Salisbury House & Gardens

Step back in time at this 42-room grand estate built in the 1920s that was inspired by English architecture from the 1600s. A number of building materials for the Tudor-style home were acquired from period structures in England and shipped to Des Moines to give the house its stately, authentic design. The site houses extensive collections of rare books, fine art, historical documents, music instruments and more collected by its builders, the Weeks family.

Parking and public transportation to Salisbury House
Take the 42nd Street exit from Interstate Highway 235; follow 42nd Street south to Tonawanda Drive and east to the grounds. Parking is available on site. Local transit routes that stop along Ingersoll Avenue are the closest options for public transportation. However, expect to walk about 10 blocks south to reach Salisbury House.

Best times to go to Salisbury House
The site offers a full schedule of special events providing activities in addition to tours. Music and author series are offered throughout the year. Major events include a Gatsby-themed gala, holiday celebrations and more.

Admission to Salisbury House
Cost is around $10 for adults, with guided tours being a bit more and self-guided strolls a bit less. Discounts for senior citizens and kids. Guided tours are available Tuesday through Sunday, except on major holidays. Self-guided tours are permitted during expanded hours on those days.

Must see/do at Salisbury House
The library includes first-edition titles by literary greats and more than 60 historical Bibles. Look for an evolving selection of special exhibitions on display. Take time to enjoy the vast gardens that are part of the estate.

Other places to visit near Salisbury House
Enjoy another historic home at Terrace Hill, the Iowa governor's mansion. Take in the world-class displays at the nearby Des Moines Art Center. See the stars at the Drake Municipal Observatory.

Insider tip for visitors to Salisbury House
The rafters from London's White Hart Inn, where Shakespeare performed, are included in the ceiling of the home's Great Hall.

Author's bio: Melanie Lageschulte is a freelance writer and editor. She is an Iowa native and has lived in Des Moines for 15 years.