According to the world’s most popular children’s book series, a castle of myth and magic hides just out of sight in the mountains of England. But could one be hiding just outside of Des Moines as well? While you won’t be running through a train station wall to find this building, Salisbury House and Gardens is a castle in Iowa that looks remarkably like the Hogwarts of the Harry Potter series – both inside and out. This historic house which now functions as a museum and event venue, is a must-visit destination for any lovers of Harry Potter – like us, as well as anyone who wants to explore one of the most unique buildings in Iowa history. Come along as we show you our wonderful slice of the Harry Potter pie!

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The house is open for tours, so make sure to visit the Salisbury House & Gardens website and the Salisbury House and Gardens Facebook page to plan your visit.

Have you visited the Salisbury House near Des Moines? Let us know about your tour of this unique Iowa castle in the comments section.

Interested in making a weekend trip to Des Moines? Be sure to consider the Des Moines Marriott Downtown.

If you’re looking to explore another unique old building in Iowa, why not plan a day trip to this peaceful monastery?

If you’re still in the mood for more Iowa adventures, take a look at this video:

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More to Explore

More Iowa Adventures

Where can we find small towns in Iowa?

  • Pella is the place to experience Dutch culture, including during the annual Tulip Festival.
  • Lansing is a quaint riverside town that is known for its picturesque water views and a campground only a few minutes away from the water.
  • Fort Madison is a popular destination for foodies, as the town has an amazing culinary scene.

Read on to learn more about the many other charming small towns in Iowa.

Where can we find other waterfront restaurants in Iowa?

  • The Off Shore Bar and Grill in Bellevue draws folks from near and far who love their fish and seafood entrees, great burgers, pizzas, and signature cocktails.
  • The Iowa River Power Restaurant in Coralville serves high-quality steaks, and seafood, and also has a wonderful Sunday brunch buffet.
  • Bracco World Cafe & Island Bar in Arnolds Park is known for their delicious shrimp dishes, tacos, Cajun entrees, and more.

Read on to learn about some of the many other outstanding waterfront restaurants in Iowa.

Where can we find museums in Iowa?

  • The Sanford Museum & Planetarium in Cherokee has been recognized as one of the best museums in the Midwest.
  • The Union Pacific Railroad Museum in Council Bluffs offers an array of exhibits relative to railroad history in the state.
  • The Farmhouse Museum in Ames is a historic structure that at one time served as a residence for the Dean of Iowa State University where it is located.

Read on to learn about the many interesting museums in Iowa.

Explore Iowa