Exploring Terrace Hill: Des Moines’ Historic Landmark and Hub for Annual Events

On the highest point in Des Moines, Iowa, located at 2300 Grand Ave., lies one of the oldest buildings in Iowa. Terrace Hill is not only one of Des Moines’ most iconic landmarks, but also a vibrant center for special events, community engagement and historical preservation. With its picturesque views, rich history and active role in Iowa’s political and social landscape, Terrace Hill draws visitors from near and far.

A Brief History of Terrace Hill

Terrace Hill was built between 1866 and 1869 by Benjamin Franklin Allen (1829-1914). Allen and his family moved into the home in 1868 and remained on site until 1884, when Allen sold the property to Frederick M. Hubbell (1839-1930) after Allen experienced a personal financial downfall. The Residence final cost for the original build came to around $250,000, which is the equivalent of over $9,500,000 today.

In 1976, Terrace Hill became the official residence for Iowa’s governors. Today, it remains the Iowa Governor's Residence and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2003. It remains a stunning example of Victorian-era architecture.

Special Events at Terrace Hill

Terrace Hill hosts many public events throughout the calendar year, providing the opportunity for guests to share in the rich history that Terrace Hill has to offer. A variety of educational programs, holiday celebrations and public tours are offered.

Photo Credit: Smiling Dog Entertainment

Tea & Talk Series

Every Saturday in February at 2 p.m., the Tea & Talk Series takes place in the Terrace Hill Drawing Room. Guest speakers give a short presentation centered around one of the following topics: conservation, local Iowa history, arts and culture and Terrace Hill history and collections. Once the presentation concludes, guests can tour the first and second floors of the Residence, while enjoying tea and treats. Visit our page on Eventbrite to view the list of this year’s presenters and to purchase tickets.

Humanities Iowa Presentations

Twice a year, Terrace Hill receives funding from Humanities Iowa to invite a guest speaker to present on a topic of their choosing. Specialists from all around the state of Iowa may present on one of many varying topics, including history, journalism, literature, environmental and conservation, photography, music, sports, storytelling and folklore, and many more. The programming is free to the public, with pre-registration required.

In November of 2024, Terrace Hill welcomed Randy Lengeling, who shared an empowering story about Iowa’s own Grant Wood, and his rags to riches rise to fame. Randy brought a one-of-a-kind, original Grant Wood sketch to share with attendees.

Photo Credit: Dellen Burk-Flores

Next up, on Monday, March 10, 2025, Larry Stone of Elkader, Iowa, will present “Iowa: Portrait of the Land.” Based on Larry’s award-winning "Earth Year 2000" book for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, “Portrait” is a reminder to Iowans of the rich history of their natural resources, with an appeal for protecting that heritage.

Egg Hunt on the Hill

Every year in April, the Easter Bunny hops on over to Terrace Hill for the annual Egg Hunt on the Hill. Guests can enjoy photo opportunities with the Governor, the First Gentleman and, of course, the Easter Bunny. A large Easter egg hunt takes place on the grounds of Terrace Hill, with multiple hunts to accommodate varying age groups. The 2025 Egg Hunt on the Hill will take place on Saturday, April 12, 2025. This event is free to the public and pre-registration is required.

Terrace Hill Teas

Terrace Hill hosts two teas every year, one taking place the weekend of Mother’s Day and the other in the month of December. At both the Mother's Day Tea and the Holiday Teas, guests are provided with tea service on the first floor of the Residence, along with savory and sweet treats for all to enjoy. The first and second floors of the Residence are open for guests to tour, and during the Holiday Teas the Residence is exquisitely decorated for the holidays. Individual tickets are $50 per guest, and ticket availability is limited. The 2025 Mother’s Day tea will take place on Saturday, May 10, 2025 and the Holiday Teas will take place on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025.

Christmas at Terrace Hill

As we wrapped up 2024, we were thrilled to invite close to 600 attendees to the annual Christmas at Terrace Hill event. This cherished event has grown over the years from beginning as a holiday open house, to becoming a ticketed event providing an array of activities for all ages to enjoy.

Photo Credit: Smiling Dog Entertainment

At Christmas at Terrace Hill, guests are encouraged to explore the historic property and enjoy several activities, including photos with Santa Claus, his reindeer and the first family, live music with carolers and piano playing, take-home craft bags and a letter-writing station to send correspondence to deployed Iowa National Guard service members. Guests also receive complimentary Christmas cookies prepared by the Terrace Hill Chef and complimentary hot cocoa and coffee. We are excited to bring back Christmas at Terrace Hill in 2025, which will take place on Sunday, Dec. 14.

Tours

Terrace Hill is open for public tours from March through December. Tours are $5 per adult and $2 per child ages 6-12 years, children under the age of 6 are admitted for free. During a tour of Terrace Hill, guests will begin at the Carriage House and watch a short introductory video, which provides an in-depth look at the two original owners of the Residence. Guests will then be led over to the Residence by a docent, who will provide a guided tour of the first and second floors of the Residence. Tours must be scheduled a minimum of 48 hours in advance, and guests must call the Terrace Hill Administrative Office at (515) 281-7205 to book their tour.

Photo Credit: Gary Hoard

We are excited to invite the community to share in all that Terrace Hill has to offer, and we hope that you will come visit us soon!

The Greater Des Moines Partnership calendar of events is a one-stop resource for activities taking place throughout the region. Find networking information for Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses, including Chamber luncheons, roundtables and ribbon cuttings. You can also find live music happening each week thanks to the “Live Music This Week in DSM” blog series.