Historic places in Des Moines

Historic places in Des Moines

1. See

   Capitol Building

   One of the more popular state capitols to tour, it is easy to spot it with its sparkling 23-karat gold leaf dome and four-surrounding smaller copper-topped domes. Those wishing to see the inside from a bird's eye view will climb 298 steps before reaching the top from their start on the second floor. Historic flags, some hailing from the U.S. Civil War-era, are on display, and tour staff are available during all hours in which the capitol is open to visitors. Don't overlook the State Law Library, one of the most beautiful and ornate libraries in the world. Cafeteria is on the bottom floor.

   Mon–Fri 8AM–4:45PM, Sat 8AM-3:45PM, closed Sun·Free

2. Drink

   Exile Brewing Company

   Brewpub and microbrewery in a historic warehouse, brews a wide range of both ale and lager styles. Casual bar with outdoor patio and a large indoor dining room for dinner. The best beers tend to be their German-style seasonal beers, including dark lagers, a nutty-sweet marzen style (Octoberfest), and similar beers. They also produce a line of hard seltzers. Live music Sunday afternoons starting at 5pm.

   Tue-Sun 10AM-10PM, closed Mon

3. Eat

   Fong's Pizza (Downtown)

   The original location, founded on January 26th, 2009, in the former King Ying Low, Des Moines' oldest operating Chinese restaurant. Elements of King Ying Low's history and décor were kept and the current Fong's Pizza menu is inspired by a fusion of Asian, Italian, and Polynesian cooking styles paired with the tropical and fun flavors of a Tiki bar.

4. See

   Salisbury House

   The house, built between 1923-1928, features Tudor, Gothic, and Corolean styles all throughout its 42 rooms. Also shelters many artifacts, including objects of art, furniture, tapestries and books. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has labeled it a "national treasure" and the property has also been featured on A&E and Home and Garden Television. Hosts many events during the year, including chamber music concerts, Gatsby Gala, Salisbury Automobile Classic, group meetings and Shakespeare on the Lawn.

   Tour schedule varies·$12, aged 6-12 $7, aged 5 and under free

5. See

   State Historical Society of Iowa Museum

   Exhibits include a venture into Iowa's past when glaciers pushed their way through and mammoths roamed the plains, state's frontier and prairie past where kid-friendly activities such as pushing a plow or carrying buckets with a shoulder yoke can be had. Fossil, Native American, wildlife, and Iowa U.S. Civil War flags on display. Cafe Baratta's inside.

   Tue-Sat 9AM-4:30PM, closed Mon, Sun and holidays·Free

6. Drink

   Twisted Vine Brewery

   The second incarnation of Twisted Vine is in a restored historic building in the East End. They brew about a dozen beers, both ales and lagers, and also have a full bar with mixed drinks and guest ciders. The tastiest brew is a hefty Belgian Triple. They also do a nice, malty porter and if you're lucky, they'll have their unusual white stout.

   Fri-Sat 11:00 - 23:00, Mon-Thu 3pm - 10pm, Sun 1pm - 8pm·$10

7. Drink Not mapped

   Friedrichs Coffee

   If you're looking for a down-to-earth but nice atmosphere place where you can get a great cup of java or a nifty shot of espresso, pull up a chair. One of the owners' great-grandfather owned a coffee shop across from a castle in Charlottenburg, Germany and spirit has passed to the next generation. The owners, a husband and wife team, opened their first coffee shop only a few months after returning from Costa Rica.

   $2

8. Do Not mapped

   Living History Farms

   An outdoor interactive agricultural museum, Living History Farms gives people of all ages a new way of enjoying history. It has special events throughout the year. Historical interpreters explain and demonstrate the lifestyles of the 1700s Ioway Indians, the 1850 pioneers, the townspeople of 1875, and 1900 farmers.

   May-Oct: Tue-Sun 9AM-4PM·Adult (13-59) $20, senior or military $19, child (2-12) $15, child (1 & under) free

9. Do Not mapped

   Salisbury Automobile Classic

   Antique and classic automobiles of a by-gone era are on display in one of the most unique car show settings in the U.S. It has been called the "Pebble Beach of the Midwest" by Old Cars Weekly (in reference to the famous Pebble Beach Auto Councour). All proceeds going to benefit the historic Salisbury House.

   $10, children free

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Des Moines (CC BY-SA 4.0).