Timeline
10:30
Arrive for the 10:30 AM guided tour. This is the first slot of the day, offering a chance to explore the Governor's residence and the grounds designed by William Boyington while it is still relatively quiet. The site sits atop the Raccoon River, providing immediate elevation and perspective.
11:15
Walk four minutes down to Noah's Ark Ristorante for lunch. This Des Moines classic is open for lunch from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Order the thin crust pizza to keep it simple and local. The restaurant is conveniently located near the historic district, making it an easy stop after your tour.
12:00
Walk nineteen minutes east to the Pappajohn Sculpture Park. This urban revitalization centerpiece features over $40 million in publicly displayed art. Stroll through Western Gateway Park to see the sculptures in the afternoon light. It is a short, pleasant walk from the restaurant area, allowing you to stretch your legs and enjoy the downtown architecture.
Local tip
The guided tours at Terrace Hill run on a strict schedule. Arrive a few minutes early to check in. The sculpture park is best experienced on foot, so wear comfortable shoes for the walk from the restaurant.
Check before you go
- Terrace Hill tours are only available Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30 AM. No tours on Sundays or Mondays.
- Noah's Ark Ristorante is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Open for lunch Wednesday through Saturday.
- The Pappajohn Sculpture Park is an outdoor public space and is accessible during daylight hours.
Worth knowing
- Noah's Ark Ristorante is open at 11:15 only on We, Th, Fr, Sa
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Des Moines (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).