Des Moines, IA Tourist Attractions
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Top Tourist Attractions in Des Moines
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.
State Capitol
The Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines was built between 1871 and 1886. It features different types and colors of marble, works of art, fixtures and carvings in both wood and stone. Copper-covered domes are located on every corner of the building, with smaller golden lanterns attached to all four domes. Paintings, statues and a collection of war flags are exhibited inside the building.
Des Moines Botanical Center
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.
Iowa State Fair
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.
Des Moines Art Center
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.
Terrace Hill
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.
Hoyt Sherman Place
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.
Manning, Iowa
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.
Salisbury House
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.
Science Center of Iowa
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.
Ankeny Area Historical Society
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.
Iowa Historical Building
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.
Polk County Heritage Gallery
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.
White Water University Fun Park
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.
Blank Park Zoo
Blank Park Zoo is home to 1,484 animal from 104 different animal species.
