Des Moines Tourism

by frankcanfly
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State Capital

Again, my required State Capital Photo.... got there after sunset.....

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	St. Ambrose Cathedral (Roman Catholic)

on June 18, 2008

faith in the city

St. Ambrose, the seat of the local R.C. diocese, is centrally located in Des Moines at 607 High Street. This attractive Romanesque pile was built with local stone, and was dedicated in 1891.

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	Terrace Hill - the Governor's Mansion

on July 7, 2004

official residence

Terrace Hill is the now official residence of the Governors of Iowa. However, it was built as a private mansion in the 1870s by one of Iowa's trade millionaires. The house was designed in full Victorian glory by a noted Chicago architect, William Boyington. Boyington also was responsible for the Old Water Tower (on Michigan Avenue) in Chicago, as well as the Hegeler-Carus Mansion in La Salle, IL (which I also visited in summer 2004 - see my page for La Salle).

In order to see the interior of Terrace Hill, it's necessary to take a guided tour, but I wanted to get back on the road so I passed on it. Maybe next time. . .

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	Ruan Center - 666 Grand

on June 17, 2008

down be scared off by the
address!

The Ruan Center - opened in 1975 - is the second tallest building in Des Moines (and Iowa). It boast 36 floors reaching 457 feet high.

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	801 Grand

on June 17, 2008

higher than corn in
August

The Tallest Building in all of Iowa is the 801 Grand Tower. Topping out at 630 feet, with 44 floors, the office structure was designed by the prestigious firm of Helmuth Obata and Kassebaum.

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	Skywalk

By frankcanfly

on March 1, 2003

by frankcanfly
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Maps to help you along your
way

The downtown area of Des Moines has an extensive "Skywalk" system. Many cities in cold areas have these now, but this is a good one.

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	Crusoe Umbrella

on June 17, 2008

you weren't expecting to keep
dry, were you?

This 1979 steel sculpture is the work of Claus Oldenburg and his partner Coosje van Brugeen.

Another one of their monumental pieces - a giant spade! - can be seen in front of the headquarters of the Meredith Corporation just west of downtown.

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	Des Moines Civic Center

on June 17, 2008

tragedy tomorrow, comedy
tonight

This is Iowa's largest theatre, capable of seating an audience of 2735. The Civic Center is used for touring Broadway shows and major community events. 221 W. Walnut:

http://www.civiccenter.org/