About Us

Our History

-Our History-
Grand Meadow Heritage Center is the site of District 5 Grand Meadow Township school. Built in 1881, the original one room schoolhouse was built with logs that were floated down the Little Sioux River from Cherokee to Washta.

In 1912, a two story schoolhouse was erected on the school grounds with a high school upstairs and a grade school downstairs.

In 1919, parents in the Grand Meadow Township voted to consolidate the smaller 9 one-room schoolhouses in one school. The cornerstone was laid in 1920 for the large three story brick schoolhouse. The old two story schoolhouse was moved to the Southeast corner of the grounds to be used as a teachers’ residence. By the 1940’s, the school consisted of: the large brick schoolhouse, the teacherage, two homes, a temporary trailer home, a manual training building, and a music building (both quanset huts currently on location). A spacious playground, lunchroom and kitchen had been incorporated.

In 1959, the school reorganized in Marcus. The last students graduated from the Grand Meadow school in 1961. The last pupils attended the school until 1973, when the school officially closed its doors.

-Our Mission-

The Grand Meadow Heritage Center was formed by alumni of the Grand Meadow school and volunteers. The former students didn’t want to see their old school lost in the sands of time. Thus, the Grand Meadow Heritage Center was born. Our mission is to preserve and protect Iowa’s agricultural past for our present and future generations. The heritage center continues to add buildings and exhibits of historical significance to its complex

-What We’re Doing Today-

We host annual events throughout the year that include:

Taste of Grand Meadow- Where beer,wine, and distilled spirits vendors come together to offer their drink selections for sampling and purchase. This event also offers local vendors and crafters to show their products and services!

The Annual Heritage Festival- our biggest event of the year, is held the first weekend after Labor Day. This festival not only opens up all the buildings on grand meadow but also puts on historically accurate demonstrations, products, and entertainment!

Halloween Haunted House- this happens every October, the public joins us for a scare within the two-room school house and basement of the brick schoolhouse! Open the three weekends before Halloween, there are activities for all ages!

-How can you help?-

The Grand Meadow Heritage Center is a non-profit organization. The Heritage Center is maintained through yearly activities and fundraisers, as well as donations from the public. Through your generous support, the Grand Meadow Heritage Center will continue to entertain and educate the generations to come!

Virtual Tours

During the begining of the Covid-19 Crisis, we decided to do a series of virtual tours of the School/ Musuem and attractions  on the Grand Meadow Heritage Center Property. They will all be uploaded to the Virtual Tours page here on the website later next month . You can find them all currently on our Facebook page. Please enjoy.

I love the video tours you are doing! I think my dad (Russ) would have loved to be a part of this. They make me smile! Keep up the great work!

 

- Julie B

Thank you for the shelter that you provided for our flags, it was greatly appreciated by Quimby American Legion Post and Auxiliary. We had a great time -hope to see you next year!

 

- Shirley P. 

We had a GRAND time playing for the crowd at Grand Meadow Heritage Center. The grounds are wonderful and the food is fantastic.

 

- Dawn N.

Thanks for all the support at Grand Meadow Heritage Center today! It’s was an awesome day

 

- Farm Forager 

CURRENT NEWS

Wednesday Dec 15th Storm

At this time Grand Meadow Heritage Center is surveying the damage from the storm Wednesday.
Some of our historical buildings have sustained damage and will need repaired. The 1881 log cabin will require a major restoration to bring it back. The store has an immediate need to have the front structurally repaired. Windows will be repaired tomorrow.
We suggest everyone stay clear of the grounds and structures until we are sure that they are stable and safe. We will announce a volunteer/help day when we have more information and a plan.
Thank you for your concern and support.
-The GMHC Board.

MAY 14 TH -MAY 15TH

Taste of Grand Meadow Beer, Wine, & Distilled Spirits

Join us for a fun weekend of local brews, wines, and distilled spirits, local vendor shopping, great food, and live music in the evening! Sunday we're having a great old-fashioned pan-fried chicken dinner with all the fixings, small business vendors, and much more!
More Info

ON GOING

Grand Meadow Membership!

It's a new year, so it's time to renew memberships!
Your membership provides a solid foundation for Grand Meadow to reach their goals in preservation of the grounds, collections, improvements, and expansions. An annual membership keeps you up to date on new fundraisers, events, activities, and so much more!
Become a part of the Grand Meadow Heritage today!
More Info


Donate Today!

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