Paragon Prairie Tower: Iowa's Glass Mosaic Icon

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Discover Iowa's artistic gem: a towering mosaic of prairie life, celebrating the Midwest's heritage and natural beauty.

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Paragon Prairie Tower

The Paragon Prairie Tower in Urbandale, Iowa, is a 120-foot architectural landmark featuring a stunning 5,000-square-foot glass mosaic mural depicting the Iowa prairie. A tribute to the Midwest's natural resources and work ethic, it's a unique visual statement and cultural landmark.

A brief summary to Paragon Prairie Tower

Paragon Prairie Tower, 12150 Meredith Dr, Urbandale, Iowa, 50323, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Paragon Prairie Tower.

Visit the tower during the evening or at night to experience the illuminated mosaic in all its glory.
Take a leisurely stroll around the tower to appreciate the beautiful landscaping and integration of nature.
Read the informative plaques near the tower to learn more about its history and the artistic vision behind it.

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Getting There

Driving

From I-35, exit onto Meredith Drive heading west. Continue on Meredith Drive until you reach 12150 Meredith Drive. The Paragon Prairie Tower will be visible on the north side of the road within the Paragon Office Park. Parking is available in the surrounding office park lots. Parking is free.
Public Transport

The Des Moines Area Regional Transit (DART) provides bus service to the vicinity. From downtown Des Moines, take a DART bus that services the Urbandale area. Check the DART website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. From the bus stop on Meredith Drive, walk east to the Paragon Office Park. The Paragon Prairie Tower will be visible from the road. A single ride fare is $1.75.

Discover more about Paragon Prairie Tower

The Paragon Prairie Tower, located in Urbandale, Iowa, stands as a vibrant tribute to the state's natural beauty and the Midwest's enduring spirit. Rising 120 feet, this architectural icon is adorned with a breathtaking 5,000-square-foot mosaic, meticulously crafted from 1.8 million pieces of Italian glass. The mosaic portrays a colorful panorama of the Iowa prairie, complete with wildflowers like coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, daisies, and clover, set amidst a sea of bluestem grass. The tower was designed by a team of artists from RDG Planning & Design, with David Dahlquist as the lead artist. The concept behind the tower is to represent the Midwestern work ethic of saving and harnessing our abundant natural resources. The glass mosaic was created in Ravenna, Italy, and then shipped to the site for installation. The tower also features lighting that illuminates the mosaic at night, creating a visual spectacle. Located at the entrance to Paragon Office Park, the tower serves as a cultural landmark for the State of Iowa. It's a place where people can gather and appreciate the beauty of art and nature. The surrounding area features bike trails, and the tower is accessible to the public. Informative plaques detail the tower's history and significance, enriching the visitor experience.