EXPLORE: Historical Attractions
By Cyote Williams
Central Iowa is full of historical gems that mark the history, pride and essence of the state — and all are well worth a visit.
VARSITY CINEMA
1207 25th St., Des Moines
www.varsitydesmoines.com
Located on the west side of Des Moines, Varsity Cinema serves as an ode to times gone by and a lesson on what it used to be like going to the movies. Designated a landmark in 2020 and originally built in 1917, the original building was a coal and feed store, vehicle service station and Coca Cola bottling plant. After being purchased by the Garbett family in 1938, it was turned into The Varsity Theater on Christmas day of that year. The venue plays classic movies but still shows modern-day blockbusters and hosts the occasional film festival.
ROBERT D. RAY ASIAN GARDENS
Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines
www.dsmpublicartfoundation.org/public-artwork/robert-d-ray-asian-gardens
Named after former Iowa Governor Robert D. Ray, whose humanitarian work made central Iowa a safe place for Asian refugees and immigrants, the Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens pay homage to the refugees and immigrants who have settled in Des Moines and plenty of other Iowa cities since Gov. Ray first welcomed them. The blooming flowers in the garden and structure are an essential sight when visiting Des Moines.
THE PAPPAJOHN SCULPTURE PARK
1330 Grand Ave., Des Moines
www.desmoinesartcenter.org/visit/pappajohn-sculpture-park
Opened in 2009, the world-renowned sculpture park in Downtown Des Moines displays artwork from some of the most famed names in the sculpture game. A constant winner in CITYVIEW’s Best Of Des Moines awards, the Pappajohn Sculpture Park is a perfect location for a weekend stroll and family photos. It’s a beautiful green space amid downtown’s towering buildings.
WORLD FOOD PRIZE HALL OF LAUREATES
100 Locust St., Des Moines
www.halloflaureates.org
This building is an excellent showcase for the achievements in agriculture and the fight against hunger that Iowa prides itself on. What was once the Des Moines Library, the beautiful exterior of the building and garden surrounding have become iconic. You can view the successes in the world of food and learn about the rich history of this world class museum that’s been rooted in Des Moines for more than a century.
IOWA STATE CAPITOL
1007 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines
www.legis.iowa.gov/resources/tourCapitol
The Iowa State Capitol consistently finds itself toward the top of national lists ranking the most impressive capitol buildings in the nation, and for good reason. While the state legislators are hard at work, jaw-dropping architecture surrounds them. Note the globes on the outside, gorgeous spiral staircase inside the library, classic artwork and the wealth of Iowa history — all in one spot.
SCIENCE CENTER OF IOWA
401 W. Martin Luther King Jr Parkway, Des Moines
www.sciowa.org
A world of scientific wonders and activities awaits downtown. A steady stream of programs for all ages and interactive exhibits keep children engaged and ready to learn while also being entertained. Permanent exhibits allow kids to learn about zoology, outer space, building, designing and more.
DES MOINES ART CENTER
4700 Grand Ave., Des Moines
www.desmoinesartcenter.org
The Des Moines Art Center was the first museum to open in Des Moines after World War II. It hosts classes to shape the next generation of Iowa artists and displays the works of some of the world’s best artists, period. Three connecting buildings make up the art center’s campus, each with its own architectural history and glorious works of art for your viewing pleasure. All for free.
LIVING HISTORY FARMS
11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale
www.lhf.org
If you ever wanted to know what life was like during the Little House on the Prairie days, Living History Farms provides guests with an extensive look into what old fashioned farming used to be. Only 3% of museums are accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, and this is one of them. LHF hosts exciting events all summer long and a stream of fun activities the entire family can enjoy.
JOHN WAYNE BIRTHPLACE MUSEUM
205 S. John Wayne Drive, Winterset
www.johnwaynebirthplace.museum
If there’s one thing Iowans take pride in, its other Iowans. And there’s no better example of this than the museum dedicated entirely to one of the Hawkeye state’s most famous actors. Located a short drive from Des Moines, the John Wayne Birthplace Museum contains an extensive collection of artifacts and memorabilia from the actor’s life and career, and get this, a movie theater.
STATE HISTORICAL BUILDING
OF IOWA
600 E. Locust St., Des Moines
www.history.iowa.gov/history/museum
Inside one of the state’s best museums, you’ll find more than 1,500 objects on display (80,000 artifacts are in the museum’s collection) and information on everything from Iowans in major films, those who served in the Civil War, and so much more. The rich history of this state is immense, and the State Historical Building contains much of it.
IOWA GOLD STAR MILITARY MUSEUM
7105 N.W. 70th Ave., Johnston
www.goldstarmuseum.iowa.gov
This museum, located at Camp Dodge, dives deep into the military history of Iowa and Iowans. Admission is free, and the museum has a collection that will please any of the military historians in your life. The museum also hosts a number of events throughout the year like movie watches and Memorial Day celebrations.
Central Iowa is full of historical gems that mark the history, pride and essence of the state — and all are well worth a visit.
VARSITY CINEMA
1207 25th St., Des Moines
www.varsitydesmoines.com
Located on the west side of Des Moines, Varsity Cinema serves as an ode to times gone by and a lesson on what it used to be like going to the movies. Designated a landmark in 2020 and originally built in 1917, the original building was a coal and feed store, vehicle service station and Coca Cola bottling plant. After being purchased by the Garbett family in 1938, it was turned into The Varsity Theater on Christmas day of that year. The venue plays classic movies but still shows modern-day blockbusters and hosts the occasional film festival.
ROBERT D. RAY ASIAN GARDENS
Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines
www.dsmpublicartfoundation.org/public-artwork/robert-d-ray-asian-gardens
Named after former Iowa Governor Robert D. Ray, whose humanitarian work made central Iowa a safe place for Asian refugees and immigrants, the Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens pay homage to the refugees and immigrants who have settled in Des Moines and plenty of other Iowa cities since Gov. Ray first welcomed them. The blooming flowers in the garden and structure are an essential sight when visiting Des Moines.
THE PAPPAJOHN SCULPTURE PARK
1330 Grand Ave., Des Moines
www.desmoinesartcenter.org/visit/pappajohn-sculpture-park
Opened in 2009, the world-renowned sculpture park in Downtown Des Moines displays artwork from some of the most famed names in the sculpture game. A constant winner in CITYVIEW’s Best Of Des Moines awards, the Pappajohn Sculpture Park is a perfect location for a weekend stroll and family photos. It’s a beautiful green space amid downtown’s towering buildings.
WORLD FOOD PRIZE HALL OF LAUREATES
100 Locust St., Des Moines
www.halloflaureates.org
This building is an excellent showcase for the achievements in agriculture and the fight against hunger that Iowa prides itself on. What was once the Des Moines Library, the beautiful exterior of the building and garden surrounding have become iconic. You can view the successes in the world of food and learn about the rich history of this world class museum that’s been rooted in Des Moines for more than a century.
IOWA STATE CAPITOL
1007 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines
www.legis.iowa.gov/resources/tourCapitol
The Iowa State Capitol consistently finds itself toward the top of national lists ranking the most impressive capitol buildings in the nation, and for good reason. While the state legislators are hard at work, jaw-dropping architecture surrounds them. Note the globes on the outside, gorgeous spiral staircase inside the library, classic artwork and the wealth of Iowa history — all in one spot.
SCIENCE CENTER OF IOWA
401 W. Martin Luther King Jr Parkway, Des Moines
www.sciowa.org
A world of scientific wonders and activities awaits downtown. A steady stream of programs for all ages and interactive exhibits keep children engaged and ready to learn while also being entertained. Permanent exhibits allow kids to learn about zoology, outer space, building, designing and more.
DES MOINES ART CENTER
4700 Grand Ave., Des Moines
www.desmoinesartcenter.org
The Des Moines Art Center was the first museum to open in Des Moines after World War II. It hosts classes to shape the next generation of Iowa artists and displays the works of some of the world’s best artists, period. Three connecting buildings make up the art center’s campus, each with its own architectural history and glorious works of art for your viewing pleasure. All for free.
LIVING HISTORY FARMS
11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale
www.lhf.org
If you ever wanted to know what life was like during the Little House on the Prairie days, Living History Farms provides guests with an extensive look into what old fashioned farming used to be. Only 3% of museums are accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, and this is one of them. LHF hosts exciting events all summer long and a stream of fun activities the entire family can enjoy.
JOHN WAYNE BIRTHPLACE MUSEUM
205 S. John Wayne Drive, Winterset
www.johnwaynebirthplace.museum
If there’s one thing Iowans take pride in, its other Iowans. And there’s no better example of this than the museum dedicated entirely to one of the Hawkeye state’s most famous actors. Located a short drive from Des Moines, the John Wayne Birthplace Museum contains an extensive collection of artifacts and memorabilia from the actor’s life and career, and get this, a movie theater.
STATE HISTORICAL BUILDING
OF IOWA
600 E. Locust St., Des Moines
www.history.iowa.gov/history/museum
Inside one of the state’s best museums, you’ll find more than 1,500 objects on display (80,000 artifacts are in the museum’s collection) and information on everything from Iowans in major films, those who served in the Civil War, and so much more. The rich history of this state is immense, and the State Historical Building contains much of it.
IOWA GOLD STAR MILITARY MUSEUM
7105 N.W. 70th Ave., Johnston
www.goldstarmuseum.iowa.gov
This museum, located at Camp Dodge, dives deep into the military history of Iowa and Iowans. Admission is free, and the museum has a collection that will please any of the military historians in your life. The museum also hosts a number of events throughout the year like movie watches and Memorial Day celebrations.