Established in 1987, the Ackley Heritage Center has a long history of preserving the story of Ackley for future generations. The organization has three sites – the Depot Museum, the Settlement on the Prairie, and the Soda Fountain.
The Depot Museum is filled with photographs, historical documents, and interesting artifacts which together hold, and share, the story of Ackley and the surrounding area. The Settlement on the Prairie is home to an 1870 I-house and reflects the lifestyle of early settlers. The house was restored to its original state and houses many of the organization’s artifacts. The Settlement includes a prairie style barn, the Clutterville Schoolhouse, a carriage house, and Charlie’s windmill. Combined, the buildings depict the history of agriculture in the area and the ‘Story of Corn”. The Soda Fountain is now the home of the local newspaper. For many years it was open to the public as an operating soda shop. Today, visitors are still welcome to stop in to browse displays of old medicines, early businesses, cameras, and East Friesland history.
Dedicated and long-term volunteers continue to make the sites available to visitors and community members. There are constant changes in displays allowing the organization to utilize an untold number of artifacts housed in all the locations.
Topics: Spotlight Site
Related Attractions:
Ackley Heritage Center
Heritage Center Museum, 120 State St
Ackley, IA
641-847-8070
