The Humeston Union Depot & Museum
During the years 1879-1880 tracks were laid from Corydon to Humeston by the Missouri, Iowa, and Nebraska (M. I. & N.), crossing the existing 1872 Chicago, Burlington and Quincy (C.B. & Q.) north-south tracks at Humeston.
In 1881, the M. I. & N. Railroad and the C. B. & Q. Railroad agreed to build west from Humeston jointly. The Humeston and Shenandoah (H. & S.) Railroad was created. These early trains carried passengers and essential freight across the midwest. In 1883, the Humeston Union Depot was built to meet the needs of the growing railroads. In 1886, the M. I. & N. was taken over by the Keokuk and Western Railroad (K. & W.) The C. B. & Q. purchased both the
H. & S. and the K. & W. Railroads in 1901.
The Humeston Union Depot was remodeled in 1924 and continued to serve passengers and carry freight. On January 1, 1946, rail service west of Humeston ended. On March 22, 1958, the last passenger train arrived in Humeston. For the final passenger trip over 400 people boarded for the last ride. In 1981 freight trains also ceased running through Humeston and the tracks were removed. For Humeston, the railway era had ended.
Or had it?
In 2002, restoration began on the Humeston Union Depot and Water Tower to bring both back to the golden days of railway travel, when passengers, animals, and freight sped across the plains by rail.
Now, the Humeston Union Depot Museum proudly displays the rich history and heritage of the area and honors the early era of the railroad. Many authentic artifacts and exciting displays can now be viewed and enjoyed for generations to come!
The Railroad Water Tower is the only remaining historic wooden railroad water tower in Iowa.
Experience the excitement of the steam era with original artifacts, intricate displays and authentic sounds! The Humeston Union Depot Museum is located at 422 N. Eaton Avenue in Humeston. For more information call 641.877.6841.
The WWII Veteran's Memorial
Located near the Humeston Union Depot Museum and Water Tower, this memorial monument honors those brave men and women of the community who have served with honor and sacrificed their own lives that others may be free.
Christopher Street Memorial Park
Since 1885, citizens and visitors of Humeston have enjoyed the city park. Over the years, the park has included cinder walking paths, a skating rink and horseshoes pitching contests. In 1919, a monument was added to the park to honor those who served in WWI.
In 1994, the name of the park was changed to the Christopher Street Memorial Park, in memory of a talented young man who played basketball for the University of Iowa.
Our beautiful city park is irresistable to both children and adults. Children will enjoy the "Kid's Kingdom" -one of the largest play structures in the state-and the variety of playground equipment. Adults can enjoy musical festivals and performances held on the outdoor stage. Many enjoy the basketball court and sand volleyball court, picnic area and
beautiful mature trees.
Mormon Trail Pool
Open seasonally, the Mormon Trail Pool provides a refreshing break from the summer heat.
Individual and family passes are available for purchase. Swimming lessons are held each summer through the American Red Cross.
RV Park & Picnic Area
13 Full Hookups
Picnic Area
Fire Pits
Located on Front Street in Humeston near the Humeston Union Depot Museum and Water Tower
Lakeside Camping & Fishing
Spacious camping areas, scenic views, wildlife, picnic areas, play areas, fishing and sunshine are the key ingredients to a fun family day trip or stay at the Lakeside Park.
Located just north of Humeston on Hwy 65, this quiet and picturesque park is just the place for a relaxing stay.
Humeston Lakeside Golf Course
The Humeston Lakeside Golf Course is also located just north of Humeston with the drive for the Lakeside Park serving as the entrance.
This beautifully maintained 9-hole course boasts challenging sand greens and scenic views of southern Iowa.
Mormon Trail Historic Sites
Early in 1846 thousands of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) left their homes in Nauvoo, Illinois, bound for the Great Basin in the Rocky Mountains. Moving westward across Iowa, their advance company made camp here April 25, 1846, calling the site Garden Grove.
Within two weeks, 359 men under the leadership of president Brigham Young cleared 388 acres of land, planted crops, built log houses and cut 10,000 surplus rails for fencing and enough logs to build 40 additional houses.
Garden Grove thus became a stopover for the many emigrant wagon trains and handcart groups that followed later. Death overtook some, however, these were buried here.
Refreshed by their stop at this place, the Mormon pioneers went on to the Rockies were they founded cities and towns and made the desert 'to blossom as the rose.'
Prairie Trails Museum
Explore our trail of heritage through 150 years of living in the heart of America's Prairie! Where prairie trails cross, come enjoy 25,000+ artifacts of Mid-Americana in 29,000 sq. ft. of exhibits.
See exhibits including our pioneer log cabin, the actual safe robbed by Jesse James, the new gallery commemorating Wayne County in the Twentieth Century, textiles and quilts, antique farm machinery and tools and much more!
Exploring your past? We house an extensive historical and geneaological library.
Our outstanding Mormon Trail Exhibit Commemorates "Come, Come Ye Saints" -Hymn written in Wayne County April 15, 1846. See our extensive arrowhead collection. Our Military Gallery Honors Veterans from the American Revolution through the Iraq War.
Visit us:
Prairie Trails Museum
Highway 2 East, P.O. Box 104
Corydon, Iowa 50060
Open Daily April 15-October 31
June, July, & August: Weekdays 10-5, Sundays 1-5
April, May, September, October: Daily 1-5
Admission: Adults: $5; Jr-Sr High: $2; K-6th Grade: $1. Ask about Tour, Family & College Rates, Tours year round by appointment.
Humeston Library
Free internet access, inter-library loan, fiction, nonfiction, children's books, reference books, videos, audios, large print books, and a helpful librarian to assist you in information management.
Hours: Mon. 1-5pm; Tues. 3-6pm; Wed. Story Hour 10-11am; Wed. 1-6pm; Fri. 1-5pm; Sat. 9:30am-12:30pm
Snyder's
Established in 1949, this delightfully old-fashioned variety store is a friendly place to find just the right clothing, accessories or gift items. There are a wide variety of items available, certainly too numerous to list here! Come to shop and browse-and give yourself plenty of time! You won't want to miss a thing this unique store has to offer. Take a step back in time and enjoy personalized service at Snyder's!
Visit our website for hours and more information: http://www.snydersofhumeston.com/
Grass Roots Cafe, Inc.
Grass Roots Cafe, Inc. is focused on providing high-quality artwork from local artists, unique, hand-crafted items, gifts, excellent service and delicious food.
Artwork includes photography, sculpture, painting, ceramics, pottery, wood working, watercolor, pastels, stained glass, jewelry and much more!
Visit our website for hours and more information:
Whiddledottles, LLC
At Whiddledottles, you'll find an exciting assortment of antiques, collectibles, furniture, glassware, and hard to find items. We carry wild bird feeders and seed! We also sell Iowa wines.
Whiddledottles has Candleberry candles and a fantastic variety of Iowa wines! Stop in today! Open Tue-Sat, 11am-5:30 pm.
Visit our website: www.whiddledottles.com
Roony's Coffee Espresso
Relax and enjoy roasted and flavored coffees, espresso, lattes, cappuccino, teas, fruit slush, hot chocolate and gourmet snacks including chocolate covered coffee beans and of course-more, at Roony's!
Visit our website: http://www.snydersofhumeston.com/
Shaker Works
Shaker Works offers Shaker reproductions, custom woodworking and a few antiques. There is also an interesting toy tractor display.
Shaker Works also hosts our seasonal farmer's market.
Foxwood Bed & Breakfast
Are you looking for a relaxing get away in scenic southern Iowa?
Experience the beauty and serene surroundings at Foxwood Bed & Breakfast.
Visit our website: http://www.foxwoodbedandbreakfast.com/
Thank you for visiting and have a great day!
This site is funded by the Mormon Trail Chamber