Title: State Historical Museum of Iowa in Downtown Des Moines - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca [State Historical Museum of Iowa Hotels](https://expedia.ca/State-Historical-Museum-Of-Iowa-Hotels.0-l6075026-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[State Historical Museum of Iowa Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Car-Rentals-In-State-Historical-Museum-Of-Iowa.d6075026.Car-Rental-Guide)[Downtown Des Moines Vacations](https://expedia.ca/Downtown-Des-Moines.d6060027.Destination-Travel-Guides) # State Historical Museum of Iowa Tours and Activities ![State Historical Society of Iowa Museum showing interior views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6075026/0a9f4ee4-4bbd-46e0-8519-f49380129799.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![State Historical Society of Iowa Museum showing interior views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6075026/0a9f4ee4-4bbd-46e0-8519-f49380129799.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![State Historical Society of Iowa Museum featuring interior views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6075026/cc74e02e-7e3c-47e2-9cee-c883f7afc313.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![State Historical Society of Iowa Museum featuring modern architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6075026/78156859-42ef-4ea0-a7b0-5d2beb13c8a4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![State Historical Society of Iowa Museum showing interior views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6075026/bd6cd88a-131f-4084-8ed8-9ab95faa1e2b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit State Historical Museum of Iowa Activities --- --- #### Learn about early settlement and battles as well as bicycle races and the movie industry in this museum in Iowa’s state capital. Located in America’s heartland, the State Historical Society of Iowa Museum in Des Moines has three floors of exhibits full of information that astound and captivate. See a Conestoga wagon that was a familiar sight carrying settlers moving west and a wickiup, which was a style of house for Native Americans. Enter a coalmine to learn how Iowans harvested this resource that powered the Industrial Revolution’s machinery. Discover folklore and traditions of the Native Americans, who lived in harmony with nature. Relive a day in the life of Iowan soldiers who fought for the Union in the Civil War and view artifacts such as the Napoleon cannon, an important armament of their battles. Learn about the important role Iowa has played in Hollywood movies since the early 1900s and see props used in films made in the state, such as *The Music Man* and the more recent *Field of Dreams* and *The Bridges of Madison County.* Ride along with cyclists who tour and race through Iowa’s farm-dotted countryside. The oldest and largest ride across the state, the Des Moines Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, or RAGBRAI, takes place here. Bring the family to an interactive exhibit where children up to 10 years old can have fun learning about Iowan history with adult supervision. Enjoy a snack or lunch on the museum’s top floor at its café and patio deck, which provides magnificent views of the downtown core and the State Capitol Building next door. The museum has free admission and is open every day except Sundays and certain holidays. Park for free in the nearby State Capitol Complex Parking Garage alternatively use the available street meters. Discover Iowa’s blend of history, culture and the arts at the State Historical Society of Iowa Museum. The site is accessible for those with disabilities. ### Popular places to visit ![Iowa State Capitol Building showing a statue or sculpture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6075016/f301caa2-002c-4d78-bd31-24a2e8360fe6.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Iowa State Capitol Building 5/5(6 reviews) A city landmark, this interesting building showcases design and architectural features that created a grand impression in the late 1800s and still inspire today. [](https://expedia.ca/Iowa-State-Capitol-Building-Downtown-Des-Moines.d6075016.Vacation-Attraction) ![Des Moines Botanical Center featuring a garden and interior views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6075032/cc0896fb-76c4-4824-9003-88ec120cc7e8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden 4/5(2 reviews) Experience the tropics in an indoor garden oasis nearly 100 years old alongside a meandering river in this Midwestern city. [](https://expedia.ca/Greater-Des-Moines-Botanical-Garden-Downtown-Des-Moines.d6075032.Vacation-Attraction) ![Brigde](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/1065/bf0fc404-b96d-4cee-84a6-d2fcd1a79508.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Principal Park Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals. [](https://expedia.ca/Principal-Park-Downtown-Des-Moines.d6075046.Vacation-Attraction) #### Wooly's You can make plans for a show at Wooly's on your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene and great live music. [](https://expedia.ca/Woolys-Downtown-Des-Moines.d843434548246347776.Vacation-Attraction) #### Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater You can get tickets for a performance at Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event. [](https://expedia.ca/Simon-Estes-Riverfront-Amphitheater-Downtown-Des-Moines.d6170659.Vacation-Attraction) #### Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens Explore the great outdoors at Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens, a lovely green space in Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene and great live music. [](https://expedia.ca/Robert-D-Ray-Asian-Gardens-Downtown-Des-Moines.d884737033948504064.Vacation-Attraction) --- ## Best Lodging Options Near State Historical Museum of Iowa ## Check availability on hotels close to State Historical Museum of Iowa [Tonight ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6075026&startDate=2026-01-22&endDate=2026-01-23)[Jan 22 - Jan 23](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6075026&startDate=2026-01-22&endDate=2026-01-23) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6075026&startDate=2026-01-23&endDate=2026-01-24)[Jan 23 - Jan 24](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6075026&startDate=2026-01-23&endDate=2026-01-24) [This weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6075026&startDate=23%2F01%2F2026&endDate=25%2F01%2F2026)[Jan 23 - Jan 25](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6075026&startDate=23%2F01%2F2026&endDate=25%2F01%2F2026) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6075026&startDate=30%2F01%2F2026&endDate=01%2F02%2F2026)[Jan 30 - Feb 1](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6075026&startDate=30%2F01%2F2026&endDate=01%2F02%2F2026) ![Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/9400/9375/9e4e0ef2_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton 1000 Walnut St Des Moines IA [](https://expedia.ca/Des-Moines-Hotels-Hotel-Fort-Des-Moines.h9375.Hotel-Information) ![Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/10700/10622/05e5842f_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown 101 E Locust St Des Moines IA [](https://expedia.ca/Des-Moines-Hotels-Embassy-Suites-Hotel-Des-Moines-Downtown.h10622.Hotel-Information) ![Des Lux Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/10000000/9790000/9781500/9781455/e7f9fb30_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Des Lux Hotel 800 Locust St Des Moines IA [](https://expedia.ca/Des-Moines-Hotels-Des-Lux-Hotel.h9781455.Hotel-Information) ![Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/14000000/13310000/13300700/13300681/91d6d514_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG 201 E. 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