Iowa State Capitol
Des Moines, IA
A gold-domed capitol on a hill above downtown Des Moines, with an ornate interior of marble, mosaics and a grand staircase. Guided tours are offered, so check ahead; the grounds give a good view across the city.
The Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines was built between 1871 and 1886 to designs by John C. Cochrane and Alfred H. Piquenard in the Renaissance Revival style. It is the only state capitol in the United States with five domes. The central dome rises about 275 feet (84 m) and is covered in 23-karat gold leaf. The building has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1976.
Inside, 29 types of marble and native woods such as walnut and cherry were used. The centerpiece is the grand marble staircase, above which hangs the mural "Westward." The Victorian Law Library has four levels of galleries around an atrium. The Capitol stands on Grand Avenue on a hill at the edge of downtown; from the grounds you look out over the city. Allow about an hour, and check ahead for when the building is open and when tours run.
- Nearest town
- Des Moines, IA
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 41.5911, -93.6036
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Adventureland CampgroundMotorhome stopover7 mi from Iowa State CapitolTentsMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Bob ShetlerMotorhome stopover9 mi from Iowa State CapitolMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Bob ShetlerMotorhome stopover9 mi from Iowa State CapitolMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Bob ShetlerMotorhome stopover9 mi from Iowa State CapitolMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Cutty's Des Moines Camping ClubCampsite9 mi from Iowa State Capitol
- Des Moines West KOA HolidayMotorhome stopover25 mi from Iowa State CapitolTentsMotorhomesElectricityToiletsWaste disposal
All campsites in Iowa · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Iowa State Capitol?
Iowa State Capitol is in Des Moines, IA, at GPS 41.5911, -93.6036. It is about 28 mi from Winterset.
Can you camp near Iowa State Capitol?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Willowbrook Bible Camp, about 5 mi away; within 25 mi there are 26 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Iowa State Capitol?
Places worth a stop nearby: Holliwell Covered Bridge (29 mi), Ledges State Park (31 mi), Roseman Covered Bridge (36 mi) and Vermeer Windmill (38 mi).
When is the best time to visit Iowa State Capitol?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)