3 Best Landmarks in Des Moines, IA

TERRACE HILL

Since 1869

Architectural Buildings, House, Landmarks, Historical Buildings, Tourist Attractions, House, Preservation and Restoration, Education Programs, Group Tour, Events, Community Outreach, Cultural Activities, Event Rentals, Library, Speaker Presentations & Summer Camp

Free Admission: Children Under Age 6 - Free for students with a school and 1 free chaperone per 10 students - The home measures 18,000 square feet (1,600 m²) - Area: 8 acres (3.2 ha)

Price: $5 Adults & $2 Children (6-12)

nicole.phend@iowa.gov

terracehilliowa.org

(515) 281-7205

(515) 281-3604

Tue - Sat 10:30 am - 1:30 pm
Sun & Mon Closed

I went to Terrace Hill this week. What a beautiful example of Second Empire Architecture! I love houses that have most of the original furniture own by the Hubbell family, who own the house since the 1880's. The decorating and the wall stencils thru the house are amazing. Our guide was excellent and very knowledgeable! This tour is a bargain at $5.00! You will not be disappointed. Check website there are only about 4 tour times a day! I bet this house is gorgeous when they decorate for Christmas.

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We visited Terrace Hill on a very rainy day, but it did not dampen our spirit of learning how Terrace Hill became the home of the Governor. We parked on the street and walked to the carriage house where there is memorabilia and a short video on the previous owners of Terrace Hill. Our very informative guide then took us into the house and told us details about the building of the house and interesting facts about the people who lived there.

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IOWA STATE CAPITOL

1007 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50319

Since 1871

Historical Place, Government Buildings, Landmarks, Historic Preservation, Architecture Buildings, Court, Historical Building, Observation Deck, Monuments, Exhibitions, Events, Guided Tours, Programs, Weddings, Private Occasions, Gift Shop, Field Trips, Holiday Historic House Tour & Collections

The architectural design of the Capitol rectangular in form with great windows and high ceilings follows the traditional pattern of 19th-century planning for public buildings

info@eastvillagedesmoines.com

eastvillagedesmoines.com/listing...

(515) 281-5591

Mon - Wed & Fri 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Thu 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Sat 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sun Closed

Highly recommend stopping by the Iowa State Capitol to kill about and hour and a half. The highlight of the self guided tour for me was the law library. Some instagrammable spots in there for sure. The portraits of fallen Iowa soldiers from the war on terror was moving. Looking at the faces of all of the young people who gave their lives was heart breaking. Great tribute.

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Hubs and I are trying to visit all the state capital buildings. This is number 4 and it's absolutely lovely. Our tour guide was amazing, very knowledgeable and friendly. The structure is fabulous and beautiful. There are food trucks in the parking lot if you're there around lunchtime and the grounds are great, lots of places to sit in the peaceful surroundings. The downtown Des Moines area is clean and an easy walk to places to eat.

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SALISBURY HOUSE

4025 Tonawanda Drive, Des Moines, IA 50312

Since 1923

Architectural Buildings, Landmarks, Historical Places, Attractions, reservation and Restoration, Education Programs, Adult Programs, Group Tour, Events, Cultural Activities, Event Rentals, Summer Camp, Exhibitions, Collections, Private Events, Public Tours, Stores, Shops, New Visitor’s Center, Arts & Field Trips

Free Admission: Members & children Age 5 and Under with a paying adult - Offers private tours to student and adult groups - It contains 42 rooms and measures just over 22,000 square feet (2,000 m²) - Area: 9.4 acres (3.8 ha)

Price: $8 Adults, $7 Seniors (Age 65+), $2 Youth (Age 6-12)

contactus@salisburyhouse.org

salisburyhouse.org

(515) 274-1777

Tue - Sat 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sun 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

This multi-use mansion is a gem found in the heart of Des Moines. The mansion itself is a historical wonder packed with treasures from Europe, including the ceiling from a chapel that Shakespeare stood under. I'd highly recommend the guided tour for an inside look at this beautiful piece of history. Besides a relic of the past, I've also attended a wedding here. The Salisbury House served as a beautiful venue and backdrop for the wedding. I'd check it out if you are considering it. They also have many events throughout the year. Most recently, I attended Shakespeare's King Lear, which was set across the grounds. I had a wonderful time, and it was a lovely night.

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This was an amazing mansion and absolutely beautiful. The art alone is worth it. However next time I am going on the guided tour!!! Staff here is super friendly and checks in on you with the self guided tour. It was a slow day so we ended up with a partially guided tour. This place is huge. Plan at LEAST a few hours to get through it and admire the details. Especially if you are an art or architecture junkie like me!!!

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The Best Landmarks in Des Moines

Handpicked Top 3 Landmarks in Des Moines, Iowa. Our 50-Point Inspection includes everything from checking reviews, ratings, reputation, history, complaints, satisfaction, trust and cost to the general excellence. You deserve only the best!

TERRACE HILL

IOWA STATE CAPITOL

SALISBURY HOUSE