LASR.net Homepage




Menu

Century-old building features 275-foot gold-leafed dome flanked by four smaller domes, grand staircase and beautiful woodwork. See legislative and old Supreme Court chambers, Governor's office, five-story law library, scale model of Battleship Iowa, collection of first-lady dolls. Tours last 60 minutes. Capitol grounds include a World War II memorial with sculpture and Wall of Memories. Other monuments include the 1894 Soldiers and Sailors Monument of the Civil War, and memorials honoring those who served in the Spanish-American, Korean and Vietnam wars.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Heritage Carousel of Des Moines

Thirty animals and two wheelchair-accessible chariots turn to the music of a Stinson band organ on this colorful wooden carousel. Located in a city park near the Des Moines River, the carousel features handpainted scenes of Des Moines landmarks.

Des Moines, IA Carousels


Basilica of St. John

Designated a basilica in 1989. Northern Italian/Lombardy Romanesque style, with gold-leaf coffered ceilings and 46 stained-glass windows, including a 15-foot Munich rose window. Ornate plaster and travertine marble interior.

Des Moines, IA Historic Churches

Hoyt Sherman Place

Built in 1877 by prominent pioneer businessman Hoyt Sherman, this mansion was Des Moines' first public art gallery and houses a distinctive collection of 19th and 20th century artwork. The 1,250

Des Moines, IA Famous Homes

Iowa State Fairgrounds

The Iowa State Fair, held each August, is Iowa's largest tourism event and the cornerstone event of more than 160 activities held year-round on these 400

Des Moines, IA Fairgrounds

Things to do near Des Moines, IA

Brooklyn-Victor Country Club

Course Access: Semi-PrivateHoles: 9Reserve Advance Tee Times: 2 days...

Matthew Edel Blacksmith Shop

Visit 19th-century blacksmith shop operated until 1940 by German immigrant Matthew Edel. Shop remains as he left it in 1940.

Hillcrest Golf & Country Club

Course Access: PrivateHoles: 9Reserve Advance Tee Times: Yes...

Wallace House

Restored Italianate Victorian was home of the first Henry Wallace -- national leader in agriculture and conservation, and edi...

Seven Oaks Recreation

Enjoy downhill skiing, snow tubing, snowboarding, tent camping, mountain biking. Full-service canoe, kayak or tube floats on ...