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Culture

Top Rated Attractions in Des Moines

Search Radius (Miles)
Des Moines Art Center

A temple for art lovers and learners, the Des Moines Art Center houses artworks like Edward Hopper's Automat, which was reproduced as a postage stamp. Other artists included in the permanent collection are Andy Warhol, Claude Monet, and Roy Lichtenstein. The building is considered a work of art in and of itself, first built in 1948 and later redesigned in 1968. The art center even has a reference library, restaurant, and gift shop. It also has arrangements for seminars and workshops on regularly.

Iowa State Capitol

This courtly state capitol is perched atop a verdant hill, and is a canopy of elegance and dignity. A landmark structure in Des Moines, the building is at once imposing and regal, historic and contemporary. Constructed between 1871 and 1886, it is the only state capitol in the United States that has five domes, notably the gilded central dome. One of the tallest buildings in Iowa until 1924, this iconic government building houses the Iowa State Senate and House of Representatives, as well as the offices of the Governor of Iowa, Attorney General, Secretary of State, and other major agencies. With a gilded dome glimmering under the radiance of the sun and sky, the Iowa State Capitol also acts as a panoramic vantage point over the city's bustling downtown. The capitol's exterior is complete with Corinthian columns, porticoes and a finely-sculpted pediment, while the interior is adorned with opulent furniture and remnants like ship models and ceremonial gowns attached to historic luminaries. The grounds of the capitol also shelter the soul-stirring Lincoln and Tad Statue and the Soldier and Sailors Monument.

East Village

The historic East Village neighborhood in Downtown Des Moines is dotted with various bars, restaurants, and shops. The fun, eclectic atmosphere of this village is what attracts many visitors. The historic East Village also hosts many annual events, including the World Food Festival. This iconic neighborhood features a combination of residential and commercial areas.

Iowa State Fairgrounds

The Iowa State Fairgrounds was originally the Charles Thornton Farmstead and has been the home of the rewnoned Iowa State Fair since 1886. Spread across 435 acres (176.03 hectares), these sprawling grounds also have historic buildings and are registered on the National Register of Historic Places. These include structures like the primary house and barn, the 1902 Livestock Pavilion, and the 1904 Agriculture Building. Around half of the open space is used for the annual fair and the remaining is enjoyed as a campground. The entire area is divided into departments, which host concerts, flea markets, livestock exhibitions, and antiques, auto, and trade shows. If you're in Des Moines during the Iowa State Fair, put it at the top of your to-do list.

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Eye-candy for botanists and admirers of nature, the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden prides itself on its beautiful plantations, exotic flowers, and manicured hedges. You'll find an incredible variety of tropical plants, as well as features like small waterfalls to help set the scene. Beyond creating visually stunning experiences, the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden also endeavors to create awareness among visitors about horticulture and the environment through its several educational tours. Plant lover or not, head here to soak in the lovely atmosphere or simply for a breath of fresh air.

Salisbury House & Gardens

Built in the early 1900s by the Weeks family, the Salisbury House in Des Moines is an excellent locus of history and culture. Modeled on the King's House based in Salisbury, this courtly edifice is further augmented by rolling, viridescent lawns dotted with an array of blooming flowers and trees. Enlisted on the National Register of Historic Places, this stately manor is awash in the finer nuances of Gothic, Tudor and Carolean architecture. Sprawling across 22,000 square feet (2000 square meters), the house lovingly harbors an array of opulent, lavishly furnished rooms, each of which boasts exquisite architecture coupled with majestic interiors. Hidden in the recesses of the house is a stunning collective of rare antiques, books, and valuable artifacts that chronicle the legacy of the Weeks family. A magnificent canopy of history and beauty, the Salisbury House is a priceless possession of Iowa.

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