national hobo museum

The Hobo Museum is small, but when taken in the context of the entirety of the Town of Britt, it is a unique, extremely engaging, and highly authentic view of the past, present and future of the fading hobo lifestyle.The museum itself houses an interesting collection of historic as well as recent artifacts that represent the hobo way of life, presented very professionally through the help of University Students from Des Moines. But what makes this museum really come to life is the passion of the curator. Be sure to talk to her about her long first hand experience with the hobos that have been making the annual pilgrimage to Britt for the Hobo Convention. Also don't miss the cafe across the street where the walls are decorated with photos and paintings of the characters that feature in her stories. Finally, take a walk to the hobo graveyard a few blocks away, with hand crafted grave markers made by hobos in memory of their deceased friends.Note that the museum closes for the off season in the fall and winter, but the curator also runs the cafe across the street, and she can be persuaded to open the museum to visitors for a donation.