3 Best Landmarks in Des Moines, IA

“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. 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. 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 building is adorned with various majestic features, including various types and colors of marble, intricate works of art, and elaborate carvings in both stone and wood.”

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“Salisbury House & Gardens 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. The Museum is owned and operated by the Salisbury House Foundation, and 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 flintwork, 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.”

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“Terrace Hill is an architectural masterpiece that was constructed in 1869 as a private residence in the rapidly growing community of Des Moines. The home's distinctive design features steeply pitched open verandas, a mansard roof, long and narrow frequently paired windows, and bracketed eaves. The 18,000-square-foot structure now serves as the official governor's residence and a historic site. 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. Guided tours of the first two floors and historic gardens transport visitors back to the refined Victorian lifestyle of the 1880s.”

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