EXPLORE: Only in Des Moines
By Cyote Williams
Discover the distinct destinations and local gems of Iowa’s capital city.
SALISBURY HOUSE
4025 Tonawanda Drive, Des Moines
www.salisburyhouse.org
Extensive restoration took place in 2005 of this beautifully constructed homage to “The King’s House” in Salisbury, England. You can experience its unique architecture during the museum’s regular hours from Wednesday to Sunday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. or get a ticket for a guided tour of the quarters.
WORLD FOOD PRIZE HALL OF LAUREATES
100 Locust St., Des Moines
www.halloflaureates.org
Formerly the Des Moines Public Library, the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates now serves as a showcase for expert achievement in agriculture and the fight against hunger. While highlighting successes in the world of food, you can still learn and experience the rich history of the century-old building and witness the breathtaking artwork on display throughout its halls.
IOWA STATE CAPITOL
1007 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines
www.legis.iowa.gov/resources/tourCapitol
You’ll be hard pressed to find any capitol building more impressive than the one residing in the heart of Iowa. Visitors will find the unmistakable golden dome at the top, a wealth of Iowa history inside, the spiral staircase within the library, timeless chandeliers, artwork and more.
ROBERT D. RAY ASIAN GARDENS
Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines
www.dsmpublicartfoundation.org/public-artwork/robert-d-ray-asian-gardens
Dedicated to former Iowa Governor Robert Ray, the garden is not only a symbol of his humanitarian work in giving Asian refugees and immigrants a safe haven, but to the incredible contributions that those refugees, immigrants and their subsequent families have made to the area. The pathway, pavilion and garden are a must-see when in the city.
STATE HISTORICAL BUILDING OF IOWA
600 E. Locust St., Des Moines
https://history.iowa.gov/history/museum
Discover the history of the Hawkeye state at the State Historical Museum of Iowa. With more than 1,500 objects on display, 80,000 artifacts inside, and information on everything from silver screen appearances to the Civil War, you’ll have more Iowa history on your hands then you’ll know what to do with.
TERRACE HILL
2300 Grand Ave., Des Moines
https://terracehill.iowa.gov/
Built by Benjamin Franklin Allen, now the home of the Governor, the first and second floors serve as a museum and are open for tours with an advanced reservation. The iconic residence celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2019 and is a shining example of Victorian Second Empire architecture.
THE PAPPAJOHN SCULPTURE PARK
1330 Grand Ave., Des Moines
www.desmoinesartcenter.org/visit/pappajohn-sculpture-park
Since 2009, the famed sculpture park in downtown Des Moines has hosted artwork from some of the world’s most renowned artists and has been awarded best place to bring visitors by CITYVIEW. The original pieces for the park resided on John and Mary Pappajohn property before being given to the city. With 22 different works to view, you’ll be spoiled for choice in deciding your own personal favorite of the bunch.
Discover the distinct destinations and local gems of Iowa’s capital city.
SALISBURY HOUSE
4025 Tonawanda Drive, Des Moines
www.salisburyhouse.org
Extensive restoration took place in 2005 of this beautifully constructed homage to “The King’s House” in Salisbury, England. You can experience its unique architecture during the museum’s regular hours from Wednesday to Sunday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. or get a ticket for a guided tour of the quarters.
WORLD FOOD PRIZE HALL OF LAUREATES
100 Locust St., Des Moines
www.halloflaureates.org
Formerly the Des Moines Public Library, the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates now serves as a showcase for expert achievement in agriculture and the fight against hunger. While highlighting successes in the world of food, you can still learn and experience the rich history of the century-old building and witness the breathtaking artwork on display throughout its halls.
IOWA STATE CAPITOL
1007 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines
www.legis.iowa.gov/resources/tourCapitol
You’ll be hard pressed to find any capitol building more impressive than the one residing in the heart of Iowa. Visitors will find the unmistakable golden dome at the top, a wealth of Iowa history inside, the spiral staircase within the library, timeless chandeliers, artwork and more.
ROBERT D. RAY ASIAN GARDENS
Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines
www.dsmpublicartfoundation.org/public-artwork/robert-d-ray-asian-gardens
Dedicated to former Iowa Governor Robert Ray, the garden is not only a symbol of his humanitarian work in giving Asian refugees and immigrants a safe haven, but to the incredible contributions that those refugees, immigrants and their subsequent families have made to the area. The pathway, pavilion and garden are a must-see when in the city.
STATE HISTORICAL BUILDING OF IOWA
600 E. Locust St., Des Moines
https://history.iowa.gov/history/museum
Discover the history of the Hawkeye state at the State Historical Museum of Iowa. With more than 1,500 objects on display, 80,000 artifacts inside, and information on everything from silver screen appearances to the Civil War, you’ll have more Iowa history on your hands then you’ll know what to do with.
TERRACE HILL
2300 Grand Ave., Des Moines
https://terracehill.iowa.gov/
Built by Benjamin Franklin Allen, now the home of the Governor, the first and second floors serve as a museum and are open for tours with an advanced reservation. The iconic residence celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2019 and is a shining example of Victorian Second Empire architecture.
THE PAPPAJOHN SCULPTURE PARK
1330 Grand Ave., Des Moines
www.desmoinesartcenter.org/visit/pappajohn-sculpture-park
Since 2009, the famed sculpture park in downtown Des Moines has hosted artwork from some of the world’s most renowned artists and has been awarded best place to bring visitors by CITYVIEW. The original pieces for the park resided on John and Mary Pappajohn property before being given to the city. With 22 different works to view, you’ll be spoiled for choice in deciding your own personal favorite of the bunch.