Come to Eldon, Iowa and view the exterior of the house that inspired Grant Wood to paint American Gothic, one of the most recognized paintings in the world. Tour the adjacent American Gothic House Center which showcases Grant Wood’s life and the history of the house. Props on hand encourage visitors to pose in front of the historic American Gothic House and create their own unique American Gothic portrait.

Eldon is located on Highway 16, six miles south of Highway 34 between Ottumwa and Fairfield, Iowa.

Once you reach Eldon follow the brown signs to the American Gothic House.  Please note–many GPS units do not provide correct directions to the house, so please follow the brown signs.

Hours of Operation:

Winter Hours (October-April)

Tuesday-Friday:  10:00am – 4:00pm

Saturday-Monday:  1:00pm – 4:00pm

Summer Hours (May – September)

Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00am – 5:00pm

Sunday – Monday: 1:00pm – 4:00pm

 

Other hours available by appointment. Call: 641-652-3352 or email: TheAmericanGothicHouse@gmail.com

 

NORMALLY CLOSED FOR COUNTY OBSERVED HOLIDAYS

New Years Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans’ Day, Thanksgiving Day, Friday After Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day

Please call 641-652-3352 to confirm holiday hours.

The Villages are a unique cluster of towns in Van Buren County, Iowa which is located just 20 miles South of Fairfield (Hwy. 34), 45 miles East of Ottumwa (Hwy. 63) and 34 miles West of Hwy 27 (Avenue of the Saints.)

It is simple to relax as you drive through the countryside because you will not find a stop light or a fast-food restaurant in the entire county! Take a step back in time to enjoy a leisurely picnic in a park, hike the trails, stroll through the shops, enjoy the historic architecture, or relax and take in the solitude and beauty of the surroundings.