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Places (POIs) visited during this tour

Place #1
Distance: 0.00mi
Map Pin
E Grand Ave / State Capitol, DSM, Des Moines, IA 50319, USA
POI 1 Tour Image
State library of Iowa
Get ready to turn right, but first on your left, tucked inside the Iowa State Capitol complex, is the State Library of Iowa — one of the most beautiful and overlooked spaces in the entire building.

Founded in 1838, even before Iowa became a state, the library serves lawmakers, judges, and state agencies with legal research and historical archives. But beyond its function, it’s the architecture that steals the show.

If you were to step inside, you’d find two levels of ornate cast-iron spiral staircases, Victorian-era balconies, and shelves filled with law books stretching upward beneath a decorative ceiling. It feels more like something out of a European parliament than the Midwest.

For generations, legislators have walked these aisles researching bills, debating statutes, and shaping Iowa’s legal framework. Quietly, without headlines, this room has influenced decisions that affect millions.

As we continue driving, remember — behind every public debate and political headline, there’s usually a quiet library somewhere, where the real groundwork is done.
Place #2
Distance: 0.11mi , Attraction : Government Building, Historic Site
Map Pin
E 12th St / State Capitol, DSM, Des Moines, IA 50319, USA
POI 2 Tour Image
Iowa State Capitol - Golden Dome of the Midwest
On your right, rising above downtown on a hilltop, the Iowa State Capitol is the crown jewel of Des Moines — and yes, that dome really is covered in 23-karat gold.

Completed in 1886, this is one of the few state capitols in America with five domes. The central dome towers nearly 275 feet above the ground, making it visible from miles away and symbolically placing Iowa’s government above the city it serves.

Inside, this is where Iowa’s laws are debated, budgets are decided, and every four years, the state’s political spotlight shines nationally during the presidential caucuses. For a brief moment in each election cycle, all eyes in American politics turn here.

The building itself reflects a time when Iowa was booming — fueled by agriculture, railroads, and westward expansion. Marble staircases, hand-painted ceilings, and sweeping corridors were designed to project stability and confidence in a growing state.

As you drive by, notice how the Capitol anchors the skyline. It’s not just a government building — it’s a statement that even in the geographic center of the country, Iowa plays an outsized role on the national stage.

  https://www.legis.iowa.gov/facilities/capitol
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour

Map Pin Place 1 State library of Iowa
Map Pin Place 2 Iowa State Capitol - Golden Dome of the Midwest
Map Pin Place 3 Capitol Grounds Memorials
Map Pin Place 4 State Historical Museum of Iowa - Stories of the Hawkeye State
Map Pin Place 5 Historic East Village
Map Pin Place 6 Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens
Map Pin Place 7 City of Des Moines Historic City Hall
Map Pin Place 8 Des Moines River - Court Avenue Bridge
Map Pin Place 9 World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
Map Pin Place 10 Iowa Woman of Achievement Bridge
Map Pin Place 11 Cowles Commons | Des Moines Performing Arts
Map Pin Place 12 Court Avenue District
Map Pin Place 13 Science Center of Iowa
Map Pin Place 14 Polk County Historic Courthouse
Map Pin Place 15 Central Library
Map Pin Place 16 Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Map Pin Place 17 Terrace Hill Historic Site
Map Pin Place 18 Des Moines Fun Facts
Map Pin Place 19 Des Moines Art Center | Butler House on Grand
Map Pin Place 20 Historic Kingman Boulevard
Map Pin Place 21 Drake University
Map Pin Place 22 Heading to the end
Map Pin Place 23 Park and head for a walk at Rotary Riverwalk Park



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How to take a UCPlaces tour
Taking a UCPlaces tour is fun and easy.
Download the app (Android or iOS), purchase the tour (either here on the website, or from within the app).
That's it, you're ready to go!
When you want to start the tour, find the tour in the app (via a quick in-app search or by clicking the tour link received in your confirmation email) and click "Start Tour" (headphones recommended for best experience.)
* After purchasing a tour you will receive a purchase confirmation email including the tour link and instructions on how to take the tour, so you don't have to remember anything now.
How does the tour work?
UCPlaces acts as your personal tour guide, providing self-guided audio tours fully navigated within our app using GPS-based navigation. You won't need to switch between external navigation apps.
Whenever you approach a point of interest (POI) on the tour, our app will automatically play the relevant audio story at the right time and place.
If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.
How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?
UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms.
Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:
  • No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
  • Walk at your own pace.
  • No waiting for groups; go on your schedule.
  • Take the tour in your preferred language.
  • Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
  • Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
  • Enjoy preferred prices.

What's included?
  • A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
  • Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
  • Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
  • Apple CarPlay connection (for iOS users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
  • Earphones (highly recommended).
  • Smartphone.
  • Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).
  • Tickets to the attractions on your tour.
  • Food and drinks
  • Physical tour guide.

Have any questions about this tour? Or a general travel / self-guided tours question? That's completely natural

+ How long does this tour take?
Most travelers complete this tour in approximately 1 to 1 hours, depending on pace, time spent at each stop, and optional detours. Having said that, please remember that self-guided tours are extremly flexible (you can start, pause, continue anytime) and everyone has their own pace.
+ What does this tour include?
This self-guided driving tour includes 23 stops, covering top attractions such as State library of Iowa, Iowa State Capitol - Golden Dome of the Midwest, Capitol Grounds Memorials, State Historical Museum of Iowa - Stories of the Hawkeye State, Historic East Village.
+ Where does the tour start?
The tour starts at State library of Iowa (Address: E Grand Ave / State Capitol, DSM, Des Moines, IA 50319, USA). You can begin the tour there or join from any stop along the route.
+ What type of tour is this?
This is a self-guided driving tour designed to be completed by car, covering scenic routes, city highlights and optional key stops.
+ Can I do this tour at my own pace?
Yes, this is a self-guided driving tour, so you can start anytime and explore at your own pace. You can pause, skip stops, or spend more time at places that interest you. You can even split it into multiple days. Explore however feels right for you. The only vaiables that might affect your pace are speed limits and traffic congestion.
+ Do I need a car for this tour?
Yes, this is a driving tour, designed to be completed by car, with stops spread across different locations connected by a driving route.
+ Do I need anything in order to take the tour?
There are two things that you need - <b>1.</b> A mobile phone (with the UCPlaces app installed and active location services, and a cellular data plan with a decent signal for downloading the tour). <b>2.</b> A car. Here are some recommendations for a great experience: 1. Make sure your phone is fully charged and bring a charging cable for your car. 2. Connect your phone to the car speaker system via bluetooth or use our CarPlay/Android Auto option for the best experience.
+ How will I navigate from point to point during the tour?
The tour uses GPS-based navigation through the UCPlaces app, with automatic audio playback and step-by-step directions between stops. This works great either directly from your phone, or while connected to your car's multimedia system and using our CarPlay or Android Auto options. Just follow the route and listen to the audio guide. Use the resume feature to continue from where you recently stopped (or closed the app). Easily skip or go back to stops.
+ Is this tour suitable for families or groups?
Yes, self-guided tours are ideal for families and small groups, allowing everyone to explore comfortably without being tied to a fixed schedule.
+ What makes a self-guided tour better than a guided tour?
Self-guided tours are more flexible, affordable, and personalized. You can avoid crowds, choose your pace, and focus on the stops that interest you most.
+ I installed the app and it's now asking for GPS and media access permissions, why?
The app is your tour-guide, it needs to know where you are located on the map to be able to trigger the points of interest. It also needs access to audio and media files to provide you with this experience.
+ What happens if there are unexpected roadblocks or navigation issues?
We have been working hard to deliver a great experience. Though you may run into unexpected obstacles (the world is constantly changing), our app has multiple features and mechanisms in place to help you overcome them, including: AI assistance, force play an audio if you can't reach the stop, skip or return to stops, automatic rerouting and more.
+ Can I take the tour in my language?
Though all of our tours are primarily in English, many tours are muyltilingual (including: Spanish, German, Portuguese, French, Japanese, Hebrew, French, Arabic and more...). The tour language options depend on the specific tour - You can easily check which languages are available in the tour screen!