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Celebrate America’s Harvest Festival at the Iowa Capitol Complex and make a stop at the State Historical Museum of Iowa, just across the street from the festivities. The museum will extend its hours until 6 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, giving visitors more time to explore Iowa’s history and stories.
 
Start your day with Goldie’s Halloween Bash from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Families can celebrate the fall season with crafts, activities, games, trick-or-treat stations, and opportunities to explore the museum before heading across the street for America’s Harvest Festival.
 
Then, join us for a Museum Highlights Tour at 2, 3, or 4 p.m. These one-hour guided tours will feature popular stops throughout the museum, offering a look at some of the people, places, and stories that have shaped Iowa. Explore exhibits that highlight how Iowa agriculture and Revolutionary Iowans have contributed to the story of our state and nation, along with many other fascinating chapters of Iowa history.
 
Visitors can also explore a pop-up display highlighting the Matthew Edel Blacksmith Shop, one of our historic sites in Central Iowa. Learn about early industry in Iowa through the tools, inventions, and stories of German immigrant Matthew Edel, a skilled blacksmith who operated his shop from 1883 until his death in 1940. The remarkably complete shop remains preserved as he left it, offering a glimpse into the era before tractors and automobiles.
 
Festivalgoers can also visit the Historical Building’s Research Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to see Iowa’s rare 1837 William Stone print of the Declaration of Independence.
 
  • Extended Museum Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
    Admission: Free
    • Goldie’s Halloween Bash: 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
      Admission: Free
    • Museum Highlights Tours: 2, 3, and 4 p.m.
      Admission: Free
    • Revolutionary Iowans A250 Exhibit Experience: Explore the special exhibit celebrating Iowa’s connections to the American Revolution and America’s 250th anniversary.

    • Matthew Edel Blacksmith Shop pop-up display: Available during museum hours.

  • Research Center Hours: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
    • Visit Iowa's 1837 Declaration of Independence print
      Admission: Free
  • America’s Harvest Festival: 1 p.m.–dusk
    Iowa Capitol Complex, Des Moines
    Admission: Free
Just across the street, America’s Harvest Festival will fill the Iowa Capitol Complex with live entertainment, historical reenactments, family activities, interactive exhibits, demonstrations, food, shopping, and fall fun celebrating the people, innovations, and traditions that have helped shape Iowa and America over the past 250 years. Admission to the festival is free.
Learn more about America’s Harvest Festival at https://www.americasharvestfest.com/.