The oldest part of the old farmhouse, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, dates from 1830. Alden and Marilyn, a retired teacher, preserved a sense of heritage by turning part of their property into a little farm museum. Visitors of all ages can enjoy a stroll around the grounds, crossing the covered bridge and absorbing a sense of rootedness from the unchanged land secured by old trees, a red barn and white farmhouse, fences and fields yellowing with cornstalks in early fall. Inside a newer house on the grounds, front and back parlors with old family pieces, china and cranberry glass create a real sense of Victoriana. At Christmastime, Marilyn's extensive collection of dolls, many in skating or caroling costumes, is displayed.
Tours are free and by appointment only.
The original building, of fantastic Moorish design with towers and minarets, was constructed in 1892 to highlight the fact that the fertile land was good for growing crops. The present structure, the third version of the Corn Palace, was built in 1921 and is more onion-dome in design, but like the original is covered with designs of ears of corn, outlined with grasses and grains. Inside is a large auditorium, which in summer months caters to visitors with shopping kiosks, videos and displays. The other nine months it serves the local community as a venue for entertainers, the circus, basketball games and proms. Guided tours of the palace are given year-round.