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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, IA Historic BuildingsDesignated 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 ChurchesBeautifully-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 ZoosThis 110,000 square-foot facility located in downtown Des Moines features six interactive learning areas, three theaters including the Blank IMAX Dome Theater, a cafe and gift shop. Group rates available.
Des Moines, IA Learning CentersBuilt 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