Skip to content
BusinessesGrow
Iowa State Capitol, Des Moines, IA

Photo: Carol M. Highsmith, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

SightseeingHistory BuffRainy-Day PickFree

Iowa State Capitol

Iowa State Capitol is a sightseeing stop in Des Moines, IA. Cost: free.

1007 East Grand Ave · Des Moines, IA

Why you should go…

Built between 1871 and 1886, this Renaissance Revival statehouse is the only five-domed capitol in the country, and its central dome is covered in 23-karat gold leaf. Guided tours are offered, or you can walk the building on your own. Inside you see 29 kinds of marble and a Victorian law library with four stories of balcony shelves around an atrium. Look for the battle flags carried by Iowa regiments and the 18-foot model of the battleship USS Iowa.

  • #state capitol
  • #guided tour
  • #architecture
  • #gold dome

What's around here?

The closest stops to Iowa State Capitol, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
    Date Night

    Pappajohn Sculpture Park

    Free

    Stroll 4.4 downtown acres of large outdoor sculpture, including Jaume Plensa's 27-foot figure made of letters.

    1.7 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Adventureland

    $50+

    Ride seven roller coasters, including the 101-degree drop of the Monster, and cool off at the Adventure Bay water park.

    6.9 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    Living History Farms

    Under $25

    Ride a tractor cart between working farms of 1700, 1850 and 1900 and walk the shops of an 1876 prairie town.

    9.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Madison County

    Free

    Iowa county famous for its historic covered bridges, made famous by The Bridges of Madison County.

    28 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    History Buff

    John Wayne Birthplace & Museum

    Under $25

    The restored 1907 birth home and museum of actor John Wayne, with film memorabilia and archives.

    28 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Roseman Covered Bridge

    Free

    Walk through the 1883 covered bridge over the Middle River made famous by The Bridges of Madison County.

    35 mi awayMore like this

Near Iowa State Capitol

More of the same kind

Keep exploring