Buchanan County Visitors Center & Illinois Central Railroad Depot
In addition to housing Buchanan County Tourism, the Depot is a museum of local railroad history. It was built in 1892 to accommodate the increasing number of passengers coming to Independence for harness racing on the nationally famous kite-shaped track built by Charles W. Williams. The site includes the station &  baggage room, a 1926 90-ton steam engine, and a 1978 32-ton caboose. Open seasonally mid-May through mid-October, Thursday    through Sunday Noon- 4PM and by appointment.

Old Order Amish Community
One of the largest and  oldest Amish communities in Iowa is located just west of Hazleton. It is also considered to be one of the most conservative and traditional societies. The Amish are open to visitors and have numerous businesses where they welcome guests.
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Cedar Rock State Park  & the Walter House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright 
In 1945, Lowell & Agnes Walter commissioned world-famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright to create their new home. Wright designed a brick, steel, and glass house complete with a River Pavilion cantilevered off Cedar Rock, a landmark on the Wapsipinicon River. Tours of the property are offered seasonally mid-May through mid-October and by reservation. The Park Visitor Center provides exhibits on the story of the site and the life of the architect. You even have an opportunity to get your photo with flat Frank! Free admission, but donations are appreciated.
​Friends of Cedar Rock / Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation

Daniel S. Lee Mansion
This historic home built in 1867 and once owned by Independence's first mayor is under restoration. Lee was a lawyer, an  officer in the Civil War, and one of the early settlers in Buchanan County. The home is a fine example of Italianate architecture and is now owned by the Buchanan County Historical Society. The gardens to the rear are maintained by the Buchanan County Master Gardeners. Currently, BCHS opens it for viewing on specific dates or by appointment. Eventually, it will house a museum of local history and be open year round.
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Heartland Acres Agribition Center
Located in Independence, Iowa, Heartland Acres is a living museum of agricultural innovations, implements and displays that engage, inspire and educate visitors as they learn about our country's agricultural heritage, both in the past and present day.
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A Silos & Smokestacks Heritage Site

​Iowa Mental Health Institute
This building is a striking example of 2nd Empire architecture and based upon the floor plan developed by Dr. Thomas S. Kirkbride, a leader in mental health in the 19th century. Its doors opened in 1873 as one of four "insane asylums" in Iowa. Today, it continues to provide psychiatric services to the public along with training in mental health to nursing students. The "Days of Yore" museum - open by appointment - tells the history of MHI from its inception and gives a picture of mental health treatment over the years. To arrange a visit call 319-334-2583.
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History of MHI / Kirkbride Buildings

Quasqueton Bank Museum & Finder's TEXACO Station
The Quasqueton Area Historical Society museum is housed in the oldest brick building in Quasqueton.  Extensive restoration has been done since we acquired it in 1989.  All three levels of this historic building now house wonderful exhibits of “Days Gone By”.  Next door is a restored circa-1940s gas station. Both are open on weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day or by appointment.
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Richardson-Jakway Historic Site
Located just south of Aurora, this historic site provides a glimpse into a 19th century home, farmstead, and community. Abiathar Richardson, the first settler in Buffalo Township, built  this frame house in 1851, painting it a bright red and founded a town nearby. The property was later owned by the Jakway family. Today it is owned by Buchanan County Conservation, is a Silos & Smokestacks Heritage Site, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Click here for a downloadable guide. 
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Wapsipinicon Mill Museum
The Wapsipinicon Mill, built in 1867, was once the financial hub of Independence. Today it is a historic landmark, telling the story of the town, the farms, and the people who settled in Iowa. Owned by the Buchanan County Historical Society, it is open seasonally for tours. 
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​A Silos & Smokestacks Heritage Site