Salisbury House & Gardens

There is a 42-room English Manor in the middle of Des Moines, it's called the Salisbury House. It's nustled in some of the only remaining virgin woods left in Des Moines and you wouldn't find it unles you a. already knew where it was or b. were looking for it. It is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and was featured on A&E television's "American Castles". This place was great! It was built in the 1920's by a man named Carl Weeks, after he was inspired by the King's House in Salisbury, England. A lot of the house's materials are from England and date back to the 16th century and were shipped over for construction. The rafters in the main entrance/hall were from an inn in England where it is known that Shakespeare and his troop stopped to perform, and it's believed they performed under those very rafters! There are loads of historic documents, rare first-edition books and other artifacts in this house! There's something for everyone with all the art and architecture as well. Carl Weeks had always intended on it becoming a museum, and his wish came true. The house also hosts a bunch of special events during the year including chamber concert series, history series, the Gatsby Gala (a roaring 20's themed party), The Salisbury Automobile Classic in September, nature trail and tours are available Tues.-Fri. and Sunday. No tours on Monday or Saturday. $7 for adults, $3 for children 6-12(6 and under are free) and $6 for seniors. But all proceeds go to fund the preservation of this historic American Castle. If you're in Des Moines you've got to check this place out!