Lovely Des Moines

Des Moines s the capital of the U.S. state of Iowa.

The State Capitol is topped with a gold dome that can be seen from many places in the city, It is home to the governor’s office and many sectors of the Iowa government among them the Iowa Senate and Iowa House of Representatives. There are free guided tours available and visitors can walk the halls and view the open rooms. The Law Library on the second floor is open to the public.

Terrace Hill is the official residence of the Governor of Iowa. It was built in the Second Empire style and has been declared a U.S. National Historic Landmark. The building has a 90-foot tower. Inside the mansion are permanent and temporary changing exhibits.

The Science Center of Iowa is a fun place for all ages. The center has permanent and rotating hands-on exhibits. If you want to gaze at the stars the center also includes a planetarium and an IMAX Theater to learn about the world around you. Adult-orientated programs are offered. For children, there are camps, workshops, and after-school programming.

The American Enterprise Group Art Park is an outdoor sculpture park. It is located next door to the American Enterprise Group Headquarters in downtown Des Moines. The park has eleven installations, landscaped gardens, and benches.

Among the interesting sculptures are:

Sphere Within a Sphere by the Italian sculptor Amaldo Pomodoro

Folded Circle Zig by American sculptor Fletcher Benton

The adjacent American Enterprise headquarters has an impressive collection of contemporary art.

The John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park is located in Western Gateway Park. You’ll find over 20 artworks. The Sculpture Park and surrounding Gateway Park are great places to relax and for recreation, The park hosts the annual Des Moines Art Festival in June and the 80/35 Music Festival.

The Salisbury House and Gardens was built by businessman Carl Weeks in the 1920s. There is plenty to see in the 42-room estate. You can explore the house and grounds on a self-guided tour. If you wish to learn more about its history you can take the guided tour which also includes areas off-limits to the public.

The Des Moines Art Center features rotating exhibits with artwork from local and nationally renowned artists. Among the permanent exhibits are artwork by Matisse, Monet, and O’Keefe among others. There are guided tours and educational programs available. The grounds are a great place to take a walk. You can relax at the Art Center Café.

The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates has made its home in the former Des Moines Public Library Building. It is a museum and educational center dedicated to Noble Peace Prize winner Dr. Norman Borlaug the the programs he established to help fight hunger and achieve global food security. The facility had many different spaces and a garden that can be rented for special occasions.

Jordan House was built by James C. Jordan, a prominent cattle rancher. He settled in Iowa in the 1800s. The house has been restored to its original splendor. There is an impressive collection of antiques and other historical treasures. Of particular interest is the Underground Railroad Exhibit which documents Jordan's role in both the Underground Railroad and the establishment of the regular railroad. Guided tours are available.

Principal Park is located at the confluence of the Iowa and Raccoon Rivers in downtown, At one time it was known as Sec Taylor Stadium, It is home to Iowa’s Triple-A minor league baseball team, the Iowa Cubs. The park features fireworks on the Fourth of July as well as other community events.

The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is a wonderful place to wander among the beautiful flowers and plants. During lunchtime you can enjoy the Trellis Café.

Just a few blocks from the botanical garden you’ll find a picturesque pavilion on the east bank of the Des Moines River. The Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens are lovely and feature the beautiful Asian Pavilion with a cascading stream and decorative garden. You can delight in stone pagodas and sculptural rock formations.

Water Works Park offers recreation such as walking, running, biking, bird-watching, and fishing. There are places to picnic. A bike train beneath Fleur Drive connects to Gray Lake and the scenic pedestrian walkway. You can get out on the water by renting a boat. You then connect with Gray’s Lake Park.

The Blank Park Zoo is located just south of downtown Des Moines. The zoo is dedicated to conservation and education. There are several large exhibits like the Discovery Center with various sections like the Cave. Other exhibits include the African Boardwalk and the Aquarium of the Discovery Center.

Every August Iowa has a two-week celebration at the fairgrounds in Des Moines known as the Iowa State Fair. You can enjoy exhibits, trade shows, amusements, rides, live music, and great food.