TRAINS ON THE FARM RAILROAD TOURS
Clarksville

Personal guided Tours of Several railroad sites throughout the area, including the operational Iowa Northern Railway. Go behind the scenes and view railroad yards, engine, caboose, and more. Plus see the Rock Island museum, layouts, and displays all on a real Iowa farm!
By appointment only.  319-278-4847
www.trainsonthefarm.com

LITTLE YELLOW SCHOOLHOUSE
ALLISON – COURTHOUSE SQUARE
 

Built in 1888, this one room schoolhouse served the educational needs of section three in Pittsford Township near the town of Aredale until 1957. The building was relocated to the courthouse square in Allison, and was the first attraction of the Butler County Historical Society. Volunteer retired school teachers help educate current school children from around the county on what it would have been like to get their education in a one room school. The school is outfitted with sleigh desks and other props from the era when it was used. Visitors are welcome. Appointments are required by calling (319) 267-2664

BUTLER COUNTY HALL OF FAME
ALLISON – COURTHOUSE SQUARE
The Hall of Fame is housed in a structure that is topped off with the old cupola that was removed from the Butler County Courthouse that was built in 1881, and torn down in 1975. The dome is 18 feet in diameter, 30 feet tall, and weighs approximately 7000 pounds. Inside, you will find photos of county residents who have been inducted into the hall of fame over the years. Also on display are military artifacts dating back to the War Of 1812 that were donated by county residents and their families who served in the military. Visitors are welcome. Appointments are required by calling (319) 267-2664

BUTLER COUNTY MUSEUM
ALLISON - BUTLER COUNTY
FAIRGROUNDS
The museum contains numerous exhibits ranging from children’s toys, medical equipment, hand tools, and a wedding gown and suit worn by a couple that was married at the county fair in 1935. Other artifacts include the first folding ironing board, various farming tools and equipment, and various artifacts relating to life in Butler County in years past. The Butler County Museum is open during the fair, and also by appointment. Call (319) 267-2664 for more information.
 

HISTORICAL LOG CABIN
ALLISON - BUTLER COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
Built in the 1850’s, this was originally a two story log cabin and served as a stagecoach stop between Waterloo and Mason City in Coldwater Township southwest of the town of Greene. The cabin also served as the first hotel in Greene. Many of the logs are black walnut and were found to be firmly mortised into the adjoining log. In 1960 the log cabin was turned over to the Butler County Historical Society. You can visit it during the annual Butler County Fair, or by appointment by calling (319) 267-2664.

Parkersburg Historical Home
Parkersburg - 401 Fifth Street
This Victorian home was built in 1895. Visitors will enjoy the wide variety of woodwork in each room, as well as many artifacts of local history. The home features a circular tower that provides panoramic view of the surrounding area. Open Sunday afternoons from 1 P.M. to 4 P.M. from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and by appointment. Call (319) 346-1461 for information.

Little Valley Church
Bristow - 513 Early Street
Said to be the smallest church in Iowa, measuring in at 6 feet by 8 feet and 10 feet tall, not including the steeple. Inside you will find 4 small pews to seat four adults, an altar, and yes, room to stand up! Constructed in 1972, it was originally located in Allison. The small church has hosted visitors from over 40 states. Owners John and Sally Schneiderman love to have visitors to the church which is located in the back yard of their home. Open by request only. Please call (641) 775-3333 for information.


Little Valley Church

ANNA PALS HOUSE
ALLISON – 714 ELM STREET
The most recent project for the Historical Society has been the acquisition of this one story cottage. From 1908 through 1940 more than 100,000 people ordered their houses from Sears, Roebuck and Co. catalogs. It is believed that this home was constructed between 1909 and 1910, and was model number 106 from the Sears catalog. The home sold for between $498 and
$1190, depending on the features chosen. Butler County carpenter Peter Pals constructed the house with the materials that arrived by rail. Owning this 944 square foot home was the All American Dream in it’s time. The home is currently being restored to its original time period. For more information,
please call (319) 267-2664.


GREENE HISTORICAL MUSEUM
GREENE - 102 NORTH FIRST STREET
This early 1900's boarding house was restored by the Greene Historical Society. The museum is located across from Perrin Park, and contains a large collection of items of historical interest. Open by appointment, and various weekends during the summer. Call (641) 816-4631 for
more information.

RAILROAD DEPOT
GREENE - 311 NORTH SECOND STREET
This restored railroad depot features displays of historical railroad memorabilia as well as a model railroad. Open by appointment, and various weekends during the summer. Call (641) 816-4525 for more information.

DEPOT/CABOOSE RIVERFRONT PARK
PARKERSBURG – THIRD STREET
EAST OF HIGHWAY 14
Visit this restored 1935 depot and 1947 caboose. Inside you will find railroad pictures and memorabilia. Open by appointment.
Call (319) 346-2262 for information.

SHELL ROCK HISTORICAL MUSEUM
SHELL ROCK – 127 EAST ADAIR STREET
Visit this 1920's Craftsman style house that is home to a large display of memorabilia from Shell Rock's history. There is an original garage on site, which is unusual for this style of house. A railroad room and a school room are part of the permanent exhibits. Visitors can also view rotating exhibits throughout the year. Open Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 2 to 5, and other times by appointment.
Call 319-885- 6687.

THE OLD MILL
SHELL ROCK - 103 NORTH CHERRY STREET
This landmark has stood along the Shell Rock River since 1867. The five story mill was built by the founder of the town of Shell Rock, and was in operation until 1978. The unique mill stones and turbines can still be viewed from outside the mill. In 2002 the old mill was purchased by Daryl and Diana Pals who have carefully restored the interior of the mill to it’s original architecture. The Pals have made the mill their home, along with opening an antique shop on the walk-in level. The antique shop is open Fridays 2 to 5 PM and Saturdays Noon to 5 PM. Tours by appointment. Call (319) 885 6213 for more information.
 

HIGHWAY 3 RACEWAY
ALLISON – NORTH OF HIGHWAY 3
AT MAIN STREET
Hwy 3 Raceway features a 1/2 mile semi-banked dirt track. Events such as Stock Car, Figure 8 and other motor sport races are held at this great facility throughout the summer months. The grandstand and bleachers have a seating capacity of nearly 3500 spectators. Call (319) 267-9999 or (319) 267-2546 for information and events schedule.
www.highway3raceway.com
 

Butler County Genealogy Society
Clarksville – 103 West Greene Street
Butler County Genealogy records are archived in the basement of the Clarksville Public The collection includes archived newspapers, census, cemetery, church, and various other vital records. For assistance with researching genealogy information for Butler County, please call (319) 278-1168.