The first time I visited Des Moines was years ago, and I mean years ago, when I was considering
a job at the university. That was so long ago, that all I can recall are vaguely pleasant memories
of the people and of the place. Within living memory, we stopped for a break in Des Moines
while driving across the country, and ended up staying longer than we had imagined we ever
would.
The Art Museum is a strikingly modern building by some famous architect with a decent
collection for a city this size in the middle of nowhere.
The Governor’s Mansion is a striking Victorian palace surrounded by lawns and gardens.
The imposing State Capitol building, on a hill overlooking downtown, has been carefully restored
to its original grandeur. Our tour of the Capitol was the highlight of the day. As we were
exploring the nooks and crannies open to the public, a gentleman came up to us and asked if we
would like to see his office. Turned out he was the State Auditor, a high official, and he gave us a
guided tour, not only of his office, but also of other places ordinarily closed to the public. He
explained how the restoration work had been done and the history of the building. He explained
that the Governor believed the Capitol belonged to the people, so it was the duty of those who
worked for the people in the Capitol to help the people appreciate it. Consequently, the staff is
exceptionally helpful to tourists. We can only hope that the recent paranoia over homeland
security has not warped these friendly folks, for if it hasn’t, a trip through the Iowa State Capitol
could be a highlight of your travels.
Quick Tips:
Had we not been on such a tight schedule, it might have a pleasant diversion to linger for a day or
two to explore the city in more detail.
The bridges of Madison County are about 30 miles away, as is John Wayne’s birthplace.Best Way To Get Around:
Easy access from the expressway, fairly light traffic, and a straightforward street system made
driving in the city a breeze.
There is railroad access and a city bus system of sorts, but you really need a car.