Salisbury House & Gardens Des Moines
A stunning 1920s Jacobean-style mansion showcasing art, history, and botanical gardens, offering a glimpse into the innovative Weeks family's legacy.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Salisbury House & Gardens Des Moines
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning 1920s Jacobean-style mansion showcasing art, history, and botanical gardens, offering a glimpse into the innovative Weeks family's legacy.
"Who knew such a gem was right here in Des Moines? I will be back, more than once!"
✨ Book Guided Tours
Highly recommended for in-depth stories and historical context from knowledgeable guides like Dick and David Ross.
🎟️ Purchase Tickets Online
Easy to do and ensures your entry. Admission is $10 plus tax.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 527 reviews
Type
Museum
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Jacobean-Inspired Architecture
Exterior and Interior
Marvel at the stunning stone mansion, designed after a castle in England, showcasing intricate Jacobean-style details.
Art and Antique Collection
Interior Galleries
Explore a vast assortment of paintings, sculptures, and antique furnishings collected by the Weeks family.
Botanical Gardens
Exterior Grounds
Stroll through beautifully manicured gardens, a tranquil escape with well-tended lawns and seasonal blooms.
The Weeks Family Legacy
Throughout the House
Learn about the innovative Weeks family, who developed liquid foundation and left a unique mark on history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Visit in Advance
Allocate Enough Time for Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
✨ Book Guided Tours
Highly recommended for in-depth stories and historical context from knowledgeable guides like Dick and David Ross. +1
🎟️ Purchase Tickets Online
Easy to do and ensures your entry. Admission is $10 plus tax.
What are some cool things in/about Des Moines that not many people know about?
I’m thinking about stopping in Des Moines next year on a road trip. What are some things you recommend checking out?
🕰️ Allow 1.5-2 Hours
Plenty of time to explore the house, art, and gardens thoroughly.
🎁 Consider a Souvenir Roof Tile
Get a piece of history! Old roof tiles from England (1580-1650) are available for $25.
Ideas for cute date weekend in Des Moines?
Hello! Me and my boyfriend are staying in Des Moines for a weekend at the end of august, we have no plans yet and wanted to know some cool things we could check out? He doesn't drink so not very interested in bars/clubs. We've gone to the art museum already :) any other cool…
Tips
from all over the internet
✨ Book Guided Tours
Highly recommended for in-depth stories and historical context from knowledgeable guides like Dick and David Ross. +1
🎟️ Purchase Tickets Online
Easy to do and ensures your entry. Admission is $10 plus tax.
🕰️ Allow 1.5-2 Hours
Plenty of time to explore the house, art, and gardens thoroughly.
🎁 Consider a Souvenir Roof Tile
Get a piece of history! Old roof tiles from England (1580-1650) are available for $25.
♿ Accessible Options Available
The house has an elevator and is manageable for those with mobility aids like walkers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Salisbury House & Gardens as a hidden gem in Des Moines, highlighting its stunning architecture, impressive art collection, and beautiful gardens. The knowledgeable and friendly docents and tour guides significantly enhance the experience, making it informative and engaging. Many recommend allocating ample time to fully appreciate the historical and cultural richness of this unique estate.
"Salisbury House made for a lovely afternoon visit! The docents are knowledgeable and the home is certainly a hidden gem here in Des Moines. The architecture alone is worth the visit but also learning the story of the family that once called the property home is well worth it. Definitely recommend and an easy visit - recommend about 1.5 hours to read and do everything on an initial visit."
Robert Lyons
"Amazing English inspired mansion with a vast assortment of painting, sculptures, and antique furnishings. The staff were very knowledgeable about everything also. There was a baby gift shop with nice little souvenirs. I recommend purchasing one of the roof tiles. For only $25 you can get one of the old roof tiles that were brought over from England and date to 1580-1650. A great price for a piece of history."
Kara Jacob
"I LOVED this place! This was a spur of the moment, ordered tickets online. Very easy to do. $10 plus tax, total was $22 plus change. Used gps directions. Beautiful inside and out. Well manicured and tended garden and lawn in early September. Indoor had AC throughout. Main floor and 2nd floor was open to walk in and look around after showing my ticket pass. If we had any questions a VERY knowledgeable person at the entrance was available or I could scan a QR code at the entrance that would answer questions. I chose to run back to the person when I had questions. The next time I will choose a guided tour. There is so much to see.
Who knew such a gem was right here in Des Moines? I will be back, more than once!
I highly recommend everyone see this."
CD
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Salisbury House is located in Urbandale, a suburb of Des Moines. GPS directions are generally reliable. It's easily accessible by car, and parking is available on-site.
Yes, using GPS navigation is recommended and most visitors find it straightforward to locate.
Driving is the most common and convenient method. Public transportation options might be limited, so check local schedules if needed.
Yes, ample parking is available for visitors on the grounds of Salisbury House.
Absolutely! Salisbury House is a great stop for road trippers looking for unique cultural experiences in the Des Moines area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is $10 plus tax, totaling around $22. Purchasing tickets online in advance is recommended.
Yes, you can purchase tickets upon arrival, but booking online beforehand is advised to secure your preferred time slot.
The standard admission is $10. Guided tours are highly recommended and are included with admission, offering a more in-depth experience. +1
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official Salisbury House website for the most up-to-date information on daily hours and tour availability.
While not always mandatory, booking a guided tour in advance is highly recommended to ensure you get a spot with a knowledgeable guide and to gain the most from your visit. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the art museum, library, concert venue, and botanical gardens. The house itself is a stunning example of Jacobean-inspired architecture. +1
Most visitors recommend allocating 1.5 to 2 hours to fully enjoy the house, its collections, and the gardens.
Yes, the house is equipped with an elevator and is manageable for individuals using walkers, with helpful staff available.
Yes, you can purchase authentic roof tiles from England, dating back to 1580-1650, for $25, which are a popular and historical souvenir.
The Weeks family, who built the house, were innovators, notably developing liquid foundation. Learning their story adds depth to the visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. It's best to check with staff upon arrival or look for signage regarding interior photography rules. Exterior and garden photos are generally permitted.
The exterior architecture, the manicured gardens, and specific art pieces inside (if photography is allowed) offer great photo opportunities.
Typically, drone usage is restricted at historical sites and private residences. It's advisable to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise.
A versatile camera, whether a DSLR or a good smartphone, will work well. Consider a wide-angle lens for capturing the architecture and gardens.
Flash photography is often prohibited inside historical buildings to protect delicate artworks and furnishings. Always check for signs or ask staff.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit