Des Moines Art Center

4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50312
The Art Center presents thought-provoking exhibitions and educational programs, as well as hands-on studio art classes.
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday Noon to 4 p.m.
Web site

Des Moines Art Center Downtown

800 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA
The centerpiece of Wells Fargo Financial’s longtime commitment to the arts in Central Iowa.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Web site

Fort Des Moines Museum

75 E Army Post Rd., Des Moines, IA, 50315-5866
The museum and education center honors the U.S. Army’s first officer candidate class for African American men in 1917, and the establishment of the first Women’s Army Auxilary Corps (WAAC’s) in 1942.
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Web site

Iowa Hall of Pride

330 Park St, Des Moines, IA, 50309
Educating the future, preserving the past & celebrating the accomplishments of all Iowans.
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday
Web site

Gold Star Museum

7105 NW 70th Ave, Johnston, IA
The museum’s purpose is to collect, preserve and exhibit materials that illustrate the story of Iowa’s military past from statehood to the present.
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Web site

Jordan House

2001 Fuller Rd, West Des Moines, IA
The stately Victorian home of Italianate Gothic design is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a member of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program. It is one of the oldest structures in Polk Country and the oldest in West Des Moines.
Hours: May-September on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons from 1-4 p.m. and Sunday afternoon from 2-5 p.m.
Web site

Living History Farms

Urbandale, IA, 50322
Tells the amazing story of how Iowans transformed the fertile prairies of the Midwest into the most productive farmland in the world.
Hours: Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily May 1-Sept. 1 and Wednesday through Sunday, Sept. 3-Oct. 19.
Web site

Salisbury House

4025 Tonawanda Dr, Des Moines, IA, 50312-2909
A 42-room architectural wonder built between 1923 and 1928 by pioneer cosmetics magnate, Carl Weeks and his wife Edith modeled the house after King’s House in Salisbury England.
Hours: Public tours at 1 and 2:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and Sunday (March 1-Dec. 31)
Web site

Science Center of Iowa

401 W Martin Luther King Jr Pky, Des Moines, IA, 50309-4776
From the inner workings of the human body to the outer reaches of the solar system, science surrounds you with dynamic live programs and hands-on interactive exhibits that will inspire the curiosity in us all.
Hours: Monday-Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5:30; Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday noon to 5:30 p.m.
Web site

State Historical Museum

600 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA, 50309-0290
Its exhibits tell the stories of Iowa’s growth and development through the exhibition of a rich collection of historic artifacts and documents.
Hours: Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sunday, Noon to 4:30 p.m.
Web site