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Guide to the State Historical Museum of Iowa

The State Historical Museum of Iowa in Des Moines is now reopened after an extensive multi year renovation, and families will love what it offers! Here's what you should know about the State Historical Museum of Iowa
in background, closeup view of arrowheads displayed at the State Historical Museum of Iowa. In foreground, the post title.



What is the State Historical Museum of Iowa?

The State Historical Museum of Iowa is a history museum run by the State Historical Society of Iowa which focuses on telling the stories of the people and places of Iowa from prehistoric times to modernity. The museum is free and open to the public and beginning October 14th, 2023, it's open from 9am to 4:30pm on Monday through Friday and from 9am to 3pm on Saturday.  

Where is the State Historical Museum of Iowa?

The State Historical Museum of Iowa is located in the State Historical Building of Iowa at 600 East Locust Street in downtown Des Moines, Iowa. There is metered street parking nearby, or there is free parking in the parking garage at Pennsylvania Avenue and Grand Avenue. The museum is also just south of the Capitol grounds, so if the weather is nice, you can park in the free visitor lots at the Capitol and walk down. The building is home to the State Historical Society of Iowa, the State Historic Preservation Office, and one of the two Iowa History Research Centers (the other is in Iowa City.)

Exhibits at the State Historical Museum of Iowa

The State Historical Museum of Iowa has a wide variety of permanent and temporary exhibits highlighting different aspects of Iowa history. Some of the exhibits in place when I visited in October 2023 included:

  • Iowa and the Civil War
  • Iowa's People and Places
  • Iowa History 101
  • Delicate Balance
  • Riding Through History
  • Hollywood in the Heartland
  • Civics in Action

Together these exhibits and the other signage and display cases around the museum, like the cool mammoth fossils in the lobby, tell the story of Iowa from prehistoric times to the modern day. One of my personal favorites was this cool old quilt:
And my kids were super excited to see a display about Sioux City's Ron Clements and the movies he has worked on, like The Little Mermaid, Frozen, and Moana! 

Goldie's Kids Club at the State Historical Museum of Iowa

The State Historical Museum of Iowa works to make history come alive for kids with their programming and exhibits. Goldie the Goldfinch is the museum's mascot for doing this. On the first floor, there's a hands-on history room with lots of space for children's programming. And on the second floor, Goldie's Creative Corner offers an inspiring nook for putting imagination into action. 
And kids 12 and under can sign up for free online to be part of Goldie's Kids Club, whether you live in Des Moines area or not. 

Events at the State Historical Museum of Iowa

The State Historical Museum of Iowa hosts a wide variety of events, including family-friendly tours, history mystery events and day camps for kids, historical lectures both in-person and online, and a fancy annual gala full of gowns and tuxes. 

 Cafe Barratta

The cafe wasn't open yet when I visited, but I look forward to trying it on another visit someday when it reopens.

More information about the State Historical Museum of Iowa

For more details about the State Historical Museum of Iowa, call to talk to their friendly staff or visit the State Historical Museum of Iowa website.
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Location: Iowa, USA

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