Des Moines

One of the more popular state capitols to tour, it is easy to spot it with its sparkling 23-karat gold leaf dome and four-surrounding smaller copper-topped domes. Those wishing to see the inside from a bird's eye view will climb 298 steps before reaching the top from their start on the second floor. Historic flags, some hailing from the U.S. Civil War-era, are on display, and tour staff are available during all hours in which the capitol is open to visitors. Cafeteria is on the bottom floor.

The house, originally built between 1923-1928, features Tudor, Gothic, and Corolean styles all throughout its 42 rooms. Also shelters many artifacts, including objects of art, furniture, tapestries and books. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has labeled it a "national treasure" and the property has also been featured on A&E and Home and Garden Television. Hosts many events during the year, including chamber music concerts, Gatsby Gala, Salisbury Automobile Classic, group meetings and Shakespeare on the Lawn.

Since 1971, has served as home for the Governor and and First Family of Iowa during his or her term. The site was the home of Iowa's first millionaire, Benjamin Franklin Allen, with construction beginning in 1866 after being designed by William Boyington designer of the Water Tower of Chicago which survived the Great Fire. Aptly named as it sits atop the Raccoon River.

The Center boasts a permanent collection of contemporary art from the 19th and 20th centuries, including works from Edward Hopper, Jasper Johns, Georgia O'Keeffe, Henri Matisse, and Francis Bacon. It also boasts a restaurant with a 5-star rating from The Des Moines Register, featuring a different menu weekly and open for lunch only. In 2009, the Pappajohn Sculpture Park was opened in Western Gateway Park downtown and showcases more than $40 million of public art, topping off a complete overhaul of the Gateway area in little more than a decade.

The Center hosts six different experience platforms including Science is Where You Find it including exhibits Kitchen Chemistry and Physics in the Field, When Things Get Moving including Design a Propeller and Robot Run, Who are We? including Color my World and In Your Genes, Why the Sky? including Cosmic Video Jukebox and Viewing the Night Sky, in addition to planetarium shows in the 50-foot dome, Small Discoveries including Bubble Bay and World of Wonder, all geared toward children 7 and under, What on Earth? including Iowa Habitats, Ant Farm, and the WHO-TV Weather Studio and limited exhibits in Principal Hall.

Permanent exhibits as well as activities, such as "Behind the Scenes" tours and "Feed the Giraffes", all throughout the year. Also hosts several special events throughout the year, including Zoo Brew geared towards those 21+.

Particularly popular during cold Iowa winters. Special events and learning modules all throughout the year. Connected to the parking lot is the Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens with a featured Asian pavilion, built in honor of both the Asian Americans who immigrated to Iowa in the late-70's and former Gov. Ray.