Heritage Carousel of Des Moines

Thirty animals and two wheelchair-accessible chariots turn to the music of a Stinson band organ on this colorful wooden carousel. Located in a city park near the Des Moines River, the carousel features handpainted scenes of Des Moines landmarks.

Basilica of St. John

Designated a basilica in 1989. Northern Italian/Lombardy Romanesque style, with gold-leaf coffered ceilings and 46 stained-glass windows, including a 15-foot Munich rose window. Ornate plaster and travertine marble interior.

Iowa State Capitol

Century-old building features 275-foot gold-leafed dome flanked by four smaller domes, grand staircase and beautiful woodwork. See legislative and old Supreme Court chambers, Governor's office, five-story law library, scale model of Battleship Iowa, collection of first-lady dolls. Tours last 60

Iowa State Fairgrounds

The Iowa State Fair, held each August, is Iowa's largest tourism event and the cornerstone event of more than 160 activities held year-round on these 400

Civic Center