A Winter Weekend in Des Moines
A capitol city filled with arts, culture, and entertainment galore, Des Moines, Iowa is an unexpected winter weekend adventure. I was lucky to explore the city with a native Iowan and we drove across the city, as he pointed out the buildings and architecture important to the city residents. One of the most grand of the tourist attractions is the state capitol building.
Des Moines Capitol Building
Set atop a hill over looking the city, the Iowa statehouse is majestic building with a modified Renaissance style, popular in public buildings of the time. The five grandiose domes are stunning from the outside and provide gorgeous views from the inside as well. The largest of the domes is plated in gold leaf and is visible from various points within the city. We posed for photos around the outside of the structure, toured the different legislature chambers inside the building, and enjoyed our view of the city from the high vantage point. The colors and textures of the capitol building are extravagant and lavish. Every room we entered was more palatial than the next and I was snapping photos as we rounded every corner. Highlights included the marble grand staircase, the main rotunda, the stained glass skylights, and the detailed & ornate mouldings. After our tour, we wandered the grounds to view the numerous statues and monuments celebrating Iowa history.
Iowa State Cyclones
The main purpose of our trip to Iowa (besides helping me cross another state off my list) was to see an Iowa State basketball game. My tour guide studied at Iowa State and one of our favorite topics of conversation is college basketball (and sports in general). We had phenomenal seats, right behind the announcers, and were able to cheer the cyclones to a Big 12 victory.
Other "can't miss" attractions in this capitol city include The Des Moines Art Center and gardens, local wineries, antique and vintage shopping, Des Moines Botanical Garden, and mural hunting. Visit the Iowa Law Library to see the gorgeous stacks and spiral staircases, tour Terrace Hill, and drive outside city limits to see the covered bridges that inspired The Bridges of Madison County. Stop at Robert D Ray's Asian Garden, visit Salisbury House & Gardens, and shop in the East Village. Grab a bite to eat at La Mie Bakery, Fong's Pizza, Park Street Kitchen, Manhattan Deli, or Zombie Burger + Drink Lab. Other favorites include Eatery A, Lucca, Cheese Bar of Des Moines, and St. Kilda. The activities and eateries are plentiful and there is something for everyone to enjoy during your winter weekend in Des Moines.
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