Des Moines, IA

Tour 16th century England at the Salisbury House and Gardens located in Des Moines. Visit the 22,000-square-foot historic home once belonging to a cosmetic magnate, and travel room after magnificent room filled with treasured art and antiquities. Visitors also enjoy spending time walking through the opulent gardens in the grounds surrounding the house.

Address: 4025 Tonawanda Drive, Des Moines, IA 50312 - MAP
Phone: (515) 274-1777
Web: www.salisburyhouse.org

Natural beauty is on tour at the Des Moines Botanical Center. Stroll underneath the 150-degree geodesic dome, through row upon row of miniature roses, orchids and bonsai trees to enjoy a symphony of colorful, exotic plant life. The tour offers visitors a rewarding visual experience as well as an educational one.

Address: 909 Robert D Ray Drive, Des Moines, IA 50316 - MAP
Phone: (515) 323-6298
Web: www.botanicalcenter.com

Tour the Iowa State Capitol to learn about its history underneath the impressive 23-karat gold leaf dome. Learn about important historical facts including myth busters like this one: the State Capitol Building was not originally a horse stable. Take a peek at the legislative process and stroll the capitol grounds on the two hour tour.

Address: East Grand Avenue & East 9th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319 - MAP
Phone: (515) 281-5591
Web: www.legis.state.ia.us

Buy farm fresh goods when you tour the Des Moines Farmers Market located in downtown Des Moines. You can meet local farmers who are happy to help you find farm fresh eggs, seasonal vegetables, prized meats, select fresh flowers and flavorful wines. Go ahead and tour the countryside while never leaving the city.

Address: Court Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309 - MAP
Phone: (515) 286-4928
Web: www.desmoinesfarmersmarket.com

Public Art is on tour at The Pappajohn Sculpture Park located in Des Moines. Discover sculptures by Willem de Kooning and Louise Bourgeois as well as other world-renowned sculptures valued at more than forty million dollars. The public donation by Mr. and Ms. Pappajohn is the largest in the state's history.

Address: Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309 - MAP
Web: www.desmoinesartcenter.org

"Tour. Taste. Shop" at the Summerset Winery. You'll enjoy the one hour tour of the winery and cellar, the wine presentation and your trip to the wine tasting bar. The winery grounds are exquisite and the list of wine awards long. Spend a day in the Iowa wine country and leave with souvenir wines from the gift shop.

Address: 15101 Fairfax, Indianola, IA 50125 - MAP
Phone: (515) 961-3545
Web: www.summersetwine.com