National Hobo Museum

Hoss Ostrowski

2023-05

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 Murphy

2022-05

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Danny Aydelott

2023-08

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

Starry

2023-08

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Nicholas Elkin

2023-06

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Byron Ellen Shaw

2023-06

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 Wilson

2022-05

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.

David Rahfeldt

2023-05

Not been in this part if country in long time but this museum seems to preserve a historical time ...back when hobos were a legitimate lifestyle ....not criminal of bad Chara cter .....as opposed to bums who were often thieves and alcoholics....nothing like the homeless today

Sandra Moniot

2019-05

The artist that has made these paintings for years .... .is magnificent. Last year one of the past kings painted a picture of her. It was nice to be able to meet the reigning king and queens and the ones of past that were there .It was a delight. I so enjoyed hearing the stories. It made me want to hop a train. What a life they have lived.Nonetheless, not anything most of us have experienced or ever will but, what an adventure.Most people think those hobos were bums. They were not. They worked. They just went from place to place.Gypsy spirits. That is what you will find displayed at the Hobo Museum. She captures them well in her paintings.If you get a chance to go, I would highly recommend the museum. Meet the artist. See the talent and meet the hobos.There is no charge but please, make a donation. It is the heart of Britt and The Hobo Convention.. Hope to see you there in 2019.Blessings,Sandy

Lori Gipper

2023-05

Nicely done museum with excellent information and rich history. Cost $5 could have easily spent 2 hrs but we didn't have that much time.

Taynna S

2023-07

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Kyle Potter

2019-05

I came by to find the museum closed, despite my visit during the hours and season they listed on their website (I checked beforehand). I called the official number to no answer and asked around to see if anyone knew how to get in touch - and a few of the local businesses didn’t seem to think highly of the owners. After calling a few numbers some locals gave me and still not getting in touch, I left without seeing the museum. If you’re planning to visit, probably best to call ahead and make sure they’ll be open, even if you’re planning during their normal hours.

Kevin B

2020-05

One if the better experiences you'll have in Britt Iowa. The hobo history and lore is priceless here. Be sure to hit the box car at hobo jungle , and the magnificent hobo graveyard on the east edge of town.

Roger Feldhans

2020-05

Awesome! Wish I would have visited sooner. So much to see and experience. Ryan was fantastic to talk to and get information on the place. I will be back for Hobo Days!

Chelsea A

2022-05

Interesting, thought it was bigger than what it was. Theres a $5 entrance fee which isn't posted on the website. Lots of cool artifacts

Amy Snyder

2018-05

I was very impressed and learned a lot of things about hobos. Puts them in a whole new light. Kudos to Britt for putting that museum together.

Anne McIntyre

2021-05

The Hobo museum is closed for covid until 2021. The Hobo Memorial is across the street and very cool.

Dixie Harnden

2022-05

Has lots of information and articles from the Hobo's. Planning on attending Hobo Days in Britt,IA August 12-15th.

Lily Anderson

2022-05

Loved the friendly staff. I am fascinated by history so this was awesome!

Barb Schwarz

2020-05

Very interesting stories and loved that it's located in an old theater.

Tyler Swenson

2018-05

Very easy to follow around and interesting history in the Hobo and hobo lifestyle. Would recommend a visit.

Linda Hughes

2018-05

Being the curator of the Hobo Museum, it is one museum that you will want to visit. Filled with hobo history with a twist of railroad and Britt.

Tony Acciari

2022-05

cool.place.to.visit.and.you.for.keeping.the.........hobolegend.alive.this.placeis.amustsee

Duff Carpenter

2020-05

A Unique Museum. Loved the video. A must see.

Diane Clark

2019-05

Very interesting and fascinating place to visit!

Waldo Nighthawk

2019-05

If you're interested in AMERICANA the Hobo Museum covers an aspect of it that is dying.

jean schirmer

2020-05

Such a treasure of what was. I love the whole life. ❤️😎

Ed Sarrazin

2023-07

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2019-05

More than was expecting, worth going at least once

JohnBoy

2022-05

Very cool!