The Iowa Rural Schools Museum captures the spirit and pride of Iowa's rural past. The school once stood in Richland Township, Sac County, Iowa, and was known as Willow Tree or Richland #1.
In October 2011 the school was moved to the nearby town of Odebolt by the Rural Legacy Project committee and has been restored to the Victorian look it had when it opened in 1883. It is representative of the 12,623 schools that were part of the Iowa rural schools system and helped shape Iowa's rural development and character.
This museum celebrates the contributions of rural schools in Iowa.
Our Rural Legacy
We are proud to be hosting the 2020 Iowa Rural Schools Conference in October. See more information on "Contact Us" page
The Iowa Rural Schools Museum
is located at:
122 W. Second St.
Odebolt, IA 51458
ADMISSION IS FREE
See an area Day Trip ITINERARY on the "About Us" page
Our Collection this Month
Historical School Designs and Features
Regular visiting hours Memorial Day through October:28th
Wednesday: 10 - 4
Saturday: 2 - 4
Sunday: 2 - 4
Call (712) 668-4285 to tour the museum outside of these hours.