Beyond World Pork Expo: Historic Places to Visit in Des Moines, Iowa | Pork Industry News

If you’re traveling to World Pork Expo and plan to arrive early or stay a few extra days, Des Moines offers more than food and networking.

I love history.

I love architecture.

Iowa is often called a “flyover state.” Our communities are beautiful and buildings are timeless. The Iowa history is rich. From gold-domed landmarks to historic mansions, Iowa offers visitors an unexpected experience of the Midwest.

Every time I visit a new community, I try to stop for an hour and soak in a local landmark or small business to recharge. Some places are historic. Some are quirky. Some are simply meaningful to the area. I enjoy discovering them all.

Iowa State Capitol

The Iowa State Capitol has overlooked Des Moines for more than a century. Construction began in 1871 and was completed in 1886. The Capitol was designed by Alfred Piquenard and completed at a cost of $2.9 million. Today, the building stands 275 feet tall and remains one of the most recognizable landmarks in Iowa. Standing anywhere on this property leaves me in awe of the craftsmanship our forefathers achieved with the tools and resources available during their time.

The famous gold dome has become a symbol of Iowa government and Iowa history. Covered in 23 ¾-karat gold leaf, the dome shines above the city skyline. The gold leaf is incredibly thin. Two hundred fifty thousand sheets stacked together would measure only one inch thick. The Iowa Capitol is also the only five-domed state capitol building in the country.

Inside the Capitol, visitors will find beauty in every direction. Decorative paintings cover the walls and ceilings. Detailed stenciling, carved woodwork, historic artifacts, and marble surfaces fill the building. The Capitol contains 29 types of marble and 12 types of wood. Nearly every room feels different. There are 109 rooms throughout the structure, each with its own design and character. Walking through the Capitol feels like stepping back into a time when craftsmanship mattered in every detail.

Salisbury House & Gardens

Salisbury House & Gardens, Des Moines, Iowa

Salisbury House feels unlike anything else in Iowa. The mansion was built during the 1920s by Carl Weeks and his wife Edith. Carl Weeks founded The Armand Company, which became famous for its Cold Cream Powder product. The company grew into an international business with offices around the world.

Salisbury House & Gardens, Des Moines, Iowa

The couple originally planned to build a Spanish-style home. During a trip to Europe, they visited King’s House in Salisbury, England. The experience completely changed their plans. Instead, they decided to model their new home after the historic English structure. Construction and collecting were completed in 1928. The mansion eventually grew into a 42-room estate covering 28,000 square feet. The total cost reached $3 million in 1928, which equals roughly $55 million today.

Salisbury House & Gardens, Des Moines, Iowa

Inside Salisbury House, visitors will find authentic 16th-century English oak woodwork, English flintwork, and rafters dating back to the time of Shakespeare. The home is filled with artwork, tapestries, antique furnishings, and rare collections gathered by the Weeks family. Every room feels historic. Every hallway feels elegant. Salisbury House offers visitors a chance to experience old-world beauty right in the middle of Iowa.

For your next event, the Salisbury House and Gardens does allow groups and companies to rent and host the event venue. If you are planning a private event, this might be a place to consider.

World Food Prize Hall of Laureates

Rachel Fishback, Founder & Host of Pork Industry News, outside enjoying the architecture and gardens of the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates in Des Moines, Iowa. The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates is a short walk from many downtown Des Moines, Iowa, hotels over looking the Des Moines River showcasing amazing Iowa agriculture history.

Another stop worth visiting is the Hall of Laureates in downtown Des Moines. The building originally opened in 1903 as the Des Moines Public Library. Today, it serves as the home of the World Food Prize Foundation.

One of the many beautiful stained glass art pieces in the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates, Des Moines, Iowa

The building itself is stunning. Marble interiors, grand staircases, restored architectural details, and historic design elements create a timeless atmosphere throughout the property. The restoration work helped preserve one of Des Moines’ most important historic buildings while giving it a new purpose connected to agriculture and global food security.

Inside World Food Prize Hall of Laureates, Des Moines, Iowa

For visitors attending World Pork Expo, the Hall of Laureates serves as a reminder of agriculture’s impact around the world. The building honors individuals working to improve food production, nutrition, and hunger solutions across the globe. It is a place that reflects leadership, innovation, and the importance of agriculture far beyond the Midwest.

Terry Branstad is a retired American politician and U.S. Army veteran who served as the 39th and 42nd governor of Iowa and the United States ambassador to China and Rachel Fishback, Founder and Host of Pork Industry News at a 2024 agricultural event in the Hall of Laureates.

Iowa Advocates: Mitchell Hora, Corey Hillebro, Rachel Fishback, Joyce Hoppes Zach Tweet and Nick Hansen at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates. Joyce Hopes, Iowa Pork’s Consumer Information Director, discussed the award winning Iowa Pork Ad Campaign in 2024 with attendees.

More Than a Trade Show

World Pork Expo brings thousands of visitors to Iowa every year. But Des Moines offers more than meetings and trade show conversations.

The city tells stories through architecture. The buildings reflect generations of craftsmanship. The landmarks reflect Iowa history. If you find yourself with extra time during your visit, explore beyond the fairgrounds. Slow down. Walk through the history. Relax and recharge. Take in the details. I noticed Catch Des Moines is a proud supporter of the 2026 World Pork Expo. Thank you to Iowa’s Tourism groups for supporting the pork industry. They offer many resources for visitors and Iowa residents looking to discover new places and experiences throughout the area on the Catch Des Moines website.

You may leave with more than pork industry connections. You may leave with a deeper appreciation for Iowa’s beauty itself.