Attractions - Historic East Village

	Iowa State Capitol E. 9^th and Grand (515) 281-5591 Tours scheduled between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Saturday tours are every half hour from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Groups must schedule in advance. Free admission The Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines, signifies the prodigious spirit of Iowa. Built between 1871 and 1886, this magnificent building's golden dome can be seen for miles, symbolizing representative government for the citizens of the state. Web site
	State Historical Building, 600 E. Locust, (515) 281-5111 Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Sunday, noon-4:30 p.m. Free admission The State Historical Building serves as an exciting place where Iowans and other visitors can experience the past. Housed within the building are the historical museum, historical library and archives, historic preservation offices, and administrative offices of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, the State Historical Society of Iowa, the Historical Foundation, and the Iowa Arts Council. Browse in the Museum Store or dine at Cafe Baratta's. Web site
	Des Moines Botanical Center 909 Robert D. Ray Drive (515) 323-6290 Daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Adults $4; Students (6-17) $2; Seniors (65+) $2; children under 5 free Located on 14 acres along the east bank of the Des Moines River, the Des Moines Botanical Center provides botanical displays and educational services for its visitors. Visit The Garden Gate Gift Shop or the Riverwalk Cafe during your visit. Web site
	Iowa Genealogical Society 628 E. Grand Ave. (515) 276-0287 M, W, F, S, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Tues., Thurs., 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Throughout the year, the Iowa Genealogical Society (IGS) is active in promoting family history, education, and the preservation of records vital in the search for your ancestors. IGS’s state-of-the-art facility integrates technology with traditional research. The facility provides a wireless network, high speed Internet access, a bank of computers, and a reader-printer that scans microfilm images direct to CD-ROM. There are 20,000 volumes and 15,000 microforms, including: vital records, histories, federal and state census records, military records, and more. Web site
Photo by Bob Nandell, Des Moines Register.	Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater The Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater is located downtown just south of City Hall at East First between Locust and Walnut. This beautiful location has been used for fun runs and walks, bike rides, political campaigns, concerts, class reunions, and weddings. In summer, the amphitheater is home to Nitefall on the River, a series of concerts featuring a mix of music such as jazz, blues, folk, and more. Web site
	Principal Riverwalk The Principal Riverwalk connects the east and west sides of downtown Des Moines through a 1.2 mile loop of paths and bridges. The Long Look Garden and Hansen Triangle plazas feature significant sculptures from world-renowned artists. Two new pedestrian bridges cross the river – the Union Railroad Bridge on the south and the Court Avenue Bridge on the north. Web site
	Brenton Skating Plaza 520 Robert D. Ray Drive (515) 284-1000 Brenton Skating Plaza is Des Moines’ outdoor ice skating attraction and year-round event center. Enjoy a day of figure eights, hot cocoa, and unforgettable moments season after season! Birthday parties, broomball games, music events, company get-togethers and the Brenton Grill open all summer. Plus, skating lessons for all ages all season long. Web site