State capital of Iowa, Des Moines is a Mid-Western city flanked by the Mississippi River to the east and the Missouri River in the west. Although Des Moines only just ranks among the top 100 largest cities in America it still has much to offer from its impressive gold-domed capitol building to its hugely popular Arts Center. The city also plays host every year to the Iowa State Fair, one of the most sought after in America.
No trip to the capital of Iowa would be complete without a look at its famous gold dome that sits atop the capitol building. The 23-karat dome and smaller bronze domes can be viewed at various points throughout the city and attract thousands of visitors everywhere for a tour which also takes in the splendid interior made up of marble; it’s a long walk of 300 steps to the top.
Des Moines is a great destination for children, with its zoo offering the chance to feed giraffes and to see how the center operates ‘behind the scenes.’ Also popular is the Science Center of Iowa with its IMAX theatre and its wealth of interactive displays. For the best of Iowa, get here for the 10-day long state fair which attracts one million visitors every August with its rides, food stalls and main stage which has seen the likes of Bob Dylan and Alicia Keys perform in the past.
Highlights
Capitol Building: one of the most resplendent state capitol buildings in all of America, the Des Moines Capitol Building is dripping with gold and marble.
Science Center of Iowa: with its 3D cinema and exhibits which have in the past included artifacts from the Titanic, this science center is great for kids and adults.
Blank Park Zoo: unlike many zoos, this one allows visitors to get up close and personal with the animals and even feed the giraffes.
Salisbury House: labeled a National Treasure, this well-maintained mansion from the 1920s features Gothic and Tudor styles throughout its 42 rooms and is full of interesting objects such as books and artwork.