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

Civic Center

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

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'

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.