A History Buff’s Day in Greater Des Moines 

Discover the unique stories of influential people and the (sometimes literal) groundwork they laid to build Greater Des Moines into the rich cultural destination it is today. From helping escaped slaves on the path to freedom to establishing the “Nobel Prize of food,” early Des Moines leaders left incredible legacies and a challenge to future generations to continue to support the advancement of the region.

MUSEUMS

State Historical Museum 
With three floors showcasing Iowa’s accomplishments, contributions, and heritage across 99 counties, experience our state’s rich history through exhibits and artifacts. Popular exhibits include Hollywood in the Heartland, Iowa and the Civil War, and Iowa History 101. Open Tuesday through Saturday, admission is free!  

World Food Prize 
Situated along the Principal Riverwalk in downtown Des Moines, the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates housed in the former Central Library building was constructed in 1903 as part of the City Beautiful movement. The Hall of Laureates serves as a museum to recognize the importance of food sustainability and the fight against hunger. Featuring stunning artwork alongside interactive displays on hunger and food security, the museum is a popular location for events, conferences, and weddings.

Historic Jordan House 
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973, the Jordan House is an official site on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. The 1850s Victorian located in West Des Moines is one of five preserved underground railroad stops in Iowa. The Jordan House's 16 rooms tell the history of its builder, James C. Jordan, one of Iowa's earliest settlers.

Principal Park 
In 1992, a new 11,500-seat baseball stadium, now called Principal Park (lovingly referred to as "Sec Taylor" by lifers), opened along the Des Moines River, providing views of the Iowa State Capitol building and downtown skyline. But the team’s history dates to 1887, when the now Iowa Cubs were formed as the Des Moines Hawkeyes and later Iowa Oaks.   

Historic Valley Junction 
Built upon a historic railroad district, and founded in the 1890s, Historic Valley Junction was developed near the depot of the Chicago, Rock Island, and Pacific Railroad. During the first half of the 20th Century, grocery stores, meat markets, department stores, bakeries, banks, and theaters could be found up and down Fifth Street. Now, Valley Junction is a popular retail and restaurant destination, known for antique shops and art galleries. 

Woodland Cemetery 
If you've got a taste for history and the macabre, check out Iowa's oldest cemetery, Woodland Cemetery. Predating even Des Moines' days as the state capitol, it was established in 1848 and contains 80,000 graves, including most of the city's founding fathers. If you're deceased and have a building, street, or school named after you in Des Moines, odds are that you're buried here. The City of Des Moines occasionally offers historical tours, which are well worth it, but if you go, you may want to visit by sunlight. We're not saying it's haunted…but we're not NOT saying that either. 

Historical Venues & Hotels

Salisbury House 
This historic house museum is a 42-room estate surrounded by nine acres of beautiful gardens and woodland. It was built from 1923-1928 by cosmetic pioneer and Iowa native, Carl Weeks. Come tour this exquisite American estate and its diverse collections of art, literature, and worldly treasures.  

Hoyt Sherman Place 
Nestled on the eastern edge of the historic Sherman Hill district in Des Moines, Hoyt Sherman Place boasts one of Des Moines' most magnificent entertainment, banquet, and meeting facilities. Built in 1877 by prominent pioneer businessman Hoyt Sherman, the elegant family home is graced with marble fireplaces, parquet floors, and a carved mahogany entryway. The building also includes an impressive and elegant art gallery as well as a 1,400-seat theater that has hosted luminaries like Hellen Keller, Amelia Earhart, and Grant Wood. Take a tour of this magnificent site or visit during a show. 

Rollins Mansion
Built in 1925, this home’s original owner was Ralph Rollins, the founder of Rollins Hosiery Mills. When designing Rollins Mansion, they included stained glass designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, 16th century ship beams, ceiling beams from a popular inn where William Shakespeare performed, and plenty of other unique architectural elements. This venue is known for hosting weddings and special dining events throughout the year but also provides tours by appointment so you can have the entire mansion to yourself as you immerse yourself in its history.

Hello, Marjorie 
In what was once the headquarters for news, Hello, Marjorie took over the Des Moines Register building. News flash: This bar has some of the best cocktails in the city alongside their unique décor. Love the feeling of a 70’s living room? Head over to Hello, Marjorie to be taken back while sipping on a delicious Marjorie Old Fashioned. 

Hessen Haus 
Located in what was once an old train station, Hessen Haus is a Brauen Pub that was many things before that. A horse barn, dance hall, restaurant, and so much more. The history is all over the walls at Hessen Haus. You can go all in and order a German Meatloaf or a Schnitzel, or you can just admire the German traditions from afar with some Brisket Mac & Cheese.    

Smitty’s Tenderloin 
Smitty’s takes us all the way back to the 1950s. This loveable Tenderloin Shop has been serving up the unofficial sandwich of Iowa, the breaded tenderloin, daily since 1952. Bill Smith, aka “Smitty,” is the namesake and founder of this restaurant, which was later passed on to his son and his family. Smitty’s not only has a legendary tenderloin, but they take it up a notch by creating specialty loins. Whether you want a Chili Cheese Loin or a Taco Loin, they’ve got something for even the biggest appetites.