• The Jordan House is a restored Victorian Mansion that was the home of James Jordan, the founder of Valley Junction (which was later renamed West Des Moines). In the 1850’s and early 60’s, the home served as a station on the Underground Railroad. Today, it serves as a museum for the City of West Des Moines and as the office of the Historical Society.  The Jordan House, a stately Victorian home of Italianate Gothic design, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a member of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program.

The Jordan House is open on the first Sunday of each month for 45 minute guided tours at 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm. 
*Note:  The May 5 Open House will be moved to Sunday, May 19, during our Ice Cream Social!

• Bennett School was one of the last one-room schoolhouses built in the West Des Moines area and has been restored as closely as possible to its former appearance as remembered by Walter Fuller, Pete Johnson, and Lincoln Bennett (all students there) and by Doroth Temple Mosher, a former teacher at the Bennett School.

Both properties are open to the public on a limited schedule.  For information, schedules, and a virtual tour, visit the pages for both properties!

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