1 Museum Drive, Ottumwa, IA 52501

In the 1930s, Lionel Trains were the pinnacle of toy train sets. These trains were highly detailed, often made of metal, and ran on O-gauge track, which was a standard gauge for toy trains at the time. The Lionel Train Company was founded in 1900 and quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality train sets that were built to last. By the 1930s, Lionel Trains were a household name, and their train sets were highly sought after by both children and adults alike.

If you’re a train enthusiast or just interested in Iowa’s railroad history, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to view the iconic Lionel Train No. set at the Iowa Heartland History Connection Museum. Additionally, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the state’s rich history of rail transportation, featuring exhibits on the development of Iowa’s railroads, a conductor uniform, signage and rail implements and more. Don’t miss the chance to step back in time and explore Iowa’s railroad history at the Iowa Heartland History Connection Museum.

Please see our events calendar for extended viewing times when the Lionel Train will be operational!

As part of our commitment to serving you better, the Iowa Heartland History Connection will be temporarily closed during January and February 2025. 

This strategic decision allows us to focus on planning exciting new exhibits, refreshing our space, and preparing for a vibrant spring season! Historically, these months see lower visitor traffic, making it the perfect time to enhance your future museum experience.

Thank you for your support, and we can’t wait to welcome you back in March with even more to explore and enjoy!