While on a short trip to Omaha and Lincoln, we decided to take a two hour drive out to tour the Des Moines State Captiol. It is a very nice capitol. It signifies the prodigious spirit of Iowa. Built between 1871 and 1886, this magnificent building represents, both inside and out, one of the nation's finest examples of 19th century architecture. Inside, the building features an array of majesty including many different types and colors of marble, works of art, fixtures and carvings in both wood and stone. One of the most commanding features of the building is the towering dome. The dome, constructed of steel and brick, is externally gilded with 23-karat gold leaf. A belvedere on top of the large dome features a golden lantern at the top. In addition, four smaller golden lanterns are each attached to copper-covered domes at every corner of the building. These four domes are decorated with vertical lines of intermittent gold, giving each a braided look. The state capitol is truly an impressive Iowa landmark. Each year the state capitol is visited not only by Iowans, but by people from all over the world. The capitol's golden dome can be seen for miles, symbolizing representative government for the citizens of the state.
On the way back to Omaha/Lincoln area, went to a small town called Carroll and had dinner with a couple of ex-customers. It was nice putting a name with a face. We ate at a nice Mexican restaurant called Rancho Grande. It was a pleasant evening so we set out on the patio. The food was good and they had live Mariachi’s. It was a very nice evening eating, drinking Margarita’s, and visiting. I did feel a little guilty though. We had the puppies in the car with us and they could see us the whole time we were eating. They kept giving me the puppy dog eyes. :( They were happy though when I gave them a treat once we got back in the car. We left Carroll after dinner and headed back toward Nebraska.
Here are a few PICTURES FROM DES MOINES for you to enjoy. You will have to sign up for a Walgreens account, but it is free!
Back to Our Home Page
Page last updated August 2014
