Operated by the State Historical Society of Iowa, the American Gothic House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. One of its various claims to fame is serving as the background for American Gothic, a world-famous artwork by Grant Wood. His inspiration came from the short time he spent at the house in 1930. Although the home?s interior is not open to the public, the center still has various interesting attractions to offer, which include educational Grant Wood film showings at the media room, a gift shop, and the extremely popular American Gothic parodies exhibit.

The center is also known as the Dibble House, the name of which was derived from one of the house?s original owner. Built in 1882, the house made it to the National Register in 1974.