IDes Moines also reels a variety of buffs whether you are a history or art lover or an outdoor enthusiast. Well let the suit Fits, take your camera and let us start the discovery of a city like you have never seen one before.
To be honest, Des Moines doesn’t attract much attention and sometimes, if you are thinking about visiting a large city, which has something in common with a small town, it is might be a mistake. The given name, which in French translates to “The Monks,” as is familiar from history, is a reference to the early French explorers who arrived in the region. Des Moines is among the great political and economic cities in the state of Iowa being the state capital. Its downtown is active, with epochs of both historical constructions and contemporary constructions due to Hebei’s prosperous past and lively present.
1. Iowa State Capitol
This Iowa structure is much more than just the governmental center of the state; it is a work of art and history. It is a visual marker which is highly visible from most parts of the state and at the same time conveys the history of the state. Not only is the Capitol used by the lawmakers but it is also accessible to the general public, providing guided tours highlighting the detailed architecture, and paintings, most of which represent Iowa’s past and heritage. It is one of the places that tourists visiting Des Moines should not miss to visit since one is able to equally sense past and present as the legislative body for the state and the nation conducts its duties.
The Capitol building of 1886 bears the reflection of the magnificent architecture esthetic of the 19th century. The central cupola clad with 23-karat gold leaf is accompanied by four minor cupolas, which makes this state capitol one of the most visually conservative and striking at the same time in the USA. The interior is characterized by the grand staircase, great paintings, and wonderful stuccowork and carving; the atmosphere is both luxurious and historic. Some of these are the legislative chambers which provide an insight on the functioning of the state government, the former Supreme Court room and the law library the, and all of these are of the art of the period.
The Capitol building is surrounded by ample grounds where is also a number of statues and monuments referring to the important persons and events in the state’s history. The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument or the Lincoln and Tad statue, the Peace Officer’s Memorial etc, are some examples to name a few. They help to describe the history of the state/region to people by honoring important personalities and historical events. The well landscaped environment and the stunning sceneries of the city make it worth to be taken on a walk and reflect on the history and the element of art in Iowa.
2. Des Moines Art Center
Des Moines Art Center is a joyous affair of the art lovers where one gets to watch modern art, pop arts, impressionism and many other different types of arts. Due to its special construction, published in considerable architectural magazines, it is an art object in itself. The center is dynamic, new and different works are added and displayed and therefore every visit is a new experience. It is open to the public and the entrance is free hence serves well as cultural entertainment for everyone. The outdoor sculptures and the gardens add to it; they add artistic features to the natural environment in what can be described as an aesthetic setting.
The works inside the art center are in fact visually enhanced by the center’s three structures which have three distinct architectural styles: Mid-century modern by Eliel Saarinen, modernist by I.M Pei, and the contemporary by Richard Meier.
Another significant element of the center is an active schedule of temporary exhibitions, so people from Des Moines can see masterpieces from around the world. Such exhibitions also use features and facilities such as theatre, discovery trail and presentations conducted for young and the elderly persons. It is always interesting whether you visit it often or you are just a tourist who on occasion visits the venue. Another primary aspect that can be attributed to the center is the policy on free admission where all individuals irrespective of their capacity to pay, are capable of making use of artist’s masterpieces.
Besides, the museum facility contains more than two dozen sculptures by the artists from all over the world and calls the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park. This open-air display located encourages people to come and touch the art, whether for photo-shooting or just relaxing and due to this is usually crowded most of the time by locals and tourists. Some of the advantages of the park include the open space that makes one wander around and actually take time to appreciate the art work as well as the general layout of the park that is quite relaxing.
3. Pappajohn Sculpture Park
This is backed by more than 20 giant sculptures by well-known artists and painters; thus making it an open air art gallery of sorts. It is not a park for art lovers alone but for lovers of green areas and anything to do with culture. It is a centre for arts that one can unwind in while one can take free tours that explain the background of the statutes.
That is why such exhibitions can be held in the Pappajohn Sculpture Park that forms a territory of 4. 4 acres, is an excellent and innovative project created with the funds donated by the Des Moines residing philanthropists John and Mary Pappajohn. Launched in 2009 the park is at the moment one of the most popular comprehensive cultural destinations for visitors in the city. It consists of such famous artists as Louise Bourgeois, Jaume Plensa, and Richard Serra among the others. These sculptures are perfectly arranged to engage the environment in a conversation thus undertaking the responsibility of making the viewers enjoy their beauty.
Such statistically park layout ensures visitors’ active involvement and active interest to the sculptures as these are designed in such way that people can walk around them and enjoy their multi-aspect view. The absence of boundaries and the positioning of every item create the sensation of flowing zones lets alter with every day and night and spring and winter. This makes the Pappajohn Sculpture Park easy to access and blend with other regions thus making it an important cultural resource for Des Moines.
Clients are free to take guided tours on the galleries for personalized information on the artwork and the artists behind them. Such tours provide useful information, which traces the source of the given work and the purpose it served. Those who want to make their journey independent can complement the sightseeing with the help of informational plates and the smartphone application available for download. Due to different cultural activities being common in the park such as, yoga exercise in the morning, late afternoon musical performances, and art classes among others, the park is proven to be an active space for the community.
- As a new construction for the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is alive and growing smack in the middle of Des Moines. As a result of containing in door and out door plants most of them being tender, it is a year round facility. This is an outstanding construction which is known as the geodesic dome with the exposition of different types of tropical plants. It’s also a learning institute that provides classes and guided tours that give information regarding the plants and the conservation of the same. The café and the gift shop ensure that the visitors can get the complete experience of the garden either by eating and drinking here among the herbs or by buying some of the plants to take home.
The Botanical Garden that was inaugurated in 1979, over the period of time has turned into a leading horticultural complex. A beautiful round structure known as a geodesic dome gives home to palms, colorful orchids and giant ferns from tropical zone. This production is an inside garden, and because of its location in Iowa, it can create the appearance of a constant tropical environment which is quite opposite to the climate during winter season.
The outdoor gardens are also worthy of attention: in their territory, one can see all kinds of thematic landscapes that are significantly transformed with the onset of cold or warm weather. Starting with the Rose Garden and Bonsai Collection, and up to the Water Garden and the Prairie Garden, every garden gives visitors a view of a certain kind of plant environment. Clean and well kept gardens can be found here as well as an opportunity to have a peaceful walk and contemplate the existing flora and fauna.
Indispensable elements in the activity of the Botanical Garden are educational activities. Interactive, educational activities like tour workshops, and lectures enhance the knowledge of horticulture, biology of plants, and ecologically friendly gardening. These programs are provided based on age and abilities and so the garden will serve as a useful asset to the people. This idea of keen and substantive education extends from one preservation of the natural resources by the Botanical Garden through advocacy of its programs to the general public.
There is a Trellis Café where visitors may enjoy their meals, and this café is surrounded by the garden as mentioned above; menu consists of freshly harvested products and locally sourced foods. This way, the clients will be able to take their meals while they overlook the gardens for an extra touch on the five senses. The special niche area for presented products is focused on plants, gardening accessories, and gifts related to the botanical theme, so visitors can bring home a piece of the garden with them. The Botanical Garden can be visited at any time of the year as well as there are different services and events working depending on the season.
5. Iowa Historical Museum
The IDC presents the story of IOWA from prehistoric times to the present, housed in the IOWA HISTORICAL MUSEUM . It is a center where people can learn about history and feel it with the help of installations and genuine elements. Regardless of the significance that people assign to the natural or the cultural past or to the economic development, the museum has a presentation in simple terms that is informative and easy for all age levels to understand. It is free to enter and located in the downtown area which makes it inclusive and informative for anyone who is interested in learning more about Iowa.
Iowa Historical Museum is situated in the State Historical Building and I can say that it is full of information. All their displays are mainly touch, grab and explore so that even children can learn about history and enjoy doing so. Much of the material is dedicated to the geology of Iowa and goes through the history of Native Americans living in the state.
One of the museum’s standout exhibits is “Mammoths and Mastodons: The exhibition called ”Ice Age Giants” which has life size replicas and fossils from these giants. Another touching showcase is “Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We Will Maintain”, devoted to the state’s political history and the part played by Iowans in the great historical drama. It also looks at how the making of agriculture, the building of industries, and the arrival of immigrants created a more balanced overview of Iowa’s progress.
Major categories of the museum’s programs and events are grouped based on age areas of learning interests. Students and their school groups visit for guided tours and other activities that relate to what is being taught in class. Lectures, films and other related special events in combination with permanent galleries and temporary exhibitions further explore various facets of Iowa’s past. Such programs enhance awareness and appreciation of the state’s history and its cultural treasures by the populace and the visitors.
The Museum is located downtown in Des Moines that adds to its convenience and the fact that it is free to the public make it easier for all to learn more on the heritage of Iowa. A gift shop located in the premises presents books, souvenirs, and other study materials, which will help the visitors to explore Iowa’s history at their convenience.
6. Des Moines Civic Center
The Des Moines Civic center is a performing art of the city covering plays, concerts among other events. Big auditorium and sophisticated amenities make it capable of providing a quality entertainment for a lot of people.
It houses the Des Moines Performing Arts whose function is to bring play, concerts among others in the city. Civic Center’s 2744 seat theatre has exceptional acoustics and sightlines and most of the performers prefer it over other theatres.
Thus the spectrum of the programs presented at the Civic Center ranges from the classics such as music and ballet to modern theatre and concert. On this basis, education and the active involvement of people in the life of the Cultural Civic Center are Sawyer’s strong suits. Education programs of the center involve offering workshops, master classes, and other activities that promote access of children and other people of the community to arts.
The Civic Center is situated in downtown Des Moines, Iowa; therefore, most dining options, such as Restaurants, Bars among others are readily available within the vicinity. This does not only facilitate a dinner and a play essentially turning it into an entire evening’s entertainment but it also enables one discover more of the city before or after attending the play. The Civic Center has well equipped and well designed facilities such as the large and comfortably furnished reception area.
7. East Village
East Village is the center of Des Moines – cultural and shopping one, to be more precise, characterized by the unity of the new and the antique. That is why it is alive with various amenities ranging from historical constructions to modern shops and representing the spirit of an urban area. Many find it a location to go shopping and eating, in addition to being an art hub, incorporating institutions such as the State Historical Museum of Iowa and the Des Moines Public Library.
East Village home to part of the city’s best and mostly diverse neighborhoods sitting right from the Des Moines River eastern bank. It has been founded relatively recently and has become a rather contemplative area in the past few decades being changed into a vibrant merchants and cultural quarter. The area of interest combined historical buildings with the modern facilities, which makes this place attractive for both people who live in this town and tourists.
East Village hosts a row of small shops that sell clothes and accessories, shoes, jewelry, furniture and accessories, souvenirs, and other products of a similar kind. There are art galleries and studios where local artists exhibit their work contributing to the he artistic atmosphere of the area. Self-motivated gourmands expecting a culinary treat should expect a range of eateries including farm to table outlets, gourmet cafes, an international menu, Craft breweries among others. The atmosphere in the neighbourhood is exciting due to common programs and activities like East Village Holiday Promenade and East Village Sunday Bazaar emphasizing on local traditions, respectively.
There is also some cultural and historical attractions here in East Village. The State Historical Museum of Iowa presents the general view of the state history, with historical contents allowing children and adults to enjoy their visit. The Des Moines Public Library intended for usage of its inhabitants as their heart of events and cultural life is the creation of the worldwide famous architect David Chipperfield. Because this area is situated close to the Iowa State Capitol and other attractions like shops, restaurants, bars, museums, theatres, and stadia, travellers on vacation can take a lodging space in this area to tour the city conveniently.
8. Blank Park Zoo
Blank Park Zoo can be described as a small zoo but with good vibes that give its visitors a good chance to interact with various exotic and domestics animals. This is an active center to visit for kids, and adults too, there is the feeding of giraffes or you learn more about the lifestyle of animals. Currently the zoo provides educational programs and it is involved in the conservation of some animals hence is a fun place to visit with additional education on how to take care of the animals.
Blank Park Zoo was founded in 1963 and is an Iowa’s only zoo accredited, which is a great attraction for children and fans of animals. The operation and over arching goal of the zoo is; Education, Conservation and Recreational values inherent in the fauna that is available to the public. This is made possible through different forms of animals and species, games, shows and lots of information to be passed all in a bid to make people embrace the importance of animals in society.
There are a large variety of animals including lions, tigers, giraffes, penguins, red pandas, and many more with numbers exceeding 1,400 animals of over a hundred types. The favorite among our guests is the Giraffe Feeding Platform: You can get close and even touch the tall creatures. Animals at the zoo also include the wild encounters and behind the scene experiences, where people can not only be able to see the animals but also learn on how they are being taken care of and the measures in place taken towards the conservation of the animal species.
The zoo has education as one of its mission statements. The Blank Park Zoo has a number of programs that range from preschool, to school summer activities, adult education and volunteer. These programs are in place to educate and promote more respect for the ability to be able to differentiate wildlife and the environment. The measures that have been taken by the zoo include breeding programs for endangered animals, conservation programs and collaborative efforts with conservation agencies both locally and internationally, and ecological restoration.
The facilities offered by the zoo include; the beautifully designed pathways for walking, the special areas for picnickings plus recreational areas for children in the form of play grounds. Social events aid in attracting the community and contribute to the zoo’s operations; events include the Zoo Brew evenings and Wild Lights Festival. Through such programs as those that are offered to school going children, the zoo plays an important role in educating and entertaining people hence; it is a vital landmark in Des Moines.
9. Gray’s Lake Park
Gray’s Lake Park is something of a playground located in the city of Des Moines and is best for recreational purposes. activities with Water sports, walking or just a leisurely time by the lake is another park that has many facilities to offer. It has smooth paths stretches and scenic views of the surrounding making it one of a preferred destination for those who want to exercise, recreate or leisurely stroll.
The park’s beach area is ideal for sun tanning and a great place to swim in which lifeguards are available during especially busy periods.
The paved path known as the Kruidenier Trail is a 3.3 miles that circles the lake with pedestrian and bicycles allowed. The trail mainly provides beautiful shots of the lake and the skyline of the downtown area of the city, which is why many tourists like to take pictures here. The park also comprises the Ruan Reflections Garden and the Hub Spot which is a café and rental that aims at being a central attraction for those in the park.
Since its establishment, Gray’s Lake Park has become the social gathering point of the people. Free yoga classes, outdoor concerts, as well as, fitness boot camps are performed in the park several times indicating that the populace can attend health promoting activities while reveling the enhanced landscape. There is also the Mayor’s Annual Ride and Run for Trails event that is conducted annually for purpose of fundraising for the city trail system is also organized at the park.
For the family it provides playgrounds for children, areas for picnicking, and lots of greenery for recreation. This park occupies the central city’s place providing people a perfect zone for casual leisure and enlisting a great number of different services for everyone. Whether you want to engage in sporting activities, go for a walk, jogging, cycling, or if you just want to relax be it in the afternoon or evening, Gray’s Lake Park is for everyone.
10. Science Center of Iowa
Science Center of Iowa is a great place to learn Science since it has both exhibits and a Science plaza that contains a planetarium. This website is intended to teach science to everyone, although it is especially appealing to young learners. Related to this is the center’s IMAX theater which is another attraction for the new generation families and students who would enjoy the wonders of science in full motion.
The Science Center of Iowa (SCI) was founded in the year 1970 and has been contributing to the science education programs in Des Moines consistently. Its purpose is to instruct and captivate the people of Iowa as far as science education process is concerned. This is made possible through the various forms of exhibits that are factual based, games to be played and educational programs that are bent on passing the fun-filled science concepts.
The museum’s permanent wing is encompassing as it traverses the subject matters of astronomy and physics, biology and ecology. The exhibit called “Why the Sky?” that includes a virtual planetarium gives people the possibility to study the universe and such branch of knowledge as astronomy. Playing is the main aspect of the “When Things Get Moving” exhibit in which kids can learn principles of physics and engineering.
For the children of ages of up to 3 years, they get to attend to the Small Discoveries which is a specialized area with safe and enriched environments that the children get to learn through play. Here one might find a number of touch-and-play items that help invite the youngest visitors’ imagination. It also has Science Camps, workshops and special activities for families which educational and entertaining programs are available.
Currently, the IMAX theater located in the Science Center of Iowa is one of the largest in the region and provides the audience with rather special experience in motion picture theater. It has a number of theaters that present various educational films that are in harmony with the existing facilities and equipment of the center to enhance the knowledge about the exhibited scientific facts and the realm of the natural world. Together with the IMAX experience and the number of interactive exhibits the Science Center is a must-see for any science and technology enthusiasts.
The Science Center of Iowa also has numerous programs that allow the bringing of science into school and different areas of the state. Such programs include traveling exhibits, school shows, and collaborations with other organizations in the community, striving to increase people’s understanding of science and give children and young adults dreams to become scientists or engineers.
Conclusion
One can hardly overrate the significance of the place; Des Moines is a great city filled with vivid history in every corner, with each location unique. From the beautiful Iowa State Capitol Building to the quiet trails of Gray’s Lake Park, there is something or everything in Des Moines for everyone. You should find that reading this guide will enable you to discover the many different sides to this lively town that will make your trip both fun and informative.
Des Moines is a city that truly has it all: history, culture, and landscape – the three are very densely saturated with great examples. As seen by this guide, each of the attractions presents a different flavor of the city due to its offer. Whether you are a visitor walking the corridors of the Iowa State Capitol, observing art at the Des Moines Art Center, or taking a walk at Gray’s Lake Park, Des Moines asserts itself in a magical manner and briefly, very briefly, one is spellbound.
Des Moines indeed is a hospitable city, offering a lot of chances for developments and implies the active arrival. All of these attractions clearly reflect the municipality’s dedication towards the preservation of the past and development of the arts as well as the continuity of communities. This way, you will be able to capture glimpses of the historic and cultural side of this city and appreciate why you should consider visiting Des Moines.
So whether you are a new comer to Des Moines or you have lived in the city for years, do well to conquer these treasures. All the two have their own tale to narrate and both have their own style of making the people visiting them to have a richer experience. One might not think of Des Moines as the first choice in places for a vacation but once one is able to explore all the little corners of this city, it is very clear as to why it is worth a visit.
