Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Despite the name similarity, the Melcher Museum is not in Platte, South Dakota. It's actually located in Melcher, Iowa—a small city in Marion County, about 45 miles southeast of Des Moines.
The Melcher Museum preserves the history of this coal-mining community, which was incorporated in 1922 and named after a railroad official. Exhibits showcase mining equipment, photographs, and artifacts documenting life in a company town. The museum operates seasonally and by appointment, maintained by local historical society volunteers.
The mix-up likely stems from:
If you're planning a visit, head to Melcher, Iowa—not South Dakota. Check the Marion County Historical Society website for current hours and special events.