Sights and landmarks in Des Moines

Sights and landmarks in Des Moines

1. See

   Blank Park Zoo

   Permanent exhibits and activities, such as "Behind the Scenes" tours and "Feed the Giraffes", all throughout the year. Also hosts several special events throughout the year, including Zoo Brew (geared towards those 21+).

   every day 9AM-5PM·Adults $20, aged 2-12 $15, 65+ $19

2. 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

3. See

   Des Moines Art Center

   The Center boasts a permanent collection of contemporary art from the 19th and 20th centuries, including works from Edward Hopper, Jasper Johns, Georgia O'Keeffe, Henri Matisse, and Francis Bacon. It also boasts a restaurant with a 5-star rating from The Des Moines Register, featuring a different menu weekly and open for lunch only.

   Tue-Wed 10AM-4PM, Thu-Fri 10AM-7PM, Sat-Sun 10AM-5PM, closed Mon·Free, Center and Sculpture Park

4. See

   Des Moines Botanical Garden

   Particularly popular during cold Iowa winters. Special events and learning modules all throughout the year. Connected to the parking lot is the Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens with a featured Asian pavilion, built in honor of the Asian Americans who immigrated to Iowa in the late 1970s and of former Gov. Ray.

   adults $14, children $10, seniors 65+ and active/retired military $13

5. See

   Pappajohn Sculpture Park

   Western Gateway Park

   Opened in 2009, the sculpture garden was a centerpiece of an urban revitalization project and it occupies most of Western Gateway Park downtown. It showcases more than $40 million in publicly displayed modern art. The sculpture garden is curated by the Des Moines Art Center. Family friendly area with open spaces for picnics, walking trails, and receptacles for dog waste (pick up after your pooch!) A public restroom is available. Parking is in metered spaces on adjacent streets.

6. 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

7. See

   Science Center of Iowa

   The Center hosts six different experience platforms including Science is Where You Find it (including exhibits Kitchen Chemistry and Physics in the Field), When Things Get Moving (including Design a Propeller and Robot Run), Who are We? (including Color my World and In Your Genes), Why the Sky? (including Cosmic Video Jukebox and Viewing the Night Sky, in addition to planetarium shows in the 50-foot dome), Small Discoveries (including Bubble Bay and World of Wonder, all geared toward children 7 and under), What on Earth? (including Iowa Habitats, Ant Farm, and the WHO-TV Weather Studio) and limited exhibits in Principal Hall.

   Tue-Sun 9AM-4PM, Mon closed, Closed Easter Sun, 4th Thu in Nov, 25 Dec·$20, aged 2-12 and 65+ $15

8. 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

9. See

   Terrace Hill

   Governor's Mansion

   Since 1971, has served as home for the Governor and First Family of Iowa during his or her term. The site was the home of Iowa's first millionaire, Benjamin Franklin Allen, with construction beginning in 1866 after being designed by William Boyington (designer of the Water Tower of Chicago which survived the Great Fire). Aptly named as it sits atop the Raccoon River.

   guided tours Mar-Dec: Tue-Sat 10:30AM, noon, in Dec also 1:30PM·$5, aged 6-12 $2, aged 5 and under free

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