Iowa's capital, Des Moines, lies approximately in the center of the state. Features of interest are the State Capitol with its gilded roof (1871), the Iowa State Historical Museum, the Botanical Center and the Des Moines Art Center. Outside the city, to the north-west lies the Heritage Village, with four "living history farms" in which country life in the 18th and 19th c. is re-created. In Indianola, 12 mi. to the south, is the National Balloon Museum. A major hot-air balloon event is held here at the end of July.
Des Moines (pop. 530,000) is the largest city in Iowa.
The Des Moines Botanical Center is housed within a geodesic dome that features free-flying birds and over 1,750 species of plants that include a bonsai collection and seasonal flowers.
Address: Des Moines Botanical Center, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, IA 50316-2854, United States
Phone: 1 (515) 323-6290, Fax: 1 (515) 309-2484
Hours:
10am-5pm
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Built in the late 1800s, the Iowa State Capitol is known for various types and colors of marble, the art works that adorn the walls, carvings and sculptures, and collection of flags, among other details.
The Des Moines Art Center features a collection of 19th and 20th century art with an emphasis on contemporary works. Artworks by Francis Bacon, Francisco Goya, Jasper Johns, Jeff Koons, Brice Mardin, Henri Matisse, Claude Monet, Georgia O'Keeffe and Andy Warhol are featured.
Address: Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312-2002, United States
Phone: 1 (515) 277-4405, Fax: 1 (515) 271-0357
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Memorial Day - USA (last Monday, May ), American Independance Day (July 4), Labor Day - USA (1st Monday, September), Columbus Day - USA (2nd Monday, October ), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25), New Year's Eve (December 31)
The fairgrounds in Des Moines offer campgrounds, picnic shelters, indoor/outdoor show ring, and a half-mile dirt track. There are numerous buildings available to rent such as the 4-H Exhibits Building and Cattle Barn.
The State Fair runs for 10 days in August offering a midway, entertainment, contests, daily events as well as over 200 food stands.
Address: Iowa State Fair, Box 57130, Des Moines, IA 50317, United States
Phone: 1 (515) 262-3111, Fax: 1 (515) 262-6906
The Ankeny Area Historical Society is located in a home built in 1905 and moved to its present location in 1995. The historical society presents artifacts and historical records of the area.
Tips: Open for tours on the first Sunday of each month, April through November, 2-4 p.m.
This manor house was built in Des Moines in 1877 by prominent businessman Hoyt Sherman. The Victorian mansion is decorated with carved woodwork, wainscoting, marble fireplaces and brass chandeliers. The art gallery features a collection of 19th and 20th century paintings.
Address: Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309-3213, United States
Phone: 1 (515) 244-0507, Fax: 1 (515) 237-3582
Hands-on exhibits at the Iowa Historical Building in Des Moines include geological and natural development of the state, civic and military history, American Indian culture and transportation displays.
Address: State Historical Society of Iowa, 600 East Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-0290, United States
Phone: 1 (515) 281-5111, Fax: 1 (515) 282-0502
Hours:
9am-4:30pm; Sun:12pm-4:30pm
Always closed on: Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Parking: Free
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Manning is a community with a small town atmosphere featuring warm summers and cold winters. Some of the town's highlights include the historic Hausbarn, the Manning Heritage Park, the Leet-Hassler Farmstead, and the Forgotten Corner Museum. Of course, just wandering down the wide, brick paved Main Street is also enjoyable.
The Classical Beaux Arts style building that holds the Polk County Heritage Gallery was originally a post office completed in 1908. The Gallery features changing exhibits of visual arts.
The a 42-room Salisbury House in Des Moines was built by Iowans Carl and Edith Weeks between 1923 and 1928. It is modeled after the King's House in Salisbury, England. The house is filled with the Weeks' original furnishings and collection of rare objects of art, paintings, tapestries, books, and letters.
Exterior of the Salisbury House in Des Moines.
Address: Salisbury House, 4025 Tonawanda Drive, Des Moines, IA 50312-2909, United States
Phone: 1 (515) 274-1777, Fax: 1 (515) 274-0184
Hours:
March 1 to December 31: 9am-5pm; Closed: Mon
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Easter - Christian
Tips: Public tours Tuesday through Sundays 11am and 2:30 pm.
Closed January and February for cleaning and restoration.
The Science Center of Iowa in Des Moines has hands-on exhibits that include physical and life sciences, a planetarium, a Challenger Learning Center and laser light shows. Interactive exhibits, live programs and hands-on activities allow visitors to discover the wonderful world of science.
Address: Science Center of Iowa, 401 W Martin Luther King Jr Parkway, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States
Phone: 1 (515) 274-6868, Fax: 1 (515) 274-3404
Always closed on: Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Easter - Christian
Tips: General admission is for the Science Center only and is free for members. Admission to IMAX films and special exhibitions are an additional cost.
Benjamin Franklin Allen, Iowa's first millionaire, built Terrace Hill in Des Moines in 1866. The house contained very modern features for its time, such as hot and cold running water, gas lights, a lift, and indoor restrooms. Highlights of the mansion include stained-glass windows, crystal chandeliers, stenciling, and polished woodwork.
White Water University in Des Moines features two waterslides, two tube slides, a wave pool, a children's cannon ball slide, a children's play area, and a volleyball pool. Miniature golf and a go-kart track are also available.
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Manning, Iowa
State Capitol, Des Moines
State Capitol, Des Moines
State Capitol, Des Moines
State Capitol, Des Moines
Salisbury House, Des Moines
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