Whether you’re a history hound, an art aficionado, or just looking to keep the kids entertained on a rainy day, Des Moines’ museum scene totally delivers—and then some. From antique-laden mansions to hands-on science playgrounds and everything quirky in between, these gems prove Iowa’s capital has a lot more going on than just rolling cornfields. Ready to put your curiosity on display? Let’s dig in to our favorite must-see museums around Des Moines.
Iowa Gold Star Military Museum | The Ultimate Walk Through Iowa’s Wars
If you’re hunting more military swag than even your most hyper-enthusiastic relative could store, prepare to go wild. The museum sprawls across 27,000 square feet and showcases a genuine Huey helicopter, vintage tanks you can walk right up to, and over 300 historical weapons that make any video game look skimpy. Gamers and historians alike will drool over everything behind glass and steel.
Step into a life-like Civil War infantry diorama so absorbing you half expect an officer to bark orders at you. Then spin the interactive wheel of fate to fast-forward through wartime trials without cracking open a textbook.
Bringing kids? Scavenger hunts transform each gallery into an Indiana Jones-style quest filled with hidden clues. On Saturdays, free guided tours pop up, offering insider anecdotes you won’t find online.
Remember to show a driver’s license at the Camp Dodge gate, stash your flash out of reach, and keep your camera ready for close-up encounters.
All in all, this zero-dollar gateway into Iowa’s military legacy will satisfy your inner history buff. Take a deep dive into real history here.
Hoyt Sherman Place | Historic Shows & Art Fix
If plush velvet seats, gilded plasterwork, and that unmistakable aura of past glamour get your heart racing, this vintage treasure will top your Des Moines itinerary. Constructed back when buggy whips were trending, it wears its history on its architectural sleeve and doubles as an art gallery brimming with local and national works. Every corner whispers tales of soirées and spectacles from more elegant eras.
The restored theater alone is worth the trip. Its acoustics are so flawless you might never forgive your earbuds.
Between acts you can pause at the full bar for a cold drink and a warm pretzel—no fancy frills, just good company. Whether a rising indie star packs the stage or a well-known touring act rolls through, you get front-row vibes without any giant-venue chaos.
Seating is reserved both downstairs and upstairs, so you won’t be jostling for view.
Come for the history, stay for the sound, and leave bragging about an evening that feels intimate yet grand all at once. grab a ticket before it’s sold out.
The Wallace Centers of Iowa | History-Nerd Paradise with a Side of Prairie
To wander through genuine Iowa agricultural royalty, you’ll want to step inside this historic farmstead. Once the creative hub for “Uncle Henry,” it’s here he dreamed up magazine ideas while probably critiquing every bloom. The Wallace House wears its Victorian charm proudly with original furnishings that invite conversation as much as admiration.
This isn’t some “please look but don’t touch” display. Instead, guests sip historic teas, savor farm-to-table dinners, and wander among a working orchard and serene pond scattered across the grounds.
Children dart from garden plot to flowerbed, scavenging and exploring rather than staring behind ropes. Seasonal art exhibits and hands-on workshops mean you could leave knowing how to make something fresh and delicious.
No velvet ropes or hushed whispers here—just real Iowa history with a side of soil under your fingernails.
Pop in for a Victorian selfie or linger over a lecture on sustainable farming and see why this place feels both timeless and alive. Take a peek at what’s growing.
Salisbury House & Gardens | The “Is This Still Des Moines?” Mansion
Ever dreamt of roaming a sprawling English manor without hopping a plane? Step into this 22,000-square-foot marvel blending Tudor, Gothic, and Carolean styles like a longtime Downton Abbey companion. Antique furnishings, tapestries, and rare books line every hall, transporting you to another era.
Don’t expect glowing touchscreens or digital distractions. Let your imagination fill in the whispers and footfalls as you gaze at ornate fireplaces and hand-carved woodwork.
Families love the playful Halloween “Mysteries of the Castle” event, where mounds of intrigue await budding sleuths. Afterwards, the onsite shop tempts you with treasures that travel better than a suit of armor.
Guided tours pop up regularly, and parking won’t turn into an all-day scavenger hunt.
If Gatsby’s glamour collided with Hogwarts’ enchantment, it might look a lot like this grand house and garden playground tucked into the heart of Iowa. Plot your stately adventure here.
World Food Prize Hall of Laureates | The Agriculture Enthusiast’s Gem
If you expect a silent gallery of dusty portraits, think again. This hall transformed from a grand old library into a dazzling tribute to those who reshape how we grow, share, and cook food. Stained glass windows cast kaleidoscopic light on exhibits that celebrate Iowa’s agricultural innovators.
Here, buttons beckon you to engage with global famine solutions and soil science breakthroughs rather than sigh at static text panels. Sleek interactive displays and thoughtful art make each discovery feel cinematic.
The space best resonates with curious sixth graders and grown-ups eager to drop an agriculture anecdote at dinner parties. School groups navigate it with ease, but solo visitors often linger, tracing the footsteps of world-changing laureates.
Admission is free, so consider indulging in a fancy latte before or after to reflect on all you’ve learned.
Guided tours on Tuesdays dig deeper than any website can, weaving context that turns casual browsing into an eye-opening morning expedition. Book your visit and prepare to feel smarter.
Jordan House | Victorian History with a Twist
Stepping across the threshold of this Italianate Gothic gem feels like entering a living time capsule. Within its sixteen snug rooms you’ll discover polished marble mantels, deep wood moldings, and intentionally narrow corridors that whisper tales of secret meetings. Beyond its ornate architecture, the house served as a genuine stop on the Underground Railroad, lending every step an authentic sense of bravery.
Guided tours here are a must because solo exploration isn’t permitted. Docents deliver well-timed dry humor alongside dramatic reveals that keep you engaged from the parlor to the attic. Whether you’re a Civil War enthusiast, an architecture devotee, or a fan of local lore, you’ll find a narrative thread that captures your imagination.
There is no café inside, so plan ahead with water and snacks. Feel free to snap photos in nearly every corner as you wander through history. By the tour’s end, you’ll leave with more than pictures—you’ll carry away a fresh perspective on Iowa’s resilience. Book a guided tour and impress your group chat.
Living History Farms | The Interactive Time Machine
Sprawled across five hundred acres, this open-air museum invites you to trade pavement for dirt roads and explore history in full immersion. Costumed interpreters tend farm animals and operate period tools, while visitors of all ages chase geese or watch a blacksmith’s rhythmic hammer. From the moment you climb onto a horse-drawn cart, the farm’s living exhibits demand more than simple observation.
You can start at an Ioway Indian homestead circa 1700 and journey forward to a horse-powered farm from 1900. Butter churning, wagon rides, and planting heirloom crops all sit on the daily agenda. A detour to the Flynn Mansion offers a taste of Victorian elegance with original furnishings and federal historic recognition.
Well-marked walking trails and tractor-pulled shuttles keep your legs fresh. Wear sturdy shoes and pack a picnic, though vending machines fill any gaps. Young explorers will beg to return for camps and special events, so brace yourself for enthusiastic planning on the drive home. See what’s growing at Living History Farms.
State Historical Museum of Iowa | Ultimate Iowa Storytime
Stepping into this gleaming hall feels like entering a high-tech vault of Iowa’s past. Opened in 1987 but thoroughly modern, the museum spans multiple galleries housing some fifteen hundred artifacts, from Civil War swords and vintage tractors to eccentric inventions you won’t find anywhere else. Even a Hollywood-in-Iowa exhibit spices things up with a dose of cinematic trivia.
Families flock to the Hands-On History room, where LEGO “digs” and a play kitchen ignite imaginative exploration. Interactive displays let kids handle safe reproductions while parents admire the grand staircase and polished floors. It’s the perfect blend of education and entertainment for all ages.
Admission is free, so you can spend an hour or a full afternoon without touching your wallet. Street parking is plentiful and convenient, making arrival and departure a breeze. If the café happens to be closed, rest assured the exhibits themselves serve up a hearty helping of local lore. See what made Iowa more than just a flyover state.
Des Moines Art Center | Modern Art, Legendary Architecture
Three distinct buildings by Saarinen, Pei, and Meier combine to form an architectural marvel that delights at every turn. From midcentury curves to minimalist contemporary lines, the complex feels as much like art as its exhibits. Admission remains free year-round, so spontaneous cultural detours are always on the table.
Inside, rotating exhibitions challenge your perception while a permanent collection flexes iconic Warhols alongside bold work by emerging talents. Galleries showcase cubist compositions, abstract sculptures, and large-scale installations pulsing with energy. When art appreciation leaves you peckish, the on-site cafe offers more substantial fare than a granola bar.
Hands-on workshops and free guided tours make creativity accessible for all ages, and complimentary parking lets you linger without watching a meter. On sunny days, the outdoor sculpture garden and rose pathways transform the grounds into an open-air gallery. You can even take a virtual wander from home, and the gift shop stocks tasteful keepsakes that capture the center’s spirit. right here.
Des Moines Children’s Museum | Rainy Day Energy Burner
Located beneath the Valley West Mall’s retail bustle, this nonprofit hotspot transforms corridor space into a boundless creative playground. Child-led exploration reigns supreme here, with every installation designed to spark curiosity and learning. Parents can relax on a coffee-friendly bench while little ones chart their own inventive paths.
Giant foam blocks become skyscrapers, a science lab welcomes safe explosions, and a fully sanctioned messy lab unleashes imaginative experiments. Art stations overflow with paints and paper, while a toddlers-only zone ensures the tiniest adventurers navigate safely. Every corner advances executive functioning skills with each spin of a gear or burst of color.
Standard admission costs about the same as a few lattes, with extra savings for EBT and WIC cardholders, and memberships sweeten frequent visits. You won’t need to pack snacks; the mall’s food court is steps away. When winter winds howl outside, this lively indoor refuge offers a warm, educational escape that leaves energetic crowds and parents smiling. Plot your next strategic escape here.
Italian American Cultural Center of Iowa | Art Deco Time Capsule & Pasta HQ
Imagine stepping through grand doors into a lavish Art Deco mansion perched above Gray’s Lake. This is the Italian American Cultural Center of Iowa, a 44,000 square foot celebration of heritage and history.
Wander through exhibitions showcasing antique shoemaking tools that recall the artistry of early cobblers. Participate in hands-on culinary classes that promise to rescue your pasta-making skills. Every corner feels like you are flipping through a giant family scrapbook.
Opting for a guided tour reveals stories behind local traditions and even defines “Tupa Tupa,” a term that is heartwarming in context. These personal touches bring the past vividly to life.
Weekly language lessons, annual cookie festivals, and plans for a garden-to-table café all ensure ongoing reasons to return. It’s a dynamic space full of flavor and fun.
A subtle aroma of garlic often drifts through the halls, adding authenticity to the experience.
You won’t find velvet ropes or stuffy rules here; just warm hospitality and room for seconds on every experience. Feast your eyes—or just your appetite—right here.
Science Center of Iowa | For Kids (and Curious Adults)
Imagine a place where your inner child can run wild or your little ones can burn off energy. Spread across 110,000 square feet, the Science Center of Iowa offers interactive exhibits, live demos, robotics workshops, and a planetarium that turns astronaut dreams into reality.
There’s a no-rules spirit here: go ahead and touch everything. From assembling circuits in the maker lab to marveling at live electricity demonstrations, curiosity is the name of the game. Even the quirky cat behavior exhibit will have you questioning why felines do as they please.
Sensory-friendly mornings create an inclusive environment for all explorers. Meanwhile, rotating traveling exhibits ensure that each return trip unveils fresh wonders.
While there is no gourmet café on site, packing your own snacks is encouraged, and water fountains keep everyone hydrated. The museum shop brims with science-themed trinkets to inspire budding researchers. You can even pick up experiment kits to continue the fun at home.
Forget parking headaches. Spaces are plentiful and free. And when the sun goes down, adult Mixology Nights let you sip concoctions in a real lab setting. Plan your visit here.
