Guttenberg - Iowa Heritage Society

Call Directions Contact the museum

Guttenberg - Iowa Heritage Society Lockmaster's House Heritage Museum operating by the Guttenberg Heritage Society. Army Corps of Engineers’ lock and dam system were previously required to live.

Displaying the history of the building of Lock and Dam #10 and history of Guttenberg. HISTORY OF THE LOCKMASTER’S HOUSE HERITAGE MUSEUM

The history of Guttenberg, Iowa and the lock and dam system are preserved at the Lockmaster’s House Heritage Museum in Guttenberg. The museum is located in the former lockmaster’s house, where the lockmaster and assistant lockmasters of the U.S. The house is the last remaining lockmaster house on the Upper Mississippi River. It is on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the lock and dam system. Lock and Dam #10 in Guttenberg was completed in 1935. There were two lockmasters’ houses built at the site in 1938 - one each for the lockmaster and assistant lockmaster. The Corps lifted the occupancy requirement in 1972 so lockmasters were allowed to live in their own homes. One of the houses at Lock 10 was purchased in the mid-1970s and moved to a site just north of Guttenberg. The remaining lockmaster’s house sat empty after the lockmaster moved out. The Corps of Engineers, realizing the historic value of the structure, did not want to tear the house down. The Corps approached local citizens about the house, and as a result, in 1991 a group was formed – the Guttenberg Heritage Society – to operate the house as a museum. The museum contains many framed photos of early Guttenberg history. In the basement of the house is a photo display of the building of the lock and dam and the lockmaster’s house. In 1993, members of the Heritage Society began collecting articles to furnish the house as it looked when it was first constructed in 1938. It is now filled with vintage furniture, appliances, dishes, and textiles.

10/25/2026
Some terrific drone photos provided by Clayton Ridge Digital Media students, of the Guttenberg Lockmaster House. Locatio...
10/21/2026

Some terrific drone photos provided by Clayton Ridge Digital Media students, of the Guttenberg Lockmaster House.

Location: Lock & Dam 10, Guttenberg, Iowa.
Built: 1937–1938 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Historic distinction: The last lockmaster residence on the Upper Mississippi River still in its original location.

The Lockmaster House Museum is an important part of the community’s Mississippi River history. It helps tell the story of river navigation, Lock and Dam 10, and the people who lived and worked along the river.

Only 5 more days until we close for the season. Stop and see us before you have to wait until May 2027! Open Thursday, F...
10/15/2026

Only 5 more days until we close for the season. Stop and see us before you have to wait until May 2027! Open Thursday, Friday and Saturdays from Noon to 4 p.m.

Early postcard from Guttenberg, IA date unknown.
09/29/2026

Early postcard from Guttenberg, IA date unknown.

St. John's Lutheran church before the new church was built. Does anyone know what year the new church was built?
09/28/2026

St. John's Lutheran church before the new church was built. Does anyone know what year the new church was built?

Dr. Andy Smith being interviewed on Cable Channel 3, around 1983 as a young doctor just starting his practice in Guttenb...
09/26/2026

Dr. Andy Smith being interviewed on Cable Channel 3, around 1983 as a young doctor just starting his practice in Guttenberg

Dana Fink, Craig McIntosh and Brian Sorenson on Cable Channel 3.
09/24/2026

Dana Fink, Craig McIntosh and Brian Sorenson on Cable Channel 3.

Address

12 Lock And Dam Lane
Guttenberg, IA
52052

Opening Hours

Thursday 12pm - 4pm
Friday 12pm - 4pm
Saturday 12pm - 4pm

Telephone

+15632522323

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Guttenberg - Iowa Heritage Society posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Museum

Send a message to Guttenberg - Iowa Heritage Society:

Shortcuts

Share

Category