Rensselaer Russell House Museum

Built in 1861, this restored Victorian mansion is filled with quaint and fascinating objects from a bygone era. Among other things, visitors will see an old grandfather clock, a monstrously large stove, some 19th-century games, a wooden toilet and a working Regina box--an old record player with metal discs that resemble saw blades. The dcor is overwhelmingly red, since the hue known as turkey red happened to be Queen Victoria's favorite color. The place is also filled with old dolls and framed photographs of the home's original owner, Rensselaer Russell, and his family. Sold to the Junior League and renovated as a museum in 1964, the home offers guided tours. Admission is charged. Discount passes cover admission to the Russell House as well as Bluedorn Science Imaginarium and Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum.