Directly west of the Iowa State Capitol, the State Historical Museum of Iowa is a useful stop if you want some context for everything you see around Des Moines and the rest of the state.
A broad introduction to Iowa
The museum covers far more than political history. Exhibitions explore Iowa before statehood, natural resources, social change, military history, popular culture and the people who have shaped the state. The collection contains tens of thousands of objects, with a changing selection on display.
For visitors from outside Iowa, I think the museum works best early in a trip. Places, traditions and even foods you encounter later begin to make more sense once you understand some of the state’s background.
Pair it with the Capitol
Its location makes planning easy: visit the Capitol and museum on the same outing, then walk into the East Village. Admission to the museum is currently free, although opening days and hours should always be checked before your visit. It is an especially useful option when Iowa weather makes outdoor sightseeing less appealing.