Every May, military families across Iowa gain free access to many of the state’s museums through the Blue Star Museums program, a nationwide initiative honoring the service and sacrifices of America’s active-duty military personnel.
Presented by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and Blue Star Families in partnership with the Department of Defense and participating museums, the program begins each year on Armed Forces Day and continues through Labor Day. During that time, eligible military members and their families can enjoy free admission to hundreds of museums nationwide, including nearly 20 participating locations throughout Iowa.
Whether you’re relocating to Iowa, stationed nearby, or planning summer road trips across the Hawkeye State, the Blue Star Museums program offers an excellent opportunity to explore Iowa’s rich history, agriculture, art, science, and cultural heritage.
Who Is Eligible?
The Blue Star Museums program provides free admission for:
- Active-duty members of the U.S. Army
- Navy
- Air Force
- Marine Corps
- Coast Guard
- Space Force
- National Guard
- Reserve members
- U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps
- NOAA Commissioned Corps
Eligible service members may also receive free admission for up to five family members by presenting an accepted military identification card.
Participating Blue Star Museums in Iowa
According to the National Endowment for the Arts, participating Iowa museums include:
Ames
- Ames History Museum
Arnolds Park
- Abbie Gardner Sharp Cabin & Museum
Cedar Falls
- Cedar Falls Historical Society
Cedar Rapids
- Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
- National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
Clermont
- Montauk Historic Site
Clinton
- Felix Adler Children’s Discovery Center
Coralville
- Iowa Children’s Museum
Davenport
- German American Heritage Museum
- The Putnam Museum & Science Center
Decorah
- Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum
Des Moines
- Des Moines Art Center
- Hoyt Sherman Place
- State Historical Museum of Iowa
Dubuque
- Dubuque Museum of Art
Dyersville
- National Farm Toy Museum
Eldon
- American Gothic House
Haverhill
- Matthew Edel Blacksmith Shop
Iowa City
- Plum Grove Historic Home
Mount Pleasant
- Theatre Museum
Discover Iowa’s History and Culture
Iowa’s Blue Star Museums showcase the state’s diverse heritage. Visitors can explore nationally recognized art museums, experience Iowa’s agricultural traditions, discover Norwegian-American and Czech-Slovak history, learn about early settlement, and introduce children to interactive science and discovery centers.
Highlights include the State Historical Museum of Iowa in Des Moines, the internationally recognized Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in Decorah, the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids, and the Putnam Museum & Science Center in Davenport.
Families can also visit iconic destinations like the American Gothic House in Eldon—the famous setting that inspired Grant Wood’s legendary painting—or explore the National Farm Toy Museum in Dyersville, celebrating Iowa’s deep agricultural roots.
A Valuable Benefit for Military Families
For military families relocating to Iowa or exploring the state during the summer months, the Blue Star Museums program provides affordable opportunities to experience local communities while learning about Iowa’s unique history and culture.
From interactive children’s museums to nationally recognized art collections and historic homes, Iowa’s participating museums offer educational experiences for visitors of every age.
Planning Your Visit
Before visiting a participating museum:
- Verify current operating hours.
- Confirm participation in the current Blue Star Museums program.
- Bring a valid military identification card.
- Check individual museum websites for special exhibits or admission policies.
Because museums may join the program throughout the summer, visitors should consult the official Blue Star Museums map for the most up-to-date list of participating locations.
Learn More
To view participating museums across Iowa and the United States, visit the official Blue Star Museums website maintained by the National Endowment for the Arts.
For military families considering a move to Iowa, the Blue Star Museums program highlights another way communities across the state recognize and thank those who serve while providing memorable opportunities to experience Iowa’s history, arts, and culture.