Best Landmarks in Des Moines

Iowa State Capitol is a well-known Building in Des Moines, Iowa. The Iowa State Capitol, also known as the Iowa Statehouse, boasts a 23-karat golden dome that towers over the city and is a popular tourist attraction. Four smaller domes flank the central dome, and the building is home to the Iowa Senate, Iowa House of Representatives, the Office of the Governor, and several other government offices, such as the Offices of the Attorney General, Treasurer, Auditor, and Secretary of State. The Iowa State Capitol also houses a chamber for the Iowa Supreme Court, although court activities typically occur in the adjacent Iowa Supreme Court building. The building is adorned with various majestic features, including various marble types and colors, intricate works of art, and elaborate carvings in both stone and wood.

Salisbury House & Gardens is a famous place in Des Moines, Iowa. The House was constructed between 1923 and 1928 by cosmetics entrepreneur Carl Weeks, Salisbury House & Gardens is a 42-room architectural marvel modeled after the King's House in Salisbury, England, and now serves as a historic house museum. Owned and operated by the Salisbury House Foundation, the property is open to the public for tours, private rentals, and public events. The historic site boasts genuine 16th-century English oak woodwork, English flint work, and rafters that date back to Shakespeare's era. In addition, the estate features a beautiful American setting and an eclectic collection of literature, art, and worldly treasures that are available to the public for viewing free of charge. Additionally, guided tours of Salisbury House & Gardens are open.

Terrace Hill is considered one of the famous Historical landmarks in Des Moines, Iowa. Terrace Hill, an architectural masterpiece, was constructed in 1869 as a private residence in the rapidly growing community of Des Moines. The 18,000-square-foot structure now serves as both the official governor's residence and a historic site. The home's distinctive design features steeply pitched open verandas, a mansard roof, long and narrow frequently paired windows, and bracketed eaves. Guided tours of the first two floors and historic gardens transport visitors back to the refined Victorian lifestyle of the 1880s. Tours last approximately an hour and begin at the Carriage House, which previously housed horse stalls and carriages but has since been converted into a visitor center.