Taylor County Historical Museum And Round Barn – Bedford, Iowa
The county has developed a four-acre historical complex by bringing in various historic structures. Visitors can look at a log cabin over a century old, furnished rural schoolhouse, print shop, bank building, small chapel, and depot. Near the depot a restored caboose has been placed. A rare, historic round barn is also located in the complex. A number of artifacts are on display in the museum building.
The Taylor County Historical Society operates the Taylor County Museum with all volunteer help, in an effort to preserve the heritage of the past so young people can visualize the things that once were, and develop appreciation for things as they are now. The museum features hands on exhibits of an 1800’s settler’s cabin, a one-room schoolhouse, a train station complete with caboose, a machine shed full of old farm machinery, a small replica of a Heritage Chapel and a fully restored 1907 Lenox Round Barn.
The Lenox round barn, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was disassembled at the farmstead approximately 20 miles from Bedford and moved to the museum grounds where it was restored. The entire operation was funded through donations and historical preservation grants with a lot of volunteer labor.
Admission – None
Directions – on State Highway 2 west, Bedford, Iowa 50833
Hours – 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Tuesday – Sunday, April 1 – December 25
Credit Cards – None
Phone – ( 712) 523-2041