.

Neil DeVocht

Nice museum which tells the story behind the house and the people involved. Nice gift shop and nice staff.

Lisa Fields

Great American Classic!

Cathy Penniston

We have visited the Eldon Gothic House many times. It is an excellent museum. There are several rooms of exhibits, a gift shop, and an interesting movie about Grant Wood. The people who work at the museum are friendly and helpful. The original home with the window used by Grant Wood in his paintings is located on the property. I highly recommend the Eldon Gothic House.

Parker Spitzer

This was such a fun place to visit. We didn't really know what to expect driving up to the visitor center, but it was great. A small museum describing the history and cultural value of the piece; a stellar giftshop with all sorts of tshirts, pins, prints, etc.; and costumes to take some pictures out by the house. Overall, great experience with very friendly staff!

Smarti Gras

Four stars because it's not open long enough for those driving from Des Moines to get there before 4 PM if you plan any other stops along the route, but we managed to fly in by the seat of our pants 10 minutes before closing and the young lady was so accommodating and kept the gift shop open a little longer for us, and also snapped a few pictures of us before she left. The iconic home was under construction, and we only got to see it from the outside, but still it was a nice afternoon in August and we had fun. Be prepared to take lots of pics and to stay a few hours. It's a great spot to plan a day trip and picnic. Fairfield is nearby- a funky little town with some excellent little restaurants if you get there in time. There's also the Dutchman Store about 40 mins south of Eldon.

Kirsten Klosinski

So cool! And you can even dress up like the characters and have your picture taken. The worker there helped with everything. And its free!!

Aileen Hunnell

Iowa landmark. Nice museum, parking and flower garden near by.

Ruby S

Great place to visite

Shane Howard

Cool little piece of culture & history

Kelly Bethel

Awesome visitors center! So great that you can get your picture taken by the docent!

A K

Enjoyed a few hours here touring the museum and then getting dressed up to take the iconic picture in front of the house! Staff was friendly and very knowledgeable. They were patient and took multiple pictures with our phones!

Cachet Hoyt

Awesome information about a great American Icon!!!

Teresa Messerli

Lovely little museum honoring Grant Wood, the painter of "American Gothic. You can dress up and have your picture taken in front of the iconic house.

Christy Stevens

Great place for history and fun for children

Elizabeth Uitermark

A very interesting place to see. There's a museum and gift shop, clean restrooms, and extremely friendly staff with fun photo ops.

Ann Peterson

worth seeing for a quick visit

Tom McCune

Good history area

Mallory Kessen

Super relaxing and peaceful. I loved the signs explaining more in detail and even had a chance to sketch the house myself on one of the benches. Loved it. Well worth it!!

Debra Ferguson

My family went in and had fun. They dressed up in the period clothing and took pictures.

Zoe Rebuffo

simple and beautiful. the house center was sadly closed because it opens at 1pm but it was a good experience nevertheless.

Janet Smith

Very nice visitors center. Interesting displays. Can recreate painting with costumes available in the visitors center and bricks marking where to stand in front of the house. Was definitely worth getting off the main highway to see.

ft3Safety1st2

Very polite staff / volunteers and best of all, it's FREE (during my visit). The staff help dress you up and you can bring your own camera to take pictures. They happily accept donations. There's a small museum in an attached room.