Des Moines, Iowa

Iowa State Capitol

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

Des Moines Art Center

Building designed by three internationally-recognized architects houses an internationally-renowned collection of artwork from the 19th century to the present. Traveling exhibitions, educational and fine arts programs, library, museum shop and restaurant.

Iowa Events Center

Wells Fargo Arena, Hy-Vee Hall, Veterans Memorial Auditorium, Polk County Convention Complex. Concerts, tournaments and special events throughout the year. Home of the new Iowa Stars hockey team, the top-level affiliate of the NHL's Dallas Stars.

Blank Park Zoo

Beautifully-landscaped 22-acre zoological park featuring naturalistic exhibits with more than 800 animals from five continents, including lions, tigers, sea lions, snow leopards, giraffe. Train ride, camel ride, gift shop and cafe. Discovery Center includes Iowa'

Civic Center