Des Moines Landmarks and Monuments
(Des Moines, Iowa - IA, USA)
The Civic Center Historic District sits within the center of Des Moines and is home to some of the city's oldest and most important landmarks and public buildings. These include the Armory and World War Memorial Building, the Municipal Court Building and the US Court House, together with the city's former Public Library and Post Office.
The East Village area of the capital is also known for its plentiful old buildings, many of which now appear on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Baker-Devotie-Hollingsworth Studio (1878), the Des Moines City Hall (1910), the Hohberger Building (1895), the McCoy Building (1883) and the Northwestern Hotel (1916), not to mention the stately State Capitol.
The principal landmark within the city of Des Moines is without question the riverside Iowa State Capitol Building, which was constructed between the years of 1871 and 1886 atop a central hill, at the cost of almost US$3 million. When it was completed, it was not only the tallest building in the city, but in the whole of Iowa state. Topped with an enormous traditional 24-meter / 80-foot wide dome, which stands upon a rotunda and is covered in shiny gold leaf, the Capitol is unusual since its four corners are also crowned by smaller domes.
Iowa State Capitol Building
Address: East 9th Street / Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa (IA), USA
Tel: +1 515 281 5591
Interestingly, the Iowa State Capitol Building is actually the only capitol in North America to feature five domes. The main dome is at its most impressive when viewed from beneath, with its finial being the highest point, some 84 meters / 276 feet above the ground. For a real bird's eye view, take a deep breath and climb the 298 stairs to the main dome. Other interest is provided by the collection of historical flags, painted friezes and a number of surrounding memorials, such as the Soldiers and Sailors' Monument. There is also an intriguing bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln and his youngest son, Tad, who are depicted reading from a large book. Of note, a cafe is on hand should you require refreshments during your visit.
Open hours: guided tours by appointment, Monday to Friday - times may vary, Saturday - 09:30 to 14:30 every hour
Admission: free
Des Moines City Hall
Address: 400 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, Iowa (IA), 50309, USA
Tel: +1 515 283 4500
The beautiful three-storey Beaux Arts style Des Moines City Hall is to be found within the Civic Center Historic District and enjoys an especially scenic situation on the Robert D. Ray Drive, standing right next to the West River Front Park and its Simon Estes Amphitheater. Looking more like an elegant palace than a government building, this prominent local landmark appeared on the National Register of Historic Places at the end of 1977 and operates as the city's seat of government. The base of the facade is clad in granite for the first few feet and heading upwards, this is continued by Bedford stone.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free
WWII Freedom Memorial
Address: East 13th Street, Des Moines, Iowa (IA), USA
The Freedom Flame is a contemporary monument and stands on the WWII Memorial Plaza. Facing the Capitol Building and honoring those from Iowa who sadly lost their lives during the Second World War, the gleaming 'Flame' is constructed from stainless steel and measures approximately 15 meters / 50 feet, with its design being the result of a competition won by a team of four friends. Also sited on the plaza is the Iowa Pearl Harbor Memorial and the rather poignant Wall of Memories.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free
Drake University
Address: 2507 University Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa (IA), 50311, USA
Tel: +1 515 271 2011
This important private educational institution has its origins in the early years of the 1880s and now ranks amongst the most historic of all the law schools in the United States. Apart from its School of Law, other colleges include Arts and Sciences, Business and Public Administration, Journalism and Mass Communication, and Pharmacy and Health Sciences. The campus covers a spacious 60 hectares / 150 acres and comes with several eye-catching landmarks, old and new, such as its Old Main building, Carpenter Hall, Crawford Hall, Goodwin-Kirk Hall, Herriott Hall, Jewett Hall, Meredith Hall, Morehouse, Opperman Hall, Ross Hall and Stalnaker Hall, as well as a number of statues. In the early 1990s, the Knapp Center was completed and this multi-purpose arena cost more than US$12 million to build.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free
Iowa Governor's Mansion (Terrace Hill)
Address: 2300 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa (IA), 50312, USA
Tel: +1 515 281 7205
Standing within the Terrace Hill area on the southwestern side of downtown Des Moines, just down the road from the Western Gateway Park and across from the Raccoon River, the Governor's Mansion also goes by the names of the Benjamin F. Allen House and the Hubbell Mansion. This splendid mansion functions as the Iowa Governor's official residence and was constructed between the years 1866 to 1869 by the state's very first millionaire, becoming a National Historic Landmark in the year 2003. The Governor's Mansion is quite imposing, since it resides upon a hill and overlooks the city below, with the views of the cityscape being at their best from the tall bell tower, which measures some 27 meters / 89 feet in height. Each year, literally thousands of visitors enjoy guided tours and 'Holiday Teas' here, while others come for the seasonal fundraising events, such as the summer Twilight Garden Party.
Open hours: guided tours, March to December, Tuesday to Saturday - 10:30, 11:30, 12:30 and 13:30
Admission: charge, discounts available for children
Wallace House
Address: 756 16th Street, Des Moines, Iowa (IA), 50314, USA
Tel: +1 515 243 7063
This late Victorian house was once the residence of Henry Wallace, a major leader in the fields of farming and conservation, as well as the editor of the popular Iowa Homestead publication. Located on the corner of 16th Street and Center Street, the Wallace House dates back to 1883 and was occupied by the Wallace family the following decade. The Italian-influenced facade is particularly appealing and features an unusual wrap-around porch. Much restoration work was carried out towards the end of the 20th century, using a series of photographs taken from Victorian times. Period furnishings, family portraits and many personal mementos provide interest for visitors, along with the garden, which was revamped and replanted in 2008. Be sure to look out for the century old oak tree on the northern side of the house. This tree was selected by the White House Council in the year 2000 to serve as Iowa's very own 'Millennium Tree'.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 14:00, or by appointment
Admission: guided tours - charge; self-guided tour - donations suggested
Jordan House
Address: 2001 Fuller Road, Des Moines, Iowa (IA), 50265, USA
Tel: +1 515 225 1286
Located in West Des Moines and just across from the Raccoon River Park, Jordan House was built in the middle of the 19th century for wealthy cattle farmer James Jordan, who was one of the region's earliest white settlers. The year 1870 saw major extension work being carried out and this Victorian house soon took on the appearance of a stately home, complete with traditional architecture. There are several extremely interesting historical aspects to the house, such as its involvement in the 'Underground Railroad' of the 19th century, where escaping black slaves were assisted via safe houses and secret routes. Keep an eye out for the reputed ghost of Jordan's young daughter, who sadly lost her life after she fell from the stairs.
Open hours: guided tours, October to April, first Sunday of the month - 13:00 to 15:00
Admission: free