ATTRACTIONS
Amusements
Heritage Carousel of Des Moines
Located in Union Park
515-323-8200
The seasonal, 35-passenger Heritage Carousel is one of the few carousels made of wood since the 1930s. Each hand carved and hand primed, the animals on the carousel include horses, a tiger, stork, rabbits, an ostrich, a zebra, baby elephant, honey bear, pirate cat, giraffe, sea urchin, and a panda. more... mapWhite Water University Fun Park
5401 East University Avenue • Des Moines, IA 50327
515-265-4904
White Water University Fun Park features a wave pool, tubing rides, water slides, a lazy river, children's play pool, hot tub, 18 holes of California-style golf, and twin-engine go-carts. map
Historic Homes & Buildings
Basilica of St. John
1915 University Avenue • Des Moines, IA 50314
515-244-3101
Built in a stunning Romanesque style, this basilica features stained glass windows with marble interior. Tours are available. more... mapBennett School (circa 1927)
Fuller Road • West Des Moines, IA 50265
515-225-1286
One of the last one-room schoolhouses built in the West Des Moines area, used until 1941, Bennett School has been fully restored to reflect the memories of former students and a teacher. It is located just southeast of Jordan Creek Elementary School. The Bennett School is open to the public from May to September, on the 2nd Saturday of the month, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. more...Iowa State Capitol
East 9th and Grand Avenue • Des Moines, IA 50319
515-281-5591
Built between 1871 and 1886, this magnificent building is one of the nation's finest examples of 19th century architecture. Its dome, constructed of steel and brick, is externally gilded with 23-karat gold leaf. Tours can be scheduled between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tours of the Capitol last about one hour to one hour and 20 minutes. Groups must schedule in advance. more... mapJordan House (circa 1850)
2001 Fuller Road • Des Moines, IA 50265
515-225-1286
The former home of James Jordan, the founder of Valley Junction, which was to become West Des Moines; this restored Victorian Italianate Gothic-style mansion served as a station on the Underground Railroad during the mid-1800s. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and a member of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program, the home serves as a museum for the City of West Des Moines and as the office of the Historical Society. It is one of the oldest structures in Polk Country and the oldest in West Des Moines. The Jordan House is open to the public from May to September on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Sunday afternoons from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. more... mapMathias Ham House (circa 1856)
2241 Lincoln Avenue • Des Moines, IA 50310
319-557-9545
Filled with elegant American and European furnishings, this Italian Villa-style Victorian mansion was designed by John F. Rague, architect of the Old State Capitols of Illinois and Iowa. Iowa's oldest building, an 1833 settler's log cabin, is also located at the site. It has been skillfully restored and authentically furnished. Owned by the Dubuque County Historical Society, the Mathias Ham House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. mapWallace House (circa 1882)
756 16th Street • Des Moines, IA 50314
515-243-7063
Visit this stunning Victorian Italianate-style home of Henry Wallace, former Secretary of Agriculture. more... map
Museums & Galleries
Des Moines Art Center
4700 Grand Avenue • Des Moines, IA 50312
515-277-4405
The Des Moines Art Center "presents thought-provoking exhibitions and educational programs, as well as hands-on studio art classes." With a major emphasis on contemporary art, the Des Moines Art Center's permanent collection includes art from the 19th century to the present. The Museum Shop offers a large selection of contemporary art books, cards, jewelry and accessories, pottery, calendars, folk art, educational children’s books, toys and unique gifts. The Art Center Restaurant has been awarded five stars from The Des Moines Register. The Art Center is wheelchair and stroller accessible. more... mapHeritage Art Gallery
111 Court Avenue • Des Moines, IA 50309
515-286-2242
Housed in a circa 1908, Beaux Arts Classical-style United States Post Office, the Polk County Heritage Gallery provides a multi-use exhibition space for artistic and historical exhibits. It is open Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. more... mapHoyt Sherman Place (circa 1877)
1501 Woodland Avenue • Des Moines, IA 50309
515-244-0507
A grand manor home built by prominent businessman Hoyt Sherman, the Hoyt Sherman Place is now a museum and performing arts center. An impressive collection of 19th and 20th century paintings, elaborately carved 17th century furniture, and many rare ancient artifacts can be seen in the original house and gallery. The renovated circa 1923, historic theater is host to an array of world renowned musicians, theatrical productions, and local performing arts events. more... map
Parks, Gardens & Zoos
Blank Park Zoo
7401 Southwest 9th Street • Des Moines, IA 50315
515-323-8383
With a mission “to inspire an appreciation of the natural world through conservation, education and recreation,” the 49-acre Blank Park Zoo is the only zoo in Iowa to be accredited by the American Zoo & Aquarium Association (AZA). The Blank Park Zoo features 104 different animal species and 1,484 animal specimens. It also boasts one of the largest botanical collections in Iowa. more... mapDes Moines Botanical Center
909 Robert D. Ray Drive • Des Moines, IA 50316
515-323-6290
Located on 14 acres along the east bank of the Des Moines River, near downtown Des Moines, the Des Moines Botanical Center is one of the most popular cultural attractions in Iowa. Providing educational, recreational and community resources to thousands each year, the Des Moines Botanical Center is a member of the American Association of Botanical Gardens and Arboreta. more... mapYellow Banks Park
Yellow Banks Park is located along the Des Moines River Water Trail, off Vandalia Road about two miles east of Highway 65.
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