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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

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

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

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