One of the top things to do in Iowa is tour the American Gothic House Center in small town Eldon. This is the house that inspired Grant Wood’s iconic painting of the same name.
See my related guides on the top things to do in Iowa
- American Gothic House – Eldon, Iowa
- Buddy Holly Crash Site and Museum – Clear Lake, Iowa
- Pella Tulip Time Festival – Pella, Iowa
- The Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption – West Bend, Iowa
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Top things to do in Iowa: American Gothic House Center
Full disclosure: I was born and raised only 22 miles from the iconic American Gothic House Center. However, I did not tour the American Gothic House Center until just a couple of years ago. Why? I don’t know. I knew it was there. Kind of like when we lived in New York for nearly three years and didn’t see the Statue of Liberty until the weekend before we moved to Vermont.
Now that I’ve had the opportunity to visit, I highly recommend touring the American Gothic House Center. It’s the perfect day trip from Des Moines or Iowa City and roadside attraction when visiting southeast Iowa.
Frequently Asked Questions and Fun Facts about American Gothic House Center
Here are a few frequently asked questions (FAQs) and fun facts about the American Gothic House Center.
Where is the American Gothic House Center located? What’s the address for American Gothic House Center?
The American Gothic House Center is located in rural Eldon, Iowa – southeast corner of the state. You honestly cannot miss it as Eldon’s population is less than 800 people. Signs will direct you to the official address of 300 American Gothic Street, Eldon, IA 52554.
How far is the American Gothic House Center from Des Moines and Iowa City?
The American Gothic House Center is located 104 miles southeast of the Des Moines International Airport. This iconic museum is located 94 miles southwest of Iowa City.
Is there parking at American Gothic House Center?
Yes. Parking is abundant and free at the American Gothic House Center.
Where can I purchase tickets for the American Gothic House Center? How much does it cost to visit the American Gothic House Center?
You can purchase tickets directly at the American Gothic House Center. Admission is $5 per person 13-59 years old and $4 for seniors aged 60+. Children 12 and under as well as Wapello County residents are free.
When is the American Gothic House open? What are the hours for the American Gothic House Center?
The American Gothic House visitor center is open year-round when volunteers are available. However, the museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays and major holidays like Christmas and Easter. Hours Wednesdays through Saturdays are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays the visitor center is open 1 to 4 p.m.
Please note that the interior of the actual American Gothic House is only open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. the second Saturday of each month.
If the American Gothic House visitor center is closed, you can still take photos in front of the iconic home. However, you’ll need to bring your own pitchfork and other props if the visitor center is closed. You can also watch an external video monitor to learn more about the home and Grant Wood.
Last admission to enter the American Gothic House Center is 3:50 p.m. on the days it is open.
How long does it take to tour the American Gothic House Center in Eldon, Iowa?
I would recommend allowing yourself at least an hour to tour the American Gothic House Center and take photos.
Can you take photos in the American Gothic House Center?
Yes, you can take photos (without a flash) and video at the American Gothic House Center. Some volunteers may offer to take your photo in front of the American Gothic House. If not, you can take advantage of the selfie station. They even provide photo props and costumes at the American Gothic House Center (included with your $5 admission charge).
Pictured: My husband and me in front of the American Gothic House in Eldon, Minnesota. One of the best museums and roadside attractions in Iowa, you can also borrow costumes and props like this pitchfork.
Is the American Gothic House Center kid-friendly?
Yes. The American Gothic House Center appeals to everyone of all ages. You will find several interactive children’s exhibits at the American Gothic House Center.
Does American Gothic House Center have a restaurant?
No. American Gothic House Center does not have a restaurant.
Does American Gothic House Center have restrooms?
Yes. The American Gothic House Center has modern indoor restrooms.
Does American Gothic House Center have a gift shop?
Yes. The American Gothic House Center has a gift shop.
Did Grant Wood grow up in Eldon, Iowa? Was Grant Wood born in Eldon, Iowa?
No. Grant Wood did not grow up in Eldon, Iowa. But he was an Iowan native. Grant Wood was born near Anamosa, Iowa. His family later moved to Cedar Rapids. Wood visited Edward Rowan, director of the Cedar Rapids Little Gallery extension project in rural Eldon, Iowa. Rowan’s and the extension project’s goal, according to the American Gothic House Center, was “…to show that a small Midwestern community, completely isolated from certain contacts, will still respond most heartily to them when the opportunity for appreciation of the fine arts is given.”
Why did Grant Wood choose this house in rural Iowa for his famous painting?
John Sharp, an Eldon, Iowa native, was an acquaintance of both Grant Wood and Edward Rowan. While in town, Sharp drove Wood around the small rural countryside for some inspiration. During this drive, the house with the unusual Gothic windows caught his eye. According to The American Gothic House, it’s believed that Grant sketched what later became the American Gothic painting on the back of an envelope.
Pictured: The American Gothic House Center offers a short informative video where you can learn more about Grant Wood and his iconic painting.
What year did Grant Wood paint the American Gothic House painting? Why did he name it American Gothic?
Grant Wood painted the American Gothic masterpiece in 1930. The American Gothic House, also known as The Dibble House on the National Register of Historic Places, was owned by Catherine and Charles Dibble built the home in 1881-82. This home featured two Gothic windows. So that’s how the painting was named.
Where is the original Grant Wood American Gothic House painting now?
The Art Institute of Chicago purchased the iconic American Gothic painting in 1930 for And this piece of American art is still on display there today. Pictured is a replica of the American Gothic painting.
Who are the people depicted in the American Gothic House painting? Did Grant Wood use real models of the woman and man holding the pitchfork in front of the American Gothic House?
The iconic image of the woman and the farmer holding a pitchfork in front of the American Gothic House painting were believed to represent a farmer and his daughter. However, the two models never posed in front of the house. And they didn’t meet until 12 years after the painting was created. The daughter in the painting was inspired by Grant Wood’s sister, Nan Wood Graham. The farmer was modeled after Wood’s dentist, Dr. Byron McKeeby.
Source: American Gothic House Center.
Pictured: You will find several of these interpretive signs outside the American Gothic House Center. So if you happen to visit when the center is closed, you can still learn a lot about this iconic painting and its artist.
Add the American Gothic House Center to your top things to do in Eldon, Iowa itinerary
I highly recommend a visit to tour the American Gothic House Center in Eldon, Iowa. It’s one of the top things to do in Iowa.
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Very interesting post. Need to visit the state and stop by Eldon!
Thank you! I hope you get the opportunity to visit Iowa and the American Gothic House.
We have this painting on our wall, and had NO idea this place existed! This looks so neat, definitely saving this for an off-beat stop next time we’re through Iowa. Thanks for the guide!
That’s so cool! The history behind the American Gothic painting is pretty interesting.
We have not spent any time in Iowa. Touring the American Gothic House Centre would certainly give us a bit of an understanding of local history. And why Grant Wood chose this house for his famous painting. Definitely an iconic image!
I hope you get the opportunity to visit Iowa some day. We really enjoyed learning more about the American Gothic House.
This is really interesting. I’ve known about the painting, but I didn’t realize there is so much else to it!
It was pretty interesting to learn more about the American Gothic house and painting. A cool Iowa roadside attraction.
I didn’t even know this house really existed – how cool! Thanks for sharing this!
You’re welcome and my pleasure. Love sharing interesting places like the American Gothic House.
What an interesting place. I had seen the image before but didn’t know how it was related to this center – thanks for such a great explanation.
You’re welcome and my pleasure! The American Gothic House is so iconic.
Today, I realized I needed a photo in front of the Gothic House in Iowa lol. Thank you for the back story, I had no idea.
Ha! Love it! I’m glad we finally stoppped in to get our photo op at the American Gothic House.
the American Gothic Center House looks like a really neat experience! I would love to visit and learn more!!
The American Gothic House is pretty interesting. It was a cool experience.
The American Gothic House looks fun to tour! I’d definitely want to take a photo out front.
The American Gothic House is a perfect photo op. Fun thing to do in Iowa.