state historical museum

Since our children were little, every year we made a summer trip to the State Historical Museum. Each year they would discover old favorites and find new one. Each year they add a new exhibit. Our children are in their twenties now, busy with their young lifes. Yet, they always want to make a time to go together in the summer to the Historical Museum. Fun place to learn about Iowa and Des Moines area history. Here is a link to there website, http://www.iowahistory.org/museum/

From its permanent displays to those it changes, the museum is a MUST SEE in Des Moines. You don't need to be a history fan to appreciate the museum. Be sure to see the jars of colored sand fashioned into pictures from the late 1800s. Thousands of items on display and a wonderful library too.

We saw a lot of interesting things during our 4 day stay in Des Moines, but this was easily the most interesting. Superior Exhibits on Iowa farming, mining and industry. The civil war exhibit should not be missed. Our favorite exhibit was "Hollywood in Iowa".

As a history buff, I recommend this museum to anyone interested in history. When I first walked in to the very large building, it seemed rather empty and very open, and was somewhat disappointed until I entered the civil war exhibit and realized this place had so much to offer!!! And not to mention, it's free!

Can't beat a free admission. It's a good way to pass a couple hours on a Sunday afternoon. Several floors of exhibits. I was most interested in the natural history section highlighting hunting and farming. Short walk to the capitol building if you have extra time to incorporate a tour there into your trip.

The price of admission is free and it reflects what is provided to the visitor. I frankly thought the museum was closed as I walked into this huge empty space. I didn't see one person! As I was walking back out a staff person was coming in. He pointed me to where the exhibit were. The directional signage is lacking and what's there is so hard to read & find. I was able to quickly work my way through the exhibits. Don't expect anything interactive or gallery staff in the exhibits. The displays were old and dated. The stuff inside was dirty! There was no gift store. Worst, none of the exhibits were geared to families with children. The exhibits were for adults only. Try the Des Moines Art Center instead! Great exhibits, food, interactives and gift store there.

I would have loved to have seen Floppy. The guide said they had a Duesenberg but I could not find it.

The museum is not what you typically think about when you consider a historical museum. All of the displays are newer and up to date. The exhibit areas are a bit dark and it can be hard to see some of the exhibits with such a low light level, but otherwise it is worth the time and effort,And it is FREE !!

After visiting the capital I walked down to the historical museum rather than move the car. The museum is free which was nice. It contains a HUGE atrium area. I started on the second floor and worked my way down to the first floor. There are a variety of exhibits and dioramas showing the history of Iowa. I actually liked the mineral collection at the opposite side of the atrium tucked away in a corner. There were a few school groups going through when I was there, most of the kids weren’t paying attention to any of the exhibits. If you want to get a good overview of Iowa it is worth a stop and is free. There is a parking garage across the street.

The State Museum was one of the stops on our bus trip itinerary. We spent approximately 1-1/2 hours here and could have easily spent more time. The Museum is nicely laid out with many interactive displays. It was really interesting learning about the early pioneer life in this fine State.

Great place to learn about products that made Iowa famous as well as the ecological minded people who made this state great. Loved the dioramas, and the special exhibit about Hollywood and Iowa. It is a free museum, but for a Saturday afternoon, there were only a handful of people here. Felt like I had the place to myself. Even the disinterested person behind the information desk didn't know I even entered or exited.

Not a bad stop for history buffs. I appreciated the civil war exhibit, but didn't have time to go through all exhibits

This place is filled with so much history and culture surrounding Iowa from the civil war era right through to modern day. The exhibits and displays were constructed perfectly and were fantastic to look at. Well worth the visit.

Don't know what I was expecting but found it to be rather sterile. Building and grounds were well maintained although the day we were there, there were groups of homeless people sitting around, (It was very hot outside). The 'rooms' were not easy to follow to see everything, felt like i was in a maze, so our little group of 5 kept getting separated. Several 'rooms' were not open for display. I enjoyed the Capitol tour more.

Interesting exhibits in a comfortable, environment. The exhibits change periodically. Currently Iowa made movies and movie stars from Iowa are on display. The history of Iowa display is very interesting and well done, also.