National Hobo Museum - Britt, Iowa

Hoss O.

I spent a couple years back in the 70s traveling and working wherever I could. According to the sign in the museum that makes me a hobo of sorts. I hitchhiked rather than rode trains but the end result was about the same. Along the way I met a guy that knew just about every rail line in the western part of the country. We made plans to jump some trains from LA to Chicago but he ended up arrested before we got on our way.

I enjoyed the museum. It reminded me of my wandering days. I still travel a lot but these days it happens on a Harley-Davidson; that means gasoline and repairs and insurance. I also have a wife now, she travels with me so that means regular meals and motel rooms. That’s all good from a comfort standpoint but sometimes I still miss the feeling of standing by the side of the road with a small pack and a guitar, wondering who I’ll meet when the next ride stops.

I recommend a visit to the museum but only if you can spare a few minutes to put yourself in the shoes of the men and women who spent their days working when they could and traveling on when the work ran out. Daydream yourself into a hobo jungle with a warm fire and some laughs and stories. Imagine waking up in the morning cold and stiff from sleeping with the earth for your bed and the stars for your blanket. Then use your mind’s eye to watch the countryside roll by as you head toward the next town.

I think next year I’ll wander into town to be a part of the annual hobo convention.

Jeremy M.

Super interesting for sure. First time attending the convention and we had a great time. We'll be back for sure. Congrats to Bazzman and Sulley on being elected Hobo King and Queen 2021.

jerry S.

We stopped to check this place out but a sign posted on the door said closed for the season contacted alternate number and email and got the same response closed for the season a little disappointed since we drove a long way to check it out website should note that and it didn't

Starry

Well worth the $5 entry fee. Only downside is it’s only open between Memorial Day and Hobo Days.

Danny A.

My wife and I found this place to be very very interesting. We got there, and they were to close at 40 minutes. The man there said he would stay as long as we would like. Which we thought was very nice of him. We found the movie very interesting we just watched part of it, as so it would be too late to get home after a shift. So we bought this DVD and we'll watch it at home. A lot of interesting stuff a lot to look at. We also took in the hobo Cemetery which is interesting as well. Definitely someplace one should check out, we're sure glad that we did but thank you again for the gentleman that was so courteous to us we very much appreciate it. D&D Yankton South Dakota

Nicholas E.

Great to see the ol culture memorialized.

Byron E. S.

This little museum is worth the stop. I never really understood what a Hobo was or is, now I do. Yes hobos are still around.
The film is a great documentary and really shedded a light on the life of women and men that were hobos. The hobo era really exploded during the Great Depression. Children left home to find jobs to help support their families!
I highly recommend visiting🚂

Jake W.

This place is seasonally open from memorial day to labor day, but there's a really nice guy named Dennis who volunteers to open it for you during the off-season. I went into it thinking it was kind of a silly idea, but I left with a view changing experience of what hobos were and are today. This place is fantastic, it's worth the trip no matter how far you're traveling.