State Historical Museum
State Historical Museum
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
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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
195 reviews
Excellent
110
Very good
55
Average
22
Poor
3
Terrible
5
Bibliobabe2002
Buffalo, Minnesota31 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
My husband and I are museum lovers and both studied history in college so we were looking forward to visiting here very much. Unfortunately, we were completely underwhelmed. I can't put my finger on why, but I found it boring and uninspired. Even being free we thought it was too expensive as we spent three hours of our life here. We went from gallery to gallery hoping it would improve. Sadly it didn't. I don't recommend even though it's free.
Written 21 May 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.
4grandtravel4
Davenport, IA88 contributions
Jul 2022
I go to a lot of museums since I am a big history buff. This museum is outstanding. The displays are very good. I definitely learning new things about the state including Iowa's involvement in the Civil War. There is a wonderful room with displays of actors that came from Iowa. I went in there thinking I would spend about 2 hours in there, but I was there for 4. It is free admission. A donation box is available. Only downside was that there was no handicapped accessible parking nearby.
Written 29 August 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.
scott r
Silver Spring, MD769 contributions
Jul 2021
Accidental visit - wanted to see Terrance Hill but you have to book that in advance. Had time to kill and this proved to be an admirable place to do it. Comprehensive although at times slightly haphazard dissertation on all things Iowa - which is probably as it should be. A generalists generalist and thus a good overview. Lots of slice of life, lots of Civil War (indeed the desk starts you with this, I'd suggest you go in reverse order, or at least see top floor first), interesting exploration of Hollywood/Iowa connection. Really a good way to fill a couple of hours if you've got a break, are waiting for another tour, etc. But don't slight it, there is a lot here. Not 'geared' toward kids especially, but there is plenty to keep them entertained. Solid effort.
Written 5 July 2021
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.
MuseumFan01
Des Moines, IA18 contributions
May 2015 • Family
This is NOT a family friendly museum and has absolutely nothing to offer in the way of engaging exhibits. Exceptionally poor signage (if you can find it). The parking lot entrance is on the opposite side of the building to the reception desk. In between was a big empty space with absolutely nothing. We felt like we walked into a closed building. There is not one single exhibit for toddlers or anyone under the age of 12. There is no orientation space, stroller storage, lockers, outdoor exhibits, programming or gift store. There were no staff about or interactives (at least functional) in the exhibits. The exhibits were dirty. My son actually started singing "Clean up. Clean up. Everybody everywhere" after seeing the dust monsters (not bunnies). However, the bathrooms were clean. Perhaps the museum staff needs lessons from the janitors?
Written 24 June 2015
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.
281cynthiam
Harrison, AR120 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
Free to the public but we were compelled to leave a donation because it's so good we wanted to contribute. Very well laid out, great exhibits and so much to see! We spent hours looking through everything. We especially enjoyed the Civil War and animal sections. So much history about Iowa and highly recommend for children. There was an entire section on Iowa celebrities and we were surprised at how many there are. The staff was very helpful with specific questions.
Written 30 May 2015
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.
FormerHoosier
Pella, IA161 contributions
Apr 2015 • Couples
Great displays on the Civil War and the history of the Iowa Coal mining industry. Well worth the trip and it's free!
Written 23 April 2015
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.
TerMar1981
Kansas City, MO178 contributions
May 2013 • Couples
Plan on spending a good part of your day when you visit this museum. We were very impressed by the animal displays as well as the variety of the other exhibits. There really is something here for most tastes. The building was very easy to get around in, well lit and organized. There is no cost for admission, only donation if one feels so inclined. This is a must see when visiting the Des Moines, IA area.
Written 7 June 2013
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.
miznina
San Simeon, CA303 contributions
Jun 2017 • Family
This is museum is built on several levels, the highest of which has an outdoor terrace outside the museum's cafe. This terrace gives you a spectacular view of downtown Des Moines and particularly the capitol building. So.. great anytime, but on summer Fridays (between, I think, 11:30- 1:30) there are free music concerts. A great lunchtime treat.
Many others have talked about the fantastic exhibits. I can only add that my TEENAGE son was enthralled, and wanted to go back a second time. Can't say more than that, can you?
Many others have talked about the fantastic exhibits. I can only add that my TEENAGE son was enthralled, and wanted to go back a second time. Can't say more than that, can you?
Written 9 July 2017
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.
cupfar b
12 contributions
Aug 2016 • Family
We didn't get to enjoy the exhibits because we were busy, however, we were able to enjoy the location because it was the site of a wedding reception. The cafe terrace has such a beautiful view of the State Capitol building - we too so many family photos there on a bright sunny afternoon.
The guests were able to enjoy the exhibits. The temperature is not as cool compared to the heat outside, so slightly uncomfortable with lots of people. However, you're not really here for the cold temperature. It's tolerable. It's not usually a busy place, but it's another site to visit!
The guests were able to enjoy the exhibits. The temperature is not as cool compared to the heat outside, so slightly uncomfortable with lots of people. However, you're not really here for the cold temperature. It's tolerable. It's not usually a busy place, but it's another site to visit!
Written 27 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.
Christine H
Ankeny, IA116 contributions
May 2014 • Couples
If you enjoy history and/or museums, this is a great place. I especially enjoyed learning about the Civil War - I'll definitely go back.
Written 19 April 2015
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.
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