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Des Moines, Iowa

  • 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-seat ...
    Hoyt Sherman Place

  • Salisbury House

    This 42-room mansion was modeled after the King's House in Salisbury, England. Built in the 1920s by the Weeks family, the home contains authentic 16th century English oak, extensive flintwork and raf...
    Salisbury House

  • Terrace Hill

    This opulent 1869 Victorian mansion, a National Historic Landmark and home of Iowa's governor, was built by Iowa's first millionaire, Benjamin F. Allen. Restored to the late 1800s period, it overlooks...
    Terrace Hill

  • Wallace House

    Restored Italianate Victorian was home of the first Henry Wallace -- national leader in agriculture and conservation, and editor of Wallaces' Farmer. Exhibits include "Uncle Henry's Des Moines, 1880-1...
    Wallace House

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Sleepy Hollow Sports Park

Sixty-acre park features nine-hole, par-three golf course, go-karts, miniature golf, driving range, batting range, climbing wall, sand volleyball. Hayrack rides and Halloween activities. Winter activities include snow tubing, snowboarding and skiing. Lodge, concession/game area.

Des Moines, IA Fun Centers

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

State Historical Building

In a modern glass and granite building, discover an exciting hands-on approach to exploring Iowa's past. This showcase of the State Historical Society of Iowa includes native wildlife, American Indian and pioneer artifacts, political and military items, and a new permanent exhibit entitled "Mammoth:

Des Moines, IA Museums

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

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'

Des Moines, IA Zoos

Things to do near Des Moines, IA

Newton Arboretum and Botanical Garden

Collection of native and introduced trees and plants used to beautify Iowa's landscape. Annuals, perennials, hostas, roses, o...

Iowa Arboretum

Library of Living Plants showcases 18 plant collections including perennials, dwarf conifers, herbs, nut trees, butterfly gar...

Basilica of St. John

Designated a basilica in 1989. Northern Italian/Lombardy Romanesque style, with gold-leaf coffered ceilings and 46 stained-gl...

Living History Farms Welcome Center

The visitor center at the main entrance to Living History Farms houses Welcome Center with tourism information and Marketplac...

Reed/Niland Corner Historic Hotel/Cafe