EVENT IS FULL but click the WAITLIST button on the registration page (below) if you are interested.

CHANGE OF VENUE: For registered participants, meet at the KD Center, 300 KD Avenue, Eldon.

This event is being sponsored by GATE, Gothic Area Tourism of Eldon.

FREE but preregistration is required by October 15th at 4:00 PM

Can you believe it? There’s another mystery at the American Gothic House! Don’t worry- this is a stand-alone experience. Kids are needed to solve the crime. Puzzles, decipher clues, and work in teams- with a prize to the winning team members! Kids under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older the entire time as some activities may be challenging for younger ages. FREE event but preregistration is required at MyCountyParks by October 15th at 4:00 p.m. Limit of 30 people. FREE hot dog dinner will be provided.

All details can be found HERE.

Make and take an Appalachian basket. Fee of $20 per participant must be received by the American Gothic House Center (AGHC) by September 10th at 4:00 p.m. in order to reserve your spot. Ages 14 years and older only. All participants will be registered as "adult" solely for registration purposes. Qualifying youth must be accompanied the entire time by an adult age 18 years or older. Bring a towel for your lap and your own drinks. All other supplies will be provided. Weaving will begin at 6:00 p.m. and the program will end when your basket is finished. Limit 12 weavers.

Click HERE for all program details.

Note: There is a fee of $20 per participant for this program however, you cannot pay it online which is why it says FREE at registration check-out on MyCountyParks. Fee must be postal mail or brought into the AGHC on or before September 10th at 4:00 p.m. in order to guarantee your reservation. Credit card is an option if you call the Center.

Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy good food and music from the American Gothic House porch! Porchfest aka Music on the Porch is an annual music event held on the last Saturday in August across the United States, Canada, and beyond. Started in Ithaca, New York, in 2007, porchfest events bring local musicians and neighborhoods together to celebrate and create a sense of community by performing on porches. It was founded from the idea that "what if for one day we all just listened to the music?" 

2024 Line-up (click on each name to hear a sample of what you have to look forward to):

11:00 a.m. Tom Shadonix

12:30 p.m. Adam Kulmatycki

2:00 p.m. Abigail Phelps

3:30 p.m. Wild Bill Willie

And featuring the Gothic Town Grillers on the BBQ!

Reservations are not required for this event. Canceled if inclement weather- watch our Facebook page for weather announcements.

NOTE: NO ADMISSION FEES TO THE CENTER WILL BE CHARGED AND NO COSUTMES WILL BE AVAILABLE ALL DAY.

Registration begins at 7:15 a.m. at the American Gothic House Center. All ages are welcome but minors under the age of 16 must be supervised by an adult aged 18 or older. Route goes through Eldon, along the Des Moines River, through the park, and will end at the American Gothic House Center. Entry fee of $25 includes map, medals for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places per age group, and shirt. Some t-shirts will be on hand, while supplies last. Remainder can be ordered at the event to be distributed at a later date.

Rain date is June 15th.

Fees may be paid the day of the event (exact change or by check) or checks can be mailed in advance to be received before June 5th at the Center. Credit card payments must be made in advance of the event (no later than June 7th) by calling the Center at 641-652-3352.

No refunds once payment is made unless BOTH the 8th and the subsequent 15th are canceled by the American Gothic House Center. Watch our Facebook page in the event of inclement weather.

Click HERE for the registration form.

Avid road-tripper and author Megan Bannister will be in-person at the American Gothic House Center gift shop to sign her newest book about the state’s wackiest attractions and off-beat destinations- of which the American Gothic House is included!

Speaker: Dr. Randy Lengeling

10:00 a.m. session ONLY. The 11:00 a.m. session is canceled at this time due to lack of registrations.

Space is limited to 20 guests per presentation. To ensure your spot, please preregister by calling the Center at 641-652-3352 or online at MyCountyParks. Walk-ins are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis once preregistered guests have been seated.

This presentation may be more suitable for adults.

The museum gallery will closed to the public until 12:30 P.M.

FREE

This is an animated PowerPoint presentation with archival photographs and video segments that looks at Wood’s personal life story, his artistic development and meteoric rise to international prominence as the leader of Regionalism, his controversial professorship at the State University of Iowa, and his enduring legacy in art history, having lived nearly his whole life in Iowa. His story is an inspiration for all Americans, particularly Iowans, and a shining example that world-influencing achievements can occur in this “flyover” state that we call home. Original Grant Wood works may be available for viewing.

Randy Lengeling is a native Iowan who grew up in Carroll and received his entire medical education in internal medicine and gastroenterology at the University of Iowa in Iowa City. In 1981, he started and continues his private practice in Dubuque with the Grand River Medical Group (formerly Dubuque Internal Medicine). Having been goal-directed in his medical training, he had little, if any, art history instruction, and when then had the time and resources to travel, he attempted to satisfy this “incomplete education” by visiting art museums at every opportunity. While initially becoming a fan of Impressionism upon one of many visits to the Art Institute of Chicago in 1984, he viewed a major retrospective of a fellow lifelong Iowan entitled “Grant Wood: The Regionalist Vision.” Naively, he knew of and had seen Wood’s American Gothic there, but the inspiring story of this Iowan’s arduous journey from a poor farm boy to the creator of the overnight success that now rivals DaVinci’s Mona Lisa for international recognition was an epiphany. From then on, his avocation has been collecting, researching, curating, and lecturing on Iowa’s most famous artist, and is a founding and active trustee and benefactor of the Dubuque Museum of Art, which has a world-class Grant Wood collection.

https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Wapello/Events.aspx

FREE birthday scavenger hunt for school-aged children. Come to the American Gothic House Center (AGHC), get an official scavenger hunt form, find the answers in the gallery, and turn it in. Each participant will receive a birthday gift bag while supplies last. All children must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over. No preregistration necessary.

This portion of the birthday celebration is intended for school-aged kids and their parent or guardian.

The American Gothic House Center will be closed to the public until 1:00 p.m. on this day. Scavenger hunt forms will not be distributed until 2:00 p.m.

Can you decide whodunnit? Ages 14 through adult only. FREE event at the American Gothic House Center. Work in teams to solve the crime by deciphering clues. Prize to winning team. Sign-up online for the 10:00 a.m.- 11:15 a.m. session HERE OR click HERE for the 11:30 a.m. -12:45 p.m. session OR call the AGHC office at 641-652-3352. Deadline to register is January 26th at 4:00 p.m. Limit 30 people per session. Please note that the American Gothic House Center will be closed to the general public during this event but will open at 1:00 p.m.

Separate children's activity will begin at 2:00 p.m. No preregistration necessary as that is a come-and-go-as-you-please event.

As part of Eldon’s 2nd Annual Holiday Hop, the American Gothic House Center is a punch-card stop!

Children of all ages are invited to a FREE gingerbread “house” party that will be held inside the American Gothic House. All supplies provided for various activities, including decorate a cookie. No preregistration necessary for this come-and-go as you please event. Santa will be available for photo ops! Special kid’s gift basket drawing at 2:30 p.m. Must be present to win.

Local author and travel writer Megan Bannister will be signing copies of her newest book at the American Gothic House Center gift shop during Eldon's 2nd Annual Holiday Hop! "Some claim there’s nothing to see in flyover country. But take a closer look and you’ll discover that Iowa is home to more than just cornfields. In fact, across the Hawkeye State you’ll encounter hidden gems and secret spots abound...." In this book, she uncovers some of the state's wackiest attractions to guide your adventure around Iowa. Get ready for an off-beat road trip full of the state's best kept secrets! This is a come-and-go-as-you-please event. This book would make a great Christmas present!

We are a punch-card stop! While you are here, make an ornament to take home. Also, register for a gift basket drawing.

Admission will not be charged all day, but also note that costumes will not be available due to event activities.

FREE but preregistration is required by October 5th at 4:00 PM

NOTE CHANGE OF TIME FROM ORIGINAL ADVERTISING! Murder at the American Gothic House- again! Kids are needed to solve the crime. Solve puzzles, decipher clues, and work in teams- with a prize to the winning team members! Kids under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older the entire time as some activities may be challenging for younger ages. Limit of 30 students. Note: You do not need to have participated in 2022 in order to attend this year since the story lines are not related. FREE hot dog dinner will be provided.

This change of time is due to trunk-or treat at Cardinal Elementary so that students can enjoy both events!

All details can be found HERE.

Cost: $15.00 per participant and preregistration is required by Sept. 7th at 4:00 p.m.

Make and take a fall wreath. Exact pattern may be subject to change or modified from photo shown here. Bring your own drinks and a snack to share. All other supplies will be provided. Ages 10 years and older only. Limit 12 participants.

Program details can be found HERE.

NOTE: Even though the registration form on MyCountyParks says FREE, there is a $15.00 fee per participant aged 10 years or older. Since there is no online payment option, fees may be paid in cash, by check, or by credit card (call 641-652-3352 for this option) and must be received by the AGHC on or before 9/7/2023 to guarantee your spot.

Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy good food and music from the American Gothic House porch! Porchfest aka Music on the Porch is an annual music event held on the last Saturday in August across the United States, Canada, and beyond. Started in Ithaca, New York, in 2007, porchfest events bring local musicians and neighborhoods together to celebrate and create a sense of community by performing on porches. It was founded from the idea that "what if for one day we all just listened to the music?" 

2023 Line-up (click on each name to hear a sample of what you have to look forward to):

11:00 a.m. Tom Shadonix

12:30 p.m. Adam Kulmatycki

2:00 p.m. Days Live Music with Lauren Ashworth

And featuring the Gothic Town Grillers on the BBQ!

Reservations are not required for this event. Canceled if inclement weather- watch our Facebook page for weather announcements.

NOTE: NO ADMISSION FEES TO THE CENTER WILL BE CHARGED AND NO COSUTMES WILL BE AVAILABLE ALL DAY.

Cost: FREE and preregistration NOT required

National Pioneer Day is July 24th. Let’s make pioneer toys and crafts to celebrate. Make and take a bull roar and buzz saw. All supplies will be provided. Intended for elementary ages through adult but all children must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older the entire time. This is a come-and-go-as-you-please event while supplies last. To make a corn husk doll, the only demonstration will be at 3:00 PM. Rain or shine at the American Gothic House. Ending time is approximate.

During the event, Tom Shadonix will be on the house porch playing folk music!

HOMEMADE ICE CREAM will be served beginning at 1:30 PM while supply lasts.

All program details can be found HERE.

Cost: $5.00 per child- Limit 10

Activities will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Preregistration is required and all fees are due at least two weeks prior to the start of the program. Each camp has a theme with lessons and craft activities according to subject. All children who have not completed first grade must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older the entire time, as do all children requiring one-on-one aids while in school. There is no fee for attending adults. Programs are geared toward elementary grades and may be a bit advanced for younger children. All programs will begin and end at the American Gothic House Center and will be held rain or shine. Please note that the camps will be held on days the Center is closed and doors will not open until camp start time.

Theme for this camp is recycling! We will learn why recycling is important and make crafts using recycled items. All supplies will be furnished.

Registration information can be found HERE.

NOTE: Even though the registration form on MyCountyParks says FREE, there is a $5.00 fee per child since there are no online payments for these camps. Fees may be paid in cash, by check, or by credit card (call 641-652-3352 for this option) and must be received by the AGHC on or before 6/13/2023 to guarantee your spot.

Cost: $5.00 per child- Limit 10

Activities will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Preregistration is required and all fees are due at least two weeks prior to the start of the program. Each camp has a theme with lessons and craft activities according to subject. All children who have not completed first grade must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older the entire time, as do all children requiring one-on-one aids while in school. There is no fee for attending adults. Programs are geared toward elementary grades and may be a bit advanced for younger children. All programs will begin and end at the American Gothic House Center and will be held rain or shine. Please note that the camps will be held on days the Center is closed and doors will not open until camp start time.

Theme for this camp is plants! We will learn about plants and make leaf poundings, leaf rubbings, and other plant crafts- maybe even explore natural dyes. All supplies will be furnished.

Registration information can be found HERE.

NOTE: Even though the registration form on MyCountyParks says FREE, there is a $5.00 fee per child since there are no online payments for these camps. Fees may be paid in cash, by check, or by credit card (call 641-652-3352 for this option) and must be received by the AGHC on or before 6/6/2023 to guarantee your spot.

Cost: $5.00 per child- Limit 10

Activities will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Preregistration is required and all fees are due at least two weeks prior to the start of the program. Each camp has a theme with lessons and craft activities according to subject. All children who have not completed first grade must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older the entire time, as do all children requiring one-on-one aids while in school. There is no fee for attending adults. Programs are geared toward elementary grades and may be a bit advanced for younger children. All programs will begin and end at the American Gothic House Center and will be held rain or shine. Please note that the camps will be held on days the Center is closed and doors will not open until camp start time.

Theme for this camp is animals! We will learn about animal adaptations and create our own unique animal! All supplies will be furnished.

Registration information can be found HERE.

NOTE: Even though the registration form on MyCountyParks says FREE, there is a $5.00 fee per child since there are no online payments for these camps. Fees may be paid in cash, by check, or by credit card (call 641-652-3352 for this option) and must be received by the AGHC on or before 5/30/2023 to guarantee your spot.

Cost: $5.00 per child- Limit 10

Activities will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Preregistration is required and all fees are due at least two weeks prior to the start of the program. Each camp has a theme with lessons and craft activities according to subject. All children who have not completed first grade must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older the entire time, as do all children requiring one-on-one aids while in school. There is no fee for attending adults. Programs are geared toward elementary grades and may be a bit advanced for younger children. All programs will begin and end at the American Gothic House Center and will be held rain or shine. Please note that the camps will be held on days the Center is closed and doors will not open until camp start time.

Theme for this camp is the stars! We will learn about constellations, stories behind them, and then create our own! All supplies will be furnished.

Registration information can be found HERE.

NOTE: Even though the registration form on MyCountyParks says FREE, there is a $5.00 fee per child since there are no online payments for these camps. Fees may be paid in cash, by check, or by credit card (call 641-652-3352 for this option) and must be received by the AGHC on or before 5/23/2023 to guarantee your spot.

Registration begins at 7:15 a.m. All ages are welcome but minors under the age of 16 must be supervised by an adult aged 18 or older. Route goes through Eldon, along the Des Moines River, through the park, and will end at the American Gothic House Center. Entry fee of $25 includes map, medals for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places per age group. T-shirts will be ordered at the event to be distributed at a later date.

All details for this event can be found HERE.

Watch Facebook on June 2nd and 3rd in the event of inclement weather. Rain date is set for June 10th. 

Registration form can be found by clicking HERE. Please note that a family can now all be on one form.

Note: Registration form needs to be filled out and sent/brought to the American Gothic House Center with the $25 fee per participant on or before the race even if you register by email. Payment online is not accepted. If your registration will be sent postal mail, form and payment must be mailed before May 27th in order to reach the Center prior to the race and avoid problems on race day. Credit card payments may only be used by calling the AGHC at 641-652-3352 on or before June 2nd at 4:00 p.m. All payments made on race day need to be by check or exact cash amount.

Email address is: theamericangothichouse@gmail.com.

Learn how to weave a melon basket for a May Day gift. Fee of $20 per participant must be received by the American Gothic House Center (AGHC) by April 14th at 4:00 p.m. in order to reserve your spot. Ages 14 years and older only. All participants will be registered as "adult" solely for registration purposes. Qualifying youth must be accompanied the entire time by an adult age 18 years or older. Bring a towel for your lap, your own drinks, and a snack to share. All other supplies will be provided. Weaving will begin at 2:00 p.m. and the program will end when your basket is finished. Limit 12 weavers.

Click HERE for all program details.

Note: There is a fee of $20 per participant for this program however, you cannot pay it online which is why it says FREE at registration check-out on MyCountyParks. Fee must be postal mail or brought into the AGHC on or before April 14th at 4:00 p.m. in order to guarantee your reservation. Credit card is an option if you call the Center.

Join the American Gothic House Center as we celebrate Earth Day with a variety of activities and crafts about protecting our Earth! This year’s theme is pollinators. FREE event intended for elementary ages but all kids must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 years or older the entire time. No preregistration is required and this is a come and go as you please event. Canceled if inclement weather- cancellations will be made via our Facebook page. Mother Nature will be available to greet children and take photos from 2:30-3:30 p.m. in the circle in front of the American Gothic House.

NOTE: Admission to the Center will NOT be charged from 2-4 p.m. HOWEVER, costumes will NOT be available during this time due to the event.

FREE birthday scavenger hunt for school-aged children. Come to the American Gothic House Center (AGHC), get an official scavenger hunt form, find the answers in the gallery, and turn it in. All correct forms will be entered into a drawing for a $50 certificate good for merchandise at the AGHC gift shop. First 100 kids will receive a birthday gift bag. All children must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over. No preregistration necessary. Winner will be notified February 6th. 

This portion of the birthday celebration is intended for school-aged kids and their parent or guardian.

The American Gothic House Center will be closed to the public until 1:00 p.m. on this day. No scavenger hunt forms will be given out before 2:00 p.m.

Speaker Michael Zahs will talk about Grant Wood (GW), show part of his GW collection, and reveal (2) new GW paintings he recently acquired! Limit: 25 participants. Program is FREE but preregistration is REQUIRED on or before January 27th at 5:00 p.m. Call the center at 641-652-3352 or register online HERE.

Note: We may have a second presentation at 11:15 a.m. in the event this time slot gets full. Make sure to get “waitlisted” online or call and leave your contact information for this possibility. 

This portion of the birthday celebration is intended for adults or anyone wishing to know more about Grant Wood.

The American Gothic House Center will be closed to the public until 1:00 p.m. on this day.