Sights in Iowa
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Des Moines Art Center
The Des Moines Art Center is worth a look both for its interesting architecture and for its collection of modern art including American greats such as Edward Hopper and Georgia O'Keeffe. A highlight is IM Pei's sculpture garden, featuring Red Grooms' Germanic 'butter cow'. The museum stays open until 21:00 on Thursdays.
There is also a downtown branch at 800 Walnut Street (at the corner of 9th & Walnut Streets).
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Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge
About 20 miles east of Des Moines, near Prairie City, this wonderful, 5000-acre wildlife refuge is the site of an unprecedented tallgrass reconstruction project. See the film and displays at the Prairie Learning Center to learn about the ecosystems that have vanished. Outside are herds of buffalo and elk, plus a 5-mile auto tour and 2-mile hiking trail.
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State Capitol
The bling-heavy capitol (1886) must have been Liberace's favorite government building. Its every detail, from the sparkling gold dome to the spiral staircases and stained glass in the law library, seems to strive to outdo the other. Join a free tour and you can climb halfway up the dome.
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Iowa Historical Building
The ambitious Iowa Historical Building includes a library and museum, with exhibits ranging from a 15,000 year old Iowan Hebior mammoth to the more contemporary 'Favorite Things of the 20th Century' exhibit, which tries to explain our fascination with such things as pacemakers and miniskirts.
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State Historical Museum
This engaging museum, at the foot of the capitol, features first-person accounts from people who lived through a particular historical era or event.
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Tractor Assembly Tours
Fun and free tractor- driven Tractor Assembly Toursshow how tractors are made. The minimum age is 13 and reservations are required.
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Engine Works Tours
Fun and free tractor- driven Engine Works Tours show how tractors are made. The minimum age is 13 and reservations are required.
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Barn Museum
A popular stop is the privately owned Barn Museum, which has miniature versions of buildings found across rural America.
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Amana Heritage Museum
Six museums are sprinkled throughout the villages, including the insightful Amana Heritage Museum
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Birthplace of John Wayne
The humble birthplace of John Wayne, aka Marion Robert Morrison, is now a museum.
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