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 by appointment for groups of ten or more throughout the year and is open on a drop in basis the second weekend of June, July, and August from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. To book a group tour call the Historical Society office (515-225-1286). Admission is $5.00 for adults, $2.00 for children, and free for members of the West Des Miones Historical Society. (for a printable .pdf file membership application '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.