About the Jordan House, an historic home in West Des Moines, Iowa and former stop on the underground railroad now a museum of the West Des Moines Historical Society

The Jordan House is open to the public May-September on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons from 1-4 p.m. and Sunday afternoon from 2-5 p.m. Groups of ten or more can call the Historical Society office (515-225-1286) and schedule a special tour at any time of the year. Admission is $3.00 for adults, $1.00 for children, and free for members of the West Des Miones Historical Society. (for a printable .pdf file membership application 'click' here.) The Jordan House can also be rented for group special events under terms set by the Historical Society (for rental information 'click' here.)

A Brief Description

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. It is one of the oldest structures in Polk Country and the oldest in West Des Moines. Built by one of West Des Moines’ first settlers, James C. Jordan, the house today serves both as a museum for West Des Moines and as the office of West Des Moines Historical Society. The sixteen period rooms serve as a fitting backdrop of displaying the many antique treasures gathered from the rich heritage of West Des Moines. Visitors will also be interested in both the Underground Railroad Exhibit and the many artifacts from the regular railroad which played an important role in the early years of West Des Moines.