Terrace Hill: Iowa's Victorian Masterpiece
Explore Iowa's history at Terrace Hill, a stunning Victorian mansion and National Historic Landmark in Des Moines. Guided tours available!
Terrace Hill, Iowa's Governor's Residence and a National Historic Landmark in Des Moines, is an 18,000-square-foot Victorian Second Empire architectural marvel. Built in 1869 by Iowa's first millionaire, Benjamin Franklin Allen, it offers guided tours of its opulent interiors and historic grounds.
A brief summary to Terrace Hill Historic Site
- 2300 Grand Ave, Des Moines, Iowa, 50312, US
- +1515-281-7205
- Visit website
- Monday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
- Tuesday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
- Wednesday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
- Thursday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
- Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Local tips
- Tours are by reservation only and must be made at least 48 hours in advance.
- Terrace Hill is open for tours from March through December and closed on state holidays.
- Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for children ages 6-12, and free for children 5 and under.
- Non-flash photography is allowed during the tour.
Getting There
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Driving
Terrace Hill is located at 2300 Grand Avenue in Des Moines. From I-235, take exit 8B for 42nd Street N. Continue on 42nd Street and turn left onto Grand Avenue. The Terrace Hill Historic Site will be on your left. Free parking is available in the Terrace Hill parking lot at the corner of Forest Drive and Grand Avenue, as well as free on-street parking surrounding Terrace Hill. Limited handicapped parking is available on Forest Drive.
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Public Transport
The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) provides bus service to Terrace Hill. From the Greyhound station, take Bus Route 3 (Ingersoll) or Route 60 (Hickman) towards downtown. Get off at the stop at 42nd St. and Grand Ave. From there, it's a short walk (about 0.5 miles) west along Grand Ave to reach Terrace Hill Historic Site. A single ride on DART costs $1.75.
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Walking
Terrace Hill is located west of downtown Des Moines. From the Iowa State Capitol, head west on Grand Avenue for approximately 1.5 miles. Terrace Hill will be on your right. The entrance is at the pedestrian gate located near the flag pavilion on Forest Drive.
Discover more about Terrace Hill Historic Site
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Herndon Hall
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Mahnke House
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Witmer House
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Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden
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Center Street Neighborhood Historical Marker
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Temple Theater
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Middlesex Plat Historic District
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Saint Paul's Episcopal Cathedral
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The Des Moines Building
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Polk County Historic Courthouse
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Court District
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River Bend Neighborhood
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Bates Park Historic District
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Pappajohn Sculpture Park
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Gray's Lake Park
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Salisbury House & Gardens
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Des Moines Sky Walks
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The Slaughterhouse Haunted Attraction
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Cowles Commons
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Science Center of Iowa
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Des Moines Water Works Park
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Des Moines' Downtown Farmers’ Market
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Des Moines Civic Center
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World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
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Rotary Riverwalk Park
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Des Moines Art Center
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Clare and Miles Mills Rose Garden
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Essential places to dine
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Lachele's Fine Foods
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Harbinger
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Eatery A
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Cheese Bar
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Aposto at the Scala House
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Jesse's Embers
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A Dong Restaurant
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Allora Cafe
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Django
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The Walnut
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Americana
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Centro
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Proudfoot & Bird
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Bubba
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Shop33
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The Plaza Shoppe
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Enchanted Mystical Boutique
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Domestica
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Wonderland Apothecary at Groovy Goods
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Groovy Goods Daydreams - Tobacco Pipes & Hippie Clothing
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Ancient Ways
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Vzz Vintage
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Pop & Nod
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Shops At Roosevelt
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Star Bar
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The Copper Cup
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Pints Bar Rooftop - PBR Country
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Revival House
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Tonic Court Ave.
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300 Craft & Rooftop
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Shorty's Somewhat Fancy Bar
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El Bait Shop
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The High Life Lounge
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Black Sheep
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Ken's - a not so secret speakeasy
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