Location

The museum is located in the Lyons District in Clinton, Iowa. We are located along the Mississippi River, Historic Lincoln Highway Byway, and just off the Great River Road. The address is 2231 Grant Street Clinton, Iowa. Please follow your GPS or just take Main Avenue down towards the river. 

About The Sawmill Museum
Once known as the “Lumber Capital of the World,” Clinton, Iowa’s pivotal role in the lumber industry and expansion of the West makes it ideally suited to host the lumber museum and learning center.  The museum’s permanent exhibit will house some original pieces from the Struve Mill which was operational from 1860′s – 1980′s in Hauntown, Iowa.  This exhibit is important because it tells the story of how lumber was processed from living tree to finished product which was then used locally for commercial and residential purposes.  The equipment has been generously donated by Mrs. Helen (Struve) Cotton.  The museum also houses an early 20th century working saw mill.

The Sawmill Museum started as a project funded through the local Kiwanis Club. With additional support from land and monetary donations, the museum opened its door in October of 2011. Since it's initial opening, the museum has expanded its building allowing for more exhibits. The museum sits just west of the levee along the Mississippi River in the Lyons district of Clinton, IA. This area was home to several operating sawmills and other industries, though Clinton does not have any preserved sawmills. The museum is a proud member of the Lyons Business and Professional Association (LBPA) and collaborates with many other businesses and individuals on events. As a cornerstone of Lyons, the Sawmill Museum hopes to contribute to preserving the rich history of the neighborhood and surrounding areas as well as contribute to the local culture. 

Vision Statement
The Sawmill Museum strives to be a national leader for the interpretation and exploration of our country’s lumber history. The Museum will serve as a resource for learning, dialogue, preservation, and research and will offer balanced opportunities and voices for industry, government, and private groups and citizens alike.

The mission of The Sawmill Museum is to preserve, collect, interpret, and explore the history of America’s sawmill, lumber, and forestry industries. Centered around the story of Clinton, Iowa’s rich lumber history, the museum features dynamic exhibits, programs, and events that explore the history of these industries, their current practices, and future opportunities and challenges.

Board of Directors
Ari Lewerenz, Board President
​Ann Eisenman, Board Vice President
Eddie Dunham
Mark Mangler
Louise Laurent, Secretary 
Robert Holesinger
Eric Johnson
Matthew Parbs
Josh Mussman
Jeff Manderscheid 
Joe Buikema 
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Staff
Executive Director Andy Green at [email protected]

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Our affiliations:
The museum is a proud member and supporter of the following organizations: 
American Bus Association: The museum is always open for tour buses. No advance booking needed, but preferred. Tour bus rates are $4 per person. 
Iowa Museum Association: Celebrate Museum Week every week! 
The Great River Road and Mississippi River Parkway Commission: One of around 70 national interpretative centers for the Great River Road. 
Clinton County Development Association 
State Historical Society of Iowa
Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce
Clinton Conventions and Visitors Bureau: Take a look at all the other things there are to do in the Clinton Region
Silos and Smokestack: Associated with the National Park Service, we are part of a national heritage area that tells the story of American agriculture and its global significance. 
Iowa Travel & Industry Partners