American Gothic House & Center

American Gothic House & Center Come to Eldon, Iowa and view the original façade that inspired Grant Wood to paint American Gothic! The American Gothic House Center is open year-round.
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Strike your own pose in front of the original house that inspired Iowa artist Grant Wood in 1930 to paint his most famous painting, American Gothic, depicting a stern pair of people, one holding a “pitchfork” in front of an unusual farmhouse with a large gothic window. Modest admission allows patrons access to the educational exhibits, media room, and use of costumes during the Center's open hours

. Find prints, postcards, books, clothing and other souvenirs in our gift shop. Please note there is no public restroom. Tours of the house itself happen on the second Saturday of the month, April to October, from 11am-2pm. For more detailed information, please visit our website at americangothichouse.org.

Music on the Porch 2026 is in the books!Thank you so much to everyone who showed up to support us, the musicians who pla...
08/29/2026

Music on the Porch 2026 is in the books!

Thank you so much to everyone who showed up to support us, the musicians who played for us, our delicious BBQ truck, and all of those who helped set up and take down everything!

It turned out to be a beautiful day to sit outside and listen to music.

If you're sad you missed out, we are already planning on this event next year!

Thanks again everyone!

Come see us today from 11 to 3pm!
08/29/2026

Come see us today from 11 to 3pm!

☀️ TODAY IS THE DAY! ☀️The sun is shining, the porch is prepped, and the BBQ is smelling amazing! Join us starting at 11...
08/29/2026

☀️ TODAY IS THE DAY! ☀️

The sun is shining, the porch is prepped, and the BBQ is smelling amazing! Join us starting at 11:00 AM on the lawn of the historic American Gothic House for Music on the Porch!

🕚 Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

📍 Location: American Gothic House Center (300 American Gothic St, Eldon)

🎟️ Cost: FREE Admission

🪑 Don't forget: Bring your lawn chairs or blankets!

Come for the live music, stay for the Sweet 'n Saucy BBQ, and enjoy a gorgeous Saturday with us. See you on the lawn! 🏡🎸✨

⏳ 2 DAYS LEFT! ⏳The countdown is almost over! This Saturday, August 29th (11:00 AM – 3:00 PM), grab your lawn chair and ...
08/27/2026

⏳ 2 DAYS LEFT! ⏳

The countdown is almost over! This Saturday, August 29th (11:00 AM – 3:00 PM), grab your lawn chair and head over to the American Gothic House Center for Music on the Porch!

🎶 Live Music: Tom Shadonix, James Doud, & Day's Live Music

🍖 Lunch: Sweet 'n Saucy BBQ

🎟️ Admission: FREE

It’s going to be a fantastic afternoon of local talent, great food, and community. Who’s coming with you? Drop a comment below and let us know! 👇

ONLY 1 WEEK AWAY! Are you ready for Music on the Porch? 🎸🏡We are officially seven days out from Saturday, August 29th! T...
08/22/2026

ONLY 1 WEEK AWAY! Are you ready for Music on the Porch? 🎸🏡

We are officially seven days out from Saturday, August 29th! The lawn is ready, the BBQ is prepped, and we can’t wait to see everyone in front of the historic American Gothic House.

To make sure you have the best afternoon possible, here is your quick "What to Pack" Checklist:

Your Event Checklist:
Lawn Chairs or Picnic Blankets: Pick out your favorite spot on the grass!

An Appetite: Sweet 'n Saucy will be on-site selling their famous, award-winning BBQ, so plan on grabbing lunch while you listen!

Sunscreen & Sunglasses: Stay comfortable while enjoying the music outdoors.

Friends, Family & Neighbors: The more, the merrier!

Quick Event Recap:
📅 When: Saturday, August 29, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

📍 Where: American Gothic House Center

🎸 Live Music By: Tom Shadonix, James Doud, and Day's Live Music

🎟️ Admission: FREE! (Includes free admission inside the Center during event hours—please note our dress-up costume drawer will be tucked away for the day).

🌦️ Weather reminder: In case of rain or severe weather, the event will be canceled. Keep an eye on our page for any day-of updates!

👉 Let's spread the word! Tag the friends you're bringing in the comments below!

08/13/2026

Update for Music on the Porch 🎵

Please note that Adam is unable to perform at Music on the Porch due to personal reasons. We wish him the best and hope to host him again in the future!

Tom Shadonix and Days Live Music are still on, and we are currently working on filling the remaining open spot on the lineup. Stay tuned for more details soon!

Music & BBQ: Only 2 Weeks Until Music on the Porch! 🍖🎶The countdown is on! In exactly two weeks on Saturday, August 29th...
08/13/2026

Music & BBQ: Only 2 Weeks Until Music on the Porch! 🍖🎶

The countdown is on! In exactly two weeks on Saturday, August 29th, the front lawn of the historic American Gothic House is going to be filled with amazing music, great community, and delicious lunch.

Today, we are highlighting our final musical spotlight, plus a very exciting announcement about what's for lunch!

🎙️ Performer Spotlight: Day's Live Music
Hailing originally from Tennessee, Day is an Iowa-based live looping wizard! Using her voice, acoustic guitar, and percussion, she layers her sound live on stage to create the feel of a full, energetic band. Her set is packed with upbeat, easy-listening rock, pop, and country covers—plus some great storytelling. You're going to love her sound!

🍖 Lunch is Served: Sweet ‘n Saucy BBQ!
Come hungry! We are thrilled to announce that Sweet ‘n Saucy will be on-site selling their famous, award-winning BBQ during the event! 😋 Grab a delicious plate of BBQ, find a spot on the grass with your lawn chair, and enjoy the ultimate lunchtime soundtrack.

📌 Quick Reminder:
📅 When: Saturday, August 29, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

🎟️ Cost: FREE to attend (including free admission to the Center during the event!)

🍿 What to bring: Your favorite lawn chairs, blankets, an appetite for great BBQ, and your friends.

TOMORROW IS THE DAY! The last chance of the season! 🎉The wait is almost over! The interior of the American Gothic House ...
08/07/2026

TOMORROW IS THE DAY! The last chance of the season! 🎉

The wait is almost over! The interior of the American Gothic House will be open TOMORROW, August 8th, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM!

While tomorrow is your last chance for this year, we can't wait for what's next! Don't forget the big news: starting next year, regular interior hours are back, and the house will be open every second Saturday from April through October! 🗓️✨

But why wait? Come celebrate the end of summer with us tomorrow!

📅 Tomorrow! Saturday, August 8th | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

⚠️ Important Note: Due to the historic nature of the building, the house is not handicap accessible.

Set those alarms, prep your cameras, and hit the road! Who is coming out to see us tomorrow?

COUNTDOWN TO SATURDAY: The final opening of the season is just days away! 🚨If you’ve been waiting for the perfect chance...
08/04/2026

COUNTDOWN TO SATURDAY: The final opening of the season is just days away! 🚨

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect chance to step inside the American Gothic House, this weekend is your moment! The interior will be open this coming Saturday, August 8th, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

We have some incredible news for the future—starting next year, regular interior hours are returning, and the house will be open every second Saturday from April through October! 🗓️✨

However, Saturday is your absolute last chance to see the inside this year before we close the doors until spring. We've even added an extra hour in the morning so everyone has plenty of time to explore!

📅 This Saturday, August 8th | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

⚠️ Important Note: Due to the historic nature of the building, the house is not handicap accessible.

Don't let the summer pass by without checking this piece of history off your list. Who is hitting the road to come see us this Saturday?

Welcome to August! BIG NEWS & Your Last Chance of the Season! Can you believe it is already the end of July? That means ...
07/31/2026

Welcome to August! BIG NEWS & Your Last Chance of the Season!

Can you believe it is already the end of July? That means our next—and final—interior opening of the summer is just over a week away!

We are absolutely thrilled to share some amazing news: starting next year, we are bringing back regular interior hours! The house will officially be open every second Saturday from April through October!✨

While we are incredibly excited for next season, you don't have to wait until spring to step inside. Our final opening for this year is right around the corner, and we’re opening an hour earlier to give everyone extra time:

📅 Saturday, August 8th | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Because this is our last open house of the season, you definitely don't want to miss it. Come out, check this off your summer bucket list, and help us celebrate this exciting next chapter!

⚠️ Important Note: Due to the historic nature of the building, the house is not handicap accessible.

Address

300 American Gothic Street
Eldon, IA
52554

Telephone

(641) 652-3352

Website

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