Des Moines, Iowa

Living History Farms Welcome Center

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'

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 rafters dating to Shakespeare'

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

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.