Visit - Iowa Archaeology

Screenshot of Google Map showing site and museum locations

Iowa Sites & Museums

There are nearly 100 places in and around Iowa to see archaeological sites and artifacts. Visit museums, nature centers, and interpretive centers with exhibits; National Historic Landmarks; State Archeological Preserves, and more.

Iowa Ancient Trails Tours

This project analyzed old maps, aerial photographs, and high-resolution lidar topographic maps to determine the exact location and survival of ancient roads in northern Iowa. Learn where you can drive or bike along paths that existed before Iowa was a state!

book cover art for the Archaeological Guide to Iowa

Iowa Archaeology Driving Tour

A sixty-eight location tour of prominent Iowa archaeological sites from all across the state, based on The Archaeological Guide to Iowa. Access the audio driving tour through the Geotourist mobile app or read and listen online.

Des Moines Walking Tour

The confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers has been an important spot for humans for thousands of years, and excavations in downtown Des Moines have unearthed glimpses of this past. Access the audio walking tour through the Geotourist mobile app or read and listen online.

Fort Atkinson Walking Tour

Fort Atkinson in Winneshiek County was established in 1840 to monitor the Ho-Chunk (Winnebago) Nation who had been forced to move from their traditional homeland in Wisconsin to the Neutral Ground in northeastern Iowa. Access the audio walking tour through the Geotourist mobile app or read and listen online.