History From The Ground Up

Travel to Des Moines and capture the city’s history through architecture. Architecture enthusiasts will be thrilled with the unique history of Greater Des Moines' buildings.

Day 1
Contact Inbound Iowa, LLC for local step-on guide that gives your group a behind-the-scenes look at the stops you are about to make. Contact (515) 278-4950 for more information on tours.

See 80- year-old cast bronze doors weighing 750 pounds each at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center! Ornate ceiling decoration and moldings are located throughout five floors of this historic building. Some of the tapestry dates back to the 17th century! Contact Shane Harsharger at (515) 288-8927 for further information.

Built in the late 1800s, the Iowa State Capitol is considered one of the nation’s finest examples of 19th-century architecture. The brilliance of the towering 23-karat golden dome, along with the four smaller domes, is something to be seen! For more information, contact Joan Arnett at (515) 281-8027.

Embrace your artistic side at the Des Moines Art Center. Tours are available in the gallery and the John and Mary PappaJohn Sculpture Park, which consists of 27 sculptures in a beautiful outdoor setting.

After viewing the art, the Des Moines Art Center Restaurant will refresh your palate with weekly menus featuring fresh, handmade soups, salads, sandwiches, pastas and desserts. Contact (515) 271-0332 for more information.

Terrace Hill, a National Historic Landmark and the Iowa Governor’s residence, was built in 1869 by Iowa’s first millionaire, Benjamin Franklin Allen. It is one of the finest examples of American Victorian Second Empire architecture designed by William Boyington, a well-known Chicago architect. Tours can be scheduled by contacting Meredith Sillau at Meredith.sillau@iowa.gov or (515) 281-7205.

The 42-room architectural wonder, Salisbury House and Gardens, was built by cosmetics magnate, Carl Weeks, and displays more than 10,000 fabulous finds from around the world. To schedule this must-see tour contact Leo Landis at (515) 274-1777.

All Play of Des Moines has over 65 virtual reality games, a three-story rock climbing wall and Fanatics Grille and Bar. All Play caters to all ages and has great group specials! Contact (515) 333-5050 for more information.

Day 2
Green Grounds Café boasts a menu of locally-grown and organic foods. Stop for breakfast and stay energized all day!

Hoyt Sherman Place boasts one of Des Moines’ most magnificent entertainment, banquet and meeting facilities. This elegant family mansion is also home to an impressive art gallery and a historic theater. Contact Molly Pins at (515) 244-0507 for more information.

Take a driving tour of over 150 historic Queen Anne or 1870s architecture homes throughout Sherman Hill District. Then, visit the Wallace House Foundation at their homestead, one of the oldest properties in Sherman Hill. The well-known Wallace family is recognized in the field of agriculture for being the family that co-founded the American Farm Bureau Federation and the Pioneer Hi-Bred Company, among many other achievements. Contact (515) 284-5717 or email sjsmothers@dmgov.org for more information.

Take in the modern architecture of West Glen Town Center in West Des Moines. Enjoy lunch at Champps Restaurant and Sports Bar, Bonefish Grill or West End Diner.

The Historic Jordan House, a stately Victorian home of Italianate Gothic design, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a member of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program. It is one of the oldest structures in Polk Country, as well as West Des Moines. Contact Penny Schiltz at (515) 225-1286 for more information.

Visit the eclectic West End Architectural Salvage. Craftsmanship from the past is available for renovations or creative repurposing. Socialize at the coffee shop and try one of their famous smoothies! Contact owner Don Short at (515) 243-0499 for more information.

Hand-tossed thin crust pizza from Sam and Louie’s Pizzaria brings the New York experience to Iowa. Another option is Sbrocco Wine Bar and Wine Shop, where the bar serves 42 wines by the glass and more than 100 by the bottle. The modern architecture will amaze you. Food is prepared by Andrew Meek, a James Beard nominated chef. Wine classes and tastings are offered weekly.

For evening entertainment, visit one of Des Moines’ many cultural entertainment venues. Visit SeeDesMoines.com/events or contact your GDMCVB representative for a schedule of current shows at: Civic Center of Greater Des Moines, Des Moines Metro Opera, Ballet Des Moines or the Des Moines Playhouse.

Click here to download a PDF of this itinerary.

For more information, contact:
Katie Stien
Sales Manager
Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau
(515) 699-3432
kstien@desmoinescvb.com