Terrace Hill
Terrace Hill
4.5
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Wednesday
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Thursday
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Friday
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Saturday
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Sunday
Closed
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
54 reviews
Excellent
32
Very good
17
Average
4
Poor
1
Terrible
0
ksufan88
Wichita, KS7,012 contributions
Jul 2020
Currently, tours are limited to one family at a time. Dates and times are on their website. We were fortunate to visit on Wednesday, July 8th (one day after their reopening). You must book a tour in advance and can only walk on the grounds around the house if you have a tour. You first watch an introductory 12 minute video and the a tour guide (we had Gary) walked you through the first floor of this amazing home. The woodwork and furnishings are fabulous. Our tour took a full hour and we learned much about the house, families that have lived here, and some of the interesting artifacts in the home. The second floor is not currently open for tours.
Written 25 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J T
Gray, TN378 contributions
Sept 2020
I always stop by when I'm in Iowa, it is something special in the middle of Des Moines. Grand Ave it's self is worth driving through South of Grand is what the locals call OLD Money. The group Slipknot live in this area. FYI
Written 28 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RachelKWanders
Memphis, TN30 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
This is a lovely home with a fascinating history. However, the tour is longer than necessary for the size of the building. Most, if not all, of the interesting information can be learned via the plaques and the video they show. I found myself getting bored waiting for the tour to move from one room to another. I’m also saddened a bit that the carriage house was modernized instead of preserved as it was originally, though I understand why that was done; I feel the sane way about the swimming pool. The highlight of the home is the magnificent stained glass. I would recommend checking it out, especially if you love old buildings, but for me it was a one-and-done experience. I don’t intend to go back for a second tour.
Written 6 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ellen R
Jefferson City, MO41 contributions
Jul 2022
Enjoyed the tour of this mansion and the history dating back to its completion in 1869. It is a National Historic Landmark., built as a private home but now the governor's residence. It well worth the time to visit this marvelous Victorian home.
Written 21 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aatbender
Dandridge, TN475 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
An impressive mansion and well-maintained, and it’s nice that it’s kept open for tours of the first two levels as well as the garden. Quite a testament to 19th century American craftsmanship. We had a small group taking the guided tour which was nice as everyone could get their questions answered without slowing things down. Our guide was good and very knowledgeable. The opening video was long and a bit cheesy.
Written 8 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chevy76
Des Moines, Iowa66 contributions
May 2014 • Family
I was a chaperone with a school tour and thoroughly enjoyed the tour. The guides are very knowledgeable and enjoy their jobs. There was no other groups there, so we had the whole house to ourselves. Terrace Hill is the Governor's residence, but was the home of the most wealthy resident of Des Moines in the 1800's--sparing no expense when constructed at the time. They give you the full history of the families who lived in the home and what each room's intended use was. Some rooms are not shown as they are still used by the Governor. Most of the home is restored to the early 1900 style and is in beautiful condition. If you enjoy late 1800 history and homes of that era, this is the place for you. Parking is available on the nearby streets (free). It might be worth calling ahead to make sure you don't show up when a busload of schoolkids is taking a tour. Visit the website for times of guided tours. $5 for adults, $2 children.
Written 21 May 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Darin
Quito, Ecuador427 contributions
Oct 2010 • Couples
Built in the mid-1800's, this multi-story mansion is beautiful, inside and out. As of 1971, this mansion became the home for Iowa's governors. The tour takes you through a video history of the home, followed by the actual tour. You are able to visit several rooms and see the famous stained glass near the staircase.
If you are looking for something free to do in Des Moines where you can take in some history and some gorgeous woodwork, this would be the thing to do.
If you are looking for something free to do in Des Moines where you can take in some history and some gorgeous woodwork, this would be the thing to do.
Written 30 July 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LaVontravels
Mesa, AZ285 contributions
Nov 2015 • Friends
It's been a few years since I went, but it's totally worth it. History is cool. I'd see it again. No children
Written 5 October 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jack K
Fayetteville, AR96 contributions
Jul 2016
We watched a 15 minute video and then were escorted on a tour. The lady volunteer was informative and enjoyable. She provided a lot of family information, building details, and interesting events and visitors to the mansion. Parking is near the entrance road just off Grand Ave, so there is a climb up the hill to the offices. I recommend one take the time to see this nice old building. It is period furnished and photography is allowed.
Written 5 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dominic Z
La Plata, MD39 contributions
Mar 2016 • Friends
Iowan's should be proud of the work of their historical society to preserve the history. I had the priviledge to tour to Terrace Hill and what architectural marvel. The history behind the building is excellent. It is one of many must see buildings in Des Moines. If you are a history buff you will love this.
Written 26 March 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do a google search for Terrace Hill, Des Moines, IA
They do offer tours and a number to call to book a tour
and an email for contact information.
Written 17 September 2015
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