Reviews of State Historical Building. (Other) in Des Moines (Iowa).
State Historical Building
600 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50319, United States
Description
Information of State Historical Building, Other in Des Moines (Iowa)
Discover the opening times, the location, contact, popular times, photos and real reviews by internet users.
This place has a very good rate, they treat their customers well and you’ll feel welcome, super recommended
Map
Open hours of State Historical Building
Popular times
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Reviews of State Historical Building
This museum is awesome! Tons and tons of artifacts and really cool information. They definitely put time and effort into making this museum worth your while!
It's a top-notch historical museum with an excellent staff! The curator is super knowledgeable and friendly! My only issue is that the State of Iowa repeatedly cuts the museum's funding, which leads to no new exhibits being created. This makes it almost exclusive for tourists and people who are close to the museum and don't mind seeing the same exhibits over and over again. Still, it's definitely worth visiting if you're from out of town or if you haven't been before!
I found the museum interesting and I appreciated how detailed they were in delving in to Iowa's history. The exhibits were entertaining and informative. Even though the hours were a bit weird, you can't beat free! I recommend that if you like History, you should stop here!
It was awesome a lot of great history, some of the exhibits were gone due to construction and remodeling but the rest was very cool... I would definitely come back.
It’s a decent museum. Some interesting stuff to see dating back to prehistoric and colonial history. But the hours as of March 2022 are completely unacceptable. Tuesday to Friday with no weekend hours. That severely limits accessibility as regular people only have weekends off. It’s a cool museum but is it worth taking a full day or half day off? Debatable at best. I’d give a star back if it was open on Saturdays.
This a great free museum for the entire family to see.
Just go - it's worth and hour or two to explore all of the artifacts and history contained here. Something for everyone's taste
Because of some construction, the upper floor of the museum was not open. Two young grandchildren would have enjoyed that. The parts that were open are very well done. We spent about 2 hours there.
Was very interesting and cool to look around. Everyone had something they loved to learn about, mamoths, military, hollywood, toys, farming- they had it all.
Free to visit. Large well designed exhibits covering the history before and after settlement of the state. Also an extensive collection of artifacts and flags from the Civil War.
Interesting mix of displays covering a variety of History both popular and serious.
Wide variety of exhibits, from war memorabilia, to movies filmed in the state and more modern events, as well as history on the states expansion and development. Lots of history and items relating to the civil war, including personal effects of generals and soldiers who were from Iowa. Admission to the museum is free and there is a cafe located on the third floor.
Many interesting expositions about the history and culture in Iowa from various historic periods. Free entrance was a surprise.
Went there when I was in town for work and they were holding the Iowa film exhibit. The building is very well designed and the permanent exhibit gave a great array of Iowa history. The film exhibit was far more superior than one would have thought. #iowa #themusicman #twister #desmoines
Unique wedding venue with outstanding customer service
As a person who works in the event coordination industry, I cannot understate how impressed I was with the customer service and professionalism of the staff that assisted with our wedding. Leading up to the big day they answered all of our questions and gave recommendations, that really put our mind at ease. Even though we had planned for an outdoor wedding on the patio overlooking the city, Mother Nature had other plans. The staff gave us until noon the day of to decide, and made the switch for the ceremony / reception to take place inside on the main level seamlessly. Baratta’s catered an outstanding meal with enough options for everyone to enjoy. During the reception they made sure the wedding table and guests were taken care of though the whole thing. Finally at the end of the night they took care of cleaning up without us having to lift a finger. I would highly recommend this site to anyone looking for a unique venue with amazing staff included.
Great museum of the history of Iowa, but wish they had more on WW1 or 2, and maybe upkeep on a few things, as some displays are really old and have been ruined by people touching things they shouldn't. Would be nice to see more displays of how other parts of the US technology changed Iowa or vice versa.
Great experience! Even with construction it was super interesting and the exhibits were well kept. So happy to see free resources for people interested in the past.
I thought this might be boring or that we might get through it in a couple hours. WRONG! It was amazing and we didn't even get through half way done.
A very comprehensive exhibition space, thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
What a wonderful experience we had visiting. We will definitely be back!
The boys always love this place it is fun and educational
Great exhibits. Docent in Civil War area in costume is awesome and informative!
We try to visit often. This museum has a little of everything when it comes to history. You can get a little of prehistory with the giant mamoth greating you at the door and see how the pioneers made their way west across the country. Plus you can learn about Iowan history!! They also offer some smaller special exhibits that change once in a while. Last time we saw history in film and Ragbri!! Whatever your interest you can't pass up free admission and education for the afternoon.
Another can't miss attraction in Des Moines. Large museum has friendly employees and plenty to see and do for people of all ages. Also, free!
Took my daughter here on a rainy no school day. It was perfect and made for a fun few hours.
It was our 1st time there. We will be going back again. It was to much information to take in it one time. My daughter 💘 it. They greeted us when we walked in and explained the place to us. …
Had a great time. Wish I had more time to read everything. Plan on making another trip back soon.
Wish there was more to see and experience.
Exhibits well done.
My Bubble-Worm invention is in the museum. Donated in 2012
Why is Iowa full of lugheads?
Remember the "Wheat" penny? Did common sense vanish?
Kids and I had an excellent time will definitely be coming back as they were remodeling. The moments what we did get to see or great. And the staff was great as well
We took a homeschool field trip today to the Iowa Historical Museum and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The exhibits are limited due to covid, but that did not dampen our experience.
Always a great place to spend a little or slot of time there. The people are really nice.
Free admission and a fun little play area for the children.
Packed with great Iowa history. Some parts under remodel. Not open on the weekends, to bad.
What a great place to see! A friend treated my son and I to a day trip and we LOVED this place! Very interesting displays with a lot of info about Iowa that I never knew(and I've lived here all my 55 years!).
Nice place. Could use some updating and maintenance. Other than that it is a place ID visit again. You can spend hours there. And free parking too.
Had my wedding here recently and it was so beautiful and the staff was amazing! Candice is great and always got back to me quickly to answer all my questions. So thankful we got married here it was a wonderful day.
A great stop for out-of-towners or locals alike. One of the few museums in town. It's small but has a good offering of exhibits showcasing the history of Des Moines and Iowa. Worth the price for an afternoon of learning.
Very nice and interesting place. We went there two days in a row and spent about six hours touring the facility to see everything. I encourage people to check it out if in the Des Moines area.
Great way to explore the past. Was almost deserted when we went. Wish they would pull more of the collection out of storage to keep it fresh, but well maintained and fun for a family outing.
My kids have a great time here. Full of great information and educational. For a free museum close by, I would recommend to friends and family.
I've been to many capitol buildings in my life, Des Moines is one of my favorites.
Great option for family on a cold, windy, rainy day... And it's free! So much to learn about our state! Would go back again to look at the parts we didn't have time for.
Huge museum. Would like to see more children friendly exhibits here. Nothing really changes exhibit wise.
Great Hands-on-History exhibit for kids! Also, fun for adults. They even have a restaurant on the third floor. Nicely located downtown with plenty to see near by. The staff were so helpful!
Interesting building, don't know if this is the same place as the museum or why there are two different names for the same location.
I was there with a team of staffs for a "moving furniture service Company", into the building. But was more attracted to the architectural design of the building's top blue outer glass. Beautiful...
A great place to go when bored whenever I go I learn lots of new things
Very good museum with many exhibits of iowa history, culture and natural features
Nice place to go and get out of the heat/cold. Spent an hour or so there. A short walk to the State Capitol Building. Great area to take pictures.
Tons of points of interest here. All arranged in time periods and very well displayed. Great way to spend a hot July afternoon.
The depth of information presented here is astounding; you'd need multiple days to read it all. There are displays for everyone, so even if you hate museums, you should find something interesting
Free to visit. Good Air Condition for a hot summer day. Same exhibits from many years ago. Some renovation under way. Spend 1-2 hours to see it all.
Absolutely love this place! We go about every 6 months and it never gets old
This was a beautiful, free museum across from the state capitol building. Both are worth visiting and was well done. There is plenty of free parking in the area. The museum had interactive sets and tons of movie clips, hands on activities and a cafe. The air conditioning was great on a hot day.
Great place to explore the history of Iowa. Love that it's free! My kids are all 10 and under, and it held their attention for about an hour. Might be better for middle school age and up.
Fabulous historic exhibits. Something for everybody. Friendly staff.
It has such beautiful architecture. You have to go see this place if you get the chance to.
Nice staff, great food and a large selection of learn about. Close to the Capital building to also take a tour while in the area.
Great place to visit and have quiet time alone.
Wonderful museum and meeting space. Learned a lot about the state.
This is such a cool place to visit - whether you are from Iowa, or just visiting. There is so much to see here - you could spend hours wandering around. The outside of the building is also very cool and has a rooftop you can hang out on - or rent out for events. It's also free admission!
Friendly, helpful staff. So glad I took the opportunity to attend the Lunch and Learn.
I've taken all of my kids here. They all love it. So do I. Been going since elementary school age.
Very fun place! I learned a lot about Iowa and had a good time. It was great to visit for a few hours, and close to other cool spots. Live that it's free and has free parking, too!
Great place!
Kids and adults loved it! I learn somthing everytime we visit!
Exceptionally nice museum with many interesting exhibits. And for an out of state visitor, a great education as to Iowa.
The displays are currently in flux, with several closed. Still a good place to visit from time to time.
I've been a few times. Always have had a great experience. Very kid friendly.
It was a fun experience I like the exhibit but why did we have to go to two classes before going on the tour for the exhibit
So many exhibits closed. We missed a lot. But the ones that were open were very interesting.
This is a great place not only for people who reside in the great state of Iowa, but for history lovers in general. Lots to see and do for all ages and best of all, it's free to get in!!
Great place to take your family learn some great iowa history and all you pay is parking. We didn't attend the free movie they show. We spent almost 2 hours there. But we didn't do alot of reading.
An absolutely beautiful building made much better by a fantastic tour guide.
Went here on a whim for a modday date & very glad we did! Super fun themes throughout and the history we learned was extremely fun and enlightening!
Beautiful place lots to see and 3 floors you can definitely spend a good amount of time taking in all the history of iowa. I definitely recommend.
Great exhibits, would have liked an AP that gives a guided tour with audio. I don't tend to read the details on the signs posted by the exhibits but would like to listen on ear buds.
Loved museum one of volunteers gave us insight on planes which was awesome will come back again
Had a great hands on area for kids. My son is 2 and he loved the train table and kitchen. The whole museum is very clean and the staff were all very friendly
Was fun until my family went to go into the theater and a lady came out and was extremely rude stating this isn't an exhibit well excuse me if the door was open and there was no sign stating otherwise and it said auditorium so hence forth it is an exhibit and for being an employee you need to learn some manner's
It's so wonderful that we have something like this in Des Moines! Beautiful displays and a really fun kid section. Ever since moving to Iowa, I'm a HUGE Iowa nerd and hope to pass it on to my kiddos! Oh and IT'S FREE!!!! #IowaNice
I used to volunteer here. Yes, there are better museums out there but considering that this one is free, you're getting a good deal. You can learn about the history of Iowa and the Midwest, and they have a few different changing exhibits throughout the year. Definitely worth stopping by for an hour or so if you haven't been here before.
Great museum for everyone and since its free you dont have to worry about wasting your money if your little kids don't enjoy it!
Lots of exhibits for all ages. Kids love the cost mine and the Iowa Hands on History exhibit. We usually spend a couple hours here. Good free place to roam around when it's cold outside!
Great kids area, interesting stuff for adults too.
Spent several hours here in a recent trip to Des Moines with my family. We had a great time! Very informative and kept my kids attention. Will be stopping again soon!
We are at the Historical Museum for a elementary school Art Award for one of our sons. We used the time to walk through the museum and see some great history.
My kids always enjoys going to the history museum. The museum changes out the exhibits so there is always something new to see each season.
Lot of history here. Excellent staff on hand to help.
There is something for everyone. They have great new room for younger children for hands on learning. Highly recommended.
Very nice museum with distinctly local flavor, great place to learn more about Iowa.
Fun to visit, it could use new exhibits though.
I walk with a cane so it wasn't as pleasant as you would think. For physically fit people it would be an awesome place to spend some time.
Surprisingly expansive place, the exhibits can be a bit of a maze though. There's a place for kids too
I expected more of the museum. Big part of it was under renovation (the globe was gone).
Vrey well done alot of info great place to spend half a day
Very interesting, great customer service, really enjoyed. Will recommend to others.
Not what I thought it would be. Large, modern building lacking in museum space. Disappointed.
Nice place to learn about Iowa history and it's free which is nice too. Was able to find metered parking nearby quite easily.
The museum has great exhibits. Their educational series is very interesting.
Museum was excellant
Restuarant on top floor was also excellent
This museum is big! Easy to spend a few hours and not get through the whole place. There is a lot of items from the Pioneer days and fascinating details of history everywhere!
From wars to mammoths, a great place to take the family on a journey through time.
(Did I mention planes suspended from the ceiling? The planes are really cool!!))
A wonderful local place, that has a lot to offer. So much that you may not see it all in a day. Cannot recommend this place enough, there is always a different display on, and you will find something of interest no matter what you like.
Located in the East Village, there are many other local attractions one can visit also (State Capitol, Riverwalk etc).
Should be on everyone's list of places to see in Des Moines!
This is a wonderful presentation of state history. The library is the center for research. However the exhibition provides a nice introduction to the state's history!
They were very accommodating to me and I got to use a wheelchair and enjoy my visit with my son
We were welcomed warmly & spent a little over an hour looking through all 3 stories. So interesting, wish we could've stayed longer! Loved seeing Floppy again! ❤
Great free place to take the little ones and discover the history of Iowa!!!
Fantastic museum!! My 7 y/o loves going there - as there are lots of interactive displays. It is fun to find the nooks and crannies and to discover all there is to see, there!! I wish the State of Iowa would do more to keep the facility updated (facility maintenance) - but it is still a wonderful attraction to downtown Des Moines!!
Make this a stop if you're by the Capitol building. It's free (donate in one of the boxes if you can though) and enjoy Iowa history - they have everything from its involvement in popular culture, to wars, to griculture and science.
Great place.
All The exhibits and artifacts were very cool, I learned a lot about the history of Iowa among other things. The Building has a strange layout though.
Pretty cool but so bare anymore and they scaled it down to half the building
#lzdrv #littlezebradragons
We really enjoyed our visit to the museum. There was lots of stuff to keep us busy all day. There were scavenger hunt type of things that some of the exhibits which my boys particularly liked.
This was a really cool way to learn about Iowa. Great free attraction
Some interesting exhibits but seemed somewhat disorganized
Awesome place. Lots of Iowa history to see.
Excellent exhibits to learn about Iowa. Especially liked the political history exhibit. And the museum is free!
Great place to learn more about Iowa history! It's free and parking is free! The kids had a blast!
Well done. Traces history from dinosaurs on to today. Many different people groups have a voice. Great Cafe and you can eat on the roof with a fabulous view of Capitol.
Loved it here! I’d love to go back some day
For a free museum, this place is awesome. Their old theatre and movie exhibit is great! They have lots of information about Iowa's involvement in America's wars and have lots of relics of the wars. Parking can be difficult sometimes due to its location in east village, but you can usually find a space within 3 blocks.
I hadn't been here since I was a kid--what a mistake! My wife and son and I were just enthralled with the in-depth exhibits covering coal mining (as you walk through an elaborate coal mine), the Civil War, and the pre-European history of Iowa and much more. The Civil War exhibit really affected me; it really showcased the personal costs of the war. I will have to come back on my own to spend a day going through everything more thoroughly. We went with a big group of kids (ages 3-11) for 2 hours, and they had a great time as well.
I'm a 5th grade teacher and this is one of my favorite field trip spots in Des Moines. Great place to eat sack lunches on the terrace with a great view of the state capitol.
Very descriptive displays, Free & educational all generations
The most interesting place in Des Moines. I was blown away by every aspect. Everything that is great about Iowa in 1 giant museum. Plan 2-3 hours. Cafe for half time.
Still a great place to take the kids on a discovery
Well worth the visit with rotating displays.
History\ Airconditionong\ Great staff. My daughter was in town and family member in hospital needed a thought break to change our mindset. This place was forgotten by me and I can kick myself. Its a great remeburance of our military past in its pride. Was overwhelmed by its display and the way it took us out of a funk that day.
A under utilized gem. It's always empty except for a few school tours. I don't know why. It's had h fantastic exhibits about Iowa history. And believe me you'd be surprised how important Iowa history is you American history especially in law.
I love the detail in the painting and all the craftsmanship that's inside
Great museum, manageable for a half day visit.
My boys love to visit and see all the displays on 3 levels. Admission is free.
Expected more for the state museum. Only a few exhibits. Iowa City seems to have a lot more at the history museum.
A lot of exhibits and relics. Not the museum of science and industry, but probably the best museum in DSM, with the Arts Center on Grand Ave no. 2
This very well documented place.... a ton of history...
A nice free thing to do in des moines. Plenty of information and exhibits.
There was some remodeling going on, but they still had the majority of the museum open.
Wonderful State Capitol Building. Must visit the library
I want to spend more time here, intersting.
Wondering museum. Great history of Iowa and the country in general.
This museum had interesting displays of WWI and the Civil War impact in Iowa. It also showed thd contributions to Hollywood and other entertainment items by Iowans. It has a nice cafe to grab a lunch.
Great way to spend a Saturday with the kids!
A hidden gem...great exhibits!
Amazing place full of Iowa heritage
I learned a lot about Iowa's history. I did not know about the huge bike rally. It includes a variety of exhibits. We ate a delicious meal at the cafe.
Very nice free museum
Great place to learn about iowa. And it's free
One of the few free museums in Iowa. The exhibits are very visual/artifact forward and make sure you are immersed in the history rather than reading it like a textbook. Right down the road from the Iowa State Capitol building in the East Village, make sure to set aside time to tour Des Moines by visiting both of these locations in one day.
Such a cool place to learn about the state's history.
Nice place to spend a couple hours
Needs more exhibits with cool old stuff
Good exhibits, nice workers
3 floors of Iowa history. Free will donation for entry, so technically free. They have lots of exhibits from prehistoric Iowa up to Iowan that have been in movies.
Take the grandkids a lot. They love it.
beautiful and fun for education place
So many great exhibits
I could wander through here for hours
Always a fun experience here!
I like the historical significance of everything in this business
We love the museum
Amazing historical displays.
The museum is free & the parking is free! What's not to love
A great place to learn about Iowa history.
Enjoy seeing the Civil War exhibits
Tons of Iowa History to learn about! Everybody should visit.
Really cool place to learn about Iowa.
Great for all ages, lots to see.
Pretty cool place.
Great place to visit!
Grandchildren ages 4-14 loved it
Very interesting exhibits
We loved the exhibits.
Really awesome experience and workers are super helpful.
Very informative and nicely sent up.
Great place to learn about Iowa history!
Always fun family trip
Learning about history is made fun
The staff/volunteers are welcoming and friendly.
So many interesting things
Decent way to kill some time
You can learn a lot from here
Very nice place!
Pretty cool experience for those who want a little blast from the past. Gets old after going multiple times.
Wonderful and free could wonder for hours
So cool and fun.
Neat place!
Some exhibits are currently under renovation.
Very interesting collection of civil war items
It's free everyone should go.
Cost is Free, but was disappointed in WW1 display...Vet museum in Waterloo has better in depth WW1 display.
Fun family visit
Always interested in history.
Very nice, relaxed atmosphere. Plenty to see.
I loved the exhibits!
Interesting things to see
Great venue and service
Looking for relatives thru old newspapers.
Love the dead guys
Great place to think
Best part is it's free
Too much information and too much walking.
Fantastic museum
Always a good time
The food was great!
Great prohibition display
i just love history!!!
Need to go to more often
Cool Museum!
Informative and well displayed exhibits with descriptions.
Free, educational, interesting.
Great place
nice place
Amazing history
Very educational!
I always enjoy it
Love this place!
Fantastic fun!
Fun and educational
Lunch was delicious.
Unique items.
Great venue
Wonderful and kid friendly place.
Very nice an educational!
A must see
Very informative
Great educational exhibits!
Very interesting
Always a pleasure
The service is great
Very cool!
So cool!
Very majestic
Lots of Iowa history
The coolest
Mice place
It's free!!!!!
Loved it!
Great!
Love it
ok
Yay
Fantastic
Compact
Free
Free
(Translation) Great as a museum! Lots of information on the history of the state, lots of exhibits, you could easily spend the day there, great experience, plus it's free!
(Original)
Super comme musée! Beaucoup d'informations sur l'histoire de l'état, tout plein d'expositions, on pourrait facilement y passer la journée, belle expérience, en plus c'est gratuit!
(Translation) Museum showing the history of Iowa.
It is interesting, very entertaining and, in addition, it is free.
(Original)
Museo que muestra la historia de Iowa.
Es interesante, muy entretenido y, además , es gratuito.
(Translation) A very interesting place to teach children
(Original)
Un lugar muy interesante para enseñarle a los niños