Sculpting Your Way In Central Iowa

Unique sculptures can be found across Iowa’s capital city, including at the famous John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park.

Day 1
Begin your trip in Newton, IA where you’ll explore a diverse collection of more than 70 installations of one, two and three-dimensional artwork. Outstanding sculptures including International Harvestor, a.k.a. Harvey and the Ol’ Lonely sculpture, are located at Maytag Park.

The Jasper County Courthouse is on the National Register of Historic Places. To honor all veterans, a monument was created by a local artist and is located on the building’s south side.

If your group visits in June, the Iowa Sculpture Festival is an ideal setting for sculpture displays and festivities. Visit iowasculpturefestival.org for more information.

Trainland U.S.A. is an operating toy train museum, displaying Lionel trains and accessories, sculptures in a smaller way. Contact (515) 674-3813 to set up your tour.

Have you heard of “Man vs Food” on the Travel Channel? Check out a locally owned barbeque restaurant for dinner, named the “Manliest Restaurant” in the country. Grab a bite to eat at Jethro’s BBQ ‘n Jake’s Smokehouse Steaks in Altoona.

As you make your way into Des Moines, take in the splendor of art along your path including public art at the Iowa State Capitol Complex, Historic East Village, Polk County Courthouse, Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway and many other locations. A map of public art in Greater Des Moines can be found at here.

The John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, set on 4.4 acres in the heart of Downtown Des Moines, features 27 works of art donated to the museum by John and Mary Pappajohn from their renowned collection of contemporary sculptures. John and Mary Pappajohn are known worldwide and ARTnews magazine listed them as one of the top 200 art collectors in the world. The 27 sculptures are the largest single public gift in Des Moines' history and the largest public gift of art in Iowa history. Guided tours are available through the Des Moines Art Center at (515) 277-4405.

Embrace your artistic side at the Des Moines Art Center. Tours are available in the gallery, while pieces on the Art Center grounds include the Standing Stones and Animal Pyramid.

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.

Known for their poboy sandwiches and specialty pizza, your group will enjoy Mullets. Contact (515) 244-1443 for info.

Finally, see a performance at a local theater, such as the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines, Des Moines Metro Opera, Ballet Des Moines or the Des Moines Playhouse.

Day 2
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.

Venture to the Iowa Arboretum to learn about various plants. The arboretum is 378 acres of trees and woodland trails, along with flowers and shrubbery stretched over the plains. Contact (515) 795-3216 for more information.

Bambino’s Restaurant is a West Des Moines gem that serves up authentic Italian/American cuisine. How does hand dipped fried ravioli or homemade cavatelli sound?  Contact (515) 981-9127 for details.

Beaverdale Confection Co. is a locally owned shop that is sure to sweeten up your day. Talk with the owner and purchase some homemade candies that melt in your mouth! Contact (515) 279-0553 for tour information.

Shop at any or all of the following shopping destinations: Historic Valley Junction, Historic East Village, Jordan Creek Town Center, Valley West Mall, Merle Hay Mall, Southridge Mall, Bass Pro Shops, Homemakers or West Glen Town Center.

For dinner, try Baratta's, home to some of the best Italian and American cuisine around. Contact (515) 243-4516.

Cap off the night with a 360-degree view of Des Moines from the Center Street Pedestrian Bridge.

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