​Welcome to the Porter House Museum!
Home of A.F. Porter, Naturalist​
Decorah, Iowa
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Located in the former Decorah home of Adelbert Field Porter (1879 – 1968) and Grace Young Porter (1880 – 1964), the Porter House Museum is an inspiring exploration of history, nature, and art.

“Bert” (as he was more commonly called) was a gentleman naturalist, collector, and photographer who traveled throughout the world in pursuit of butterflies, rocks, and other curiosities. A man of artistic sensibilities, Bert used his nature collections to create unique “nature art,” for which he became well known during his lifetime.
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At the museum, visitors experience the historic travels, art, and collecting of this naturalist and his wife against the backdrop of Victorian elegance that was their home and heritage.
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Hours and Location
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The Porter House Museum is located in the Broadway Historic District, two blocks south of downtown Decorah.

401 West Broadway Street
Decorah, Iowa 52101

REGULAR HOURS :
The Museum is open May & September Saturdays and Sundays; and Tuesday-Sunday from June through August with guided tours beginning at 1:00 and 2:30 p.m. We are closed October through April, except for special events.
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We encourage guests to enjoy the free outdoor Rock Wall and Gardens during daylight hours.

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After Dark Series
This October, the Porter House Museum invites you to explore history and mystery with its “After Dark” Series. On October 23, Kristen Underwood, director of Upstart Crow Theatreworks’ Cemetery Walks, will share the fascinating stories of the “residents” of Phelps Cemetery, bringing Decorah’s past to life in unexpected ways. On October 30, retired Decorah Chief of Police David Smutzler, founder of P.I.Gs (Police Investigating Ghosts), will discuss the tools, techniques, and cases that have shaped his 20+ years as a paranormal investigator. Each event will be held at the Porter House Museum with sessions at 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Admission is free, and tickets can be reserved below:
