The Art Festival features hundreds of artists, vendors, and friendly faces filling the greenspace and sidewalks. The Des Moines Arts Festival takes place every year in June and is a true celebration of summer in Des Moines. ![]() ![]() The Sculpture Garden and surrounding Gateway Park are fun places to visit at any time of year, but come summertime, these celebrated spaces serve as venues for various community gatherings, including the Des Moines Arts Festival. The park has been entertaining Des Moines urbanites with wonderful sculptures since 2009 and is a great place for families, tourists, and anyone on their lunch break. It features more than 20 works of sculptured art. The John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park is a 4.4-acre landscaped space, centrally located in downtown Des Moines within western Gateway Park. John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park | Photo Copyright: Brad Lane While it's not a traditional library with the latest books to check out, it's a studious space and place to admire alongside any tour.Īddress: 1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IowaĤ. The regal Law Library on the second floor is also open to the public and offers perhaps the most ornate book collection in the entire state. Every visitor can roam the halls and tour the open rooms on their own, including standing atop the glass floor that gives a great view of the gold dome interior. State Capitolįree guided tours are available throughout the week for groups of 10 or more. The is also adorned with large works of art and a hand-carved design that radiates the prestige of the history made within its walls. The State Capitol is home to the governor's office and many sectors of the Iowa government, including the Iowa Senate and the Iowa House of Representatives. While it's a postcard-worthy image from the outside, exploring the history inside is a great way to spend an Iowa day. The gold dome of the State Capitol is seen from many vantage points across Des Moines. State Capitol State Capitol | Photo Copyright: Brad Lane And walk no farther than the East Village for the trendiest neighborhood in Des Moines.ĭiscover more sightseeing ideas with our list of the top attractions in Des Moines.ġ. Science is also easy to interact with at the Science Center of Iowa, and the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden offers something new in bloom each season. Other top things to do in Des Moines include catching an evening baseball game under lights or touring an impressive art collection. Other spots like the Salisbury House and Gardens and the Hoyt Sherman Theater display the city's rich cultural heritage, as do downtown storefronts and historic landmarks. ![]() Places like the gold-domed State Capitol building shimmer with the state's 170-plus-year history. Iowa history is still in the making and on full display in Des Moines. World Food Prize Hall of Laureates in Des Moines, Iowa | Photo Copyright: Brad Lane Native Iowans are proud of their capital city, and this shows itself with the friendly faces you'll meet on the street. It's infused with tourist attractions like sculpture parks, botanical gardens, and a thriving shopping and dining scene. Author Brad Lane was born in Des Moines and grew up in West Des Moines.ĭes Moines, the state capital of Iowa, has taken many steps in the last few decades to become a vibrant cultural mecca of the Midwest.
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