Things To Do
Des Moines Art Center
The Des Moines Art Center is a museum, art school, and sculpture park open to all. Admission is always free.
Science Center of Iowa
Centrally located in Downtown Des Moines, SCI features hands-on exhibits, special-format theaters and unique programming to encourage learning and fun for all ages.
Climb Iowa - East Village
Climbing gym, locations with both bouldering and belay climbing, day passes available
Ironside Axe Club LLC
Indoor axe throwing!
Iowa State Capitol
The Iowa State Capitol and its golden dome have stood as a shining symbol of Iowa government and politics since its completion in 1886. Formal and self-guided tours are available at no charge. The Iowa State Capitol is open Monday through Saturday for self-guided tours or guided tours for groups of 10 or more.
State Historical Society of Iowa
The State Historical Museum of Iowa is in the State Historical Building of Iowa, just west of the State Capitol in Des Moines. Admission to the museum and research center is free.
Living History Farms
Living History Farms in Urbandale, Iowa, tells the amazing story of how Iowans transformed the fertile prairies of the Midwest into the most productive farmland in the world. While at the 500-acre open-air museum, visitors travel at their own pace through historical time periods spanning 300 years. On-site interpreters provide a unique learning environment of seasonal activities and demonstrations.
Jordan House
James C. Jordan, a cattle farmer from Virginia and one of Iowa’s most influential early settlers built the Jordan House. During the antebellum period, the Jordan House was a designated stopover on the Underground Railroad.
Bennett School
Built in 1926 or ’27 the Bennett School was one of the last one room schools to be built in West Des Moines and was in use until at least 1941.