Iowa State Capitol, Southeast Iowa Travel Guide
Discover Iowa's political heart in Des Moines: a stunning Capitol building with a golden dome, rich history, and free tours.
Dominating the Des Moines skyline with its 23-karat gold-leafed dome, the Iowa State Capitol is a stunning architectural masterpiece housing the state's legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Completed in 1886, the building offers free tours and self-guided explorations, showcasing its intricate interior, rich history, and impressive art collections.
A brief summary to Iowa State Capitol
- 1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, East Village, Iowa, 50319, US
- Click to display
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- Monday 8 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
- Thursday 8 am-5 pm
- Friday 8 am-5 pm
- Saturday 8 am-4 pm
Know before you go
Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Iowa State Capitol.
- Take a free guided tour for in-depth insights into the Capitol's history and architecture.
- Visit the State Law Library to see the wrought-iron spiral staircases and ornate ceiling.
- Check out the doll collection displaying the inaugural gowns of Iowa's First Ladies.
- Explore the Capitol grounds and monuments for a broader perspective.
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Getting There
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Walking
From the East Village in Des Moines, head west on E Locust Street towards the Des Moines River. Cross the river and continue onto E Grand Avenue. The Capitol will be visible on the hill to your right. Follow E Grand Avenue east until you reach 1007 E Grand Ave. Allow approximately 20-30 minutes for the walk.
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Public Transport
DART (Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority) buses provide service to the Capitol Complex. Several routes stop near the Capitol. From DART Central Station, take routes 1, 4, or 10 towards the Capitol. Get off at the E Grand Ave / State Capitol stop, which is a 3-minute walk to the building. A single ride costs $1-2.
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Taxi/Ride-share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Des Moines. A taxi from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to the Iowa State Capitol is approximately 7.5 miles and costs around $17-$21, plus a $4.50 airport surcharge. The ride takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic.
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Driving
From I-235, take the E 14th Street exit and head south. Turn left onto E Grand Avenue. The Capitol will be on your left at 1007 E Grand Ave. Visitor parking is available on E 12th St and Court Ave surrounding the capitol building. Additional parking is available in the Capitol Complex parking lots. Parking availability may be limited during legislative sessions. Metered street parking costs around $0.25 per 15 minutes. Several parking garages are also located within a mile of the Capitol, with rates around $2 per hour.
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Explore More of Southeast Iowa
Looking beyond Iowa State Capitol? Discover Southeast Iowa for broader travel guides, local hot-spots, and regional highlights.
Explore Southeast Iowa
Discover the beauty of the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, a stunning oasis featuring diverse plant collections and serene landscapes in the heart of Iowa.
Discover Iowa's history at the State Historical Building in Des Moines – a captivating journey through time with engaging exhibits and a rich library.
