Bily Clocks Museum & Antonín Dvořák Exhibit

Brooke Reid

2024-05

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INTIMIDAT3R

2022-05

The clocks are gorgeous and the rest of the museum's out buildings were pretty cool.However, in my opinion, it was overpriced for what you're seeing and how short a time it takes go through everything.That's why it only gets 4 stars.

Phoebe Pittman

2019-05

What the Bill brother's did as a hobby is simply amazing. As a museum it isn't going to be the most amazing and highly organized but as an attraction it is great. The lady who gave our tour did a wonderful job! This off the beaten path stop is well worth your time!

Andy Wesson

2020-05

It's an endearing story of family love and Iowa history. Bohemian and Czech immigrants making a new path in the new world. Great carvings and beautiful clocks. Very good tour, and story in Iowa's past. Takes about an hour or two, depending on your interest in state history. Fair admission to support the museum.

Kathryn Tuggle

2018-05

Debating a detour to make it to this museum? DO IT, 100%! We were astounded at the artistry of the carvings and clocks here. We have travelled to museums all over the world and these clocks would hold their own against some of the finest we’ve seen. The tour guide was friendly and knowledgeable and truly seems to care about the clocks and their rich history as part of the town. The story of the two brothers who made the clocks is so beautiful... they had only a 5th grade education and turned down an offer of $1 million to sell one of their clocks! Plenty of parking behind the museum and some great items on offer at the gift shop.

-stacey.

2022-05

Amazing! These massive clocks are so impressive and detailed. The guide was very informative. I was so happy I stopped. Well worth the trip.

Scott Van Derven

2023-05

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Joane Kerkow

2020-05

Amazing craftsmanship of two brothers. Mind boggling how intricate the carvings are.A definite must do for all visitors to the area.

Dorothea Casey

2020-05

Many intricate clocks, handmade by 2 brothers. The carving was amazing!!! Lots of other eclectic collections as well. Composer Antonin Dvorak lived in the building for a short time. I dont think the 2nd floor is handicap accessible. Worth the stop, though!!!

Steven Koppen

2023-08

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Mark Bisping

2023-06

We totally enjoyed the sound of the Little Turkey river and all the bird's

Jonathan Martin

2022-05

Very interesting. Makes me wonder what the Billy brothers could make with our modern tools today!

Linda

2019-05

This off the beaten path village is worth the trip. Only 15 miles from more well known Decorah IA Spillville was a summer home for Antonin Dvorak the world renowned composer. Three rooms upstairs in the museum tell his story while the sounds of his New World Symphony play in the background. Downstairs is the unrelated Bily Clock Museum ...clocks carved by the local farmers the Bily brothers who never married. The tour guide for the wa around the room of clocks tells a delightful story. Do visit:)

Ryan Moeller

2023-05

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AZboyinWI

2023-05

Read about this place while investigating Iowa tourism, decided to visit. I found this interesting. Nicely displayed.located on 2 floors. Upstairs (stairs only) has a lot of the local history. Ground floor has the wood carving & clocks which a docent speaks & demonstrates the various movements of the clocks. We found it interesting. Be forewarned that pictures are not allowed (by a very little sign as you enter the clock room- although not really enforced) I seen the little sign after having taken the tour & taking pictures of the clocks. We did really enjoy this museum

David Thompson

2023-07

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wyman martin

2023-05

Two brothers were very talented in wood carving! It is nice that these are available for us to see.

Douglas Remmey

2023-05

Amazing clocks. Must see if in the area.

Joel Shoemaker

2022-05

What an amazing peek into one particular rural Iowa community and one pair of brothers' incredible talents. Listen to the guided tour of you possibly can. It adds significantly to the experience and gives you a chance to ask questions. And go upstairs and to the outside buildings to add historical context. Great fun.

Marc Desciscio

2020-05

We found this place on a whim and absolutely enjoyed our time here. I had no idea the history or had even heard of these wonderful carver brothers. This place is absolutely amazing. The upper level is like a museum and you start there and walk yourself around, Then you come down to a guided tour of each of the clocks and history of the Brothers. We drove an hour down to tour this place and loved it. I wish they allowed photo's so people could see and be interested but there is no photography allowed

Jack Steadman

2023-05

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Rod Revis

2023-05

Much better than expected. Knowledgeable staff made it extra interesting. As an amateur woodworker it was amazing to see that level of work with the tools they had available. Very much worth the stop.

Bill Dowlen

2022-05

This place is AMAZING!!!! The craftsmanship these two men had with only a fifth grade education is just incredible!!! The 2 ladies who were working and gave us our tour were very cordial and helpful!! Highly recommended this amazing museum

Ed Staubach

2019-05

For years I had wanted to visit the Dvorak exhibit on the second floor and walk the footpath by the river that he had taken for inspiration. I finally made it there in 2017. I was not disappointed in the least. But I was amazed when I took the tour of the Bily Clock Museum on the first floor. The artistry is incredible and hard to describe You must be there as words do not do these masterpieces justice. Both floors of the museum commemorate geniuses; and I am using the term "genius" as it is used when describing people like Einstein. Drive 100 miles out of your way if necessary, but do not pass this museum by.

Evan Cassell

2023-05

This was worth the drive. I think we paid $10 entry. Great history and I really recommend it if you're new in Iowa.

Connie Pritchard Reinhardt

2023-08

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Helen Neuzil

2023-05

I heard they don’t have the two headed piglet displayed anymore. RIP. I’ll have to visit again just to make sure. I’m glad this place is still around so the history of this area is preserved.

Des K.

2020-05

Definitely worth seeing! The clocks and their history are amazing on their own, but there's plenty to see besides that, too. There's lots of interesting info on Dovorak's life and stay in Spillville, and there's many interesting historical objects both outside and upstairs.

larry schiff

2018-05

I loved this place. It's been so great to find these small historical museums along our cross country trip. This place is worth going out of your way to see.

Marlene Glessing

2022-05

What a fascinating story about two brothers and their talent of wood carving interwoven with the visits from the Czech composer Dvorak. Highly recommend. Not handicapped accessible.