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As part of our mission to preserve and protect Salisbury House and its collections for future generations, all guests must abide by the following rules:
Non-professional photography is allowed, but the flash must be turned off.
Videography is not permitted.
Do not touch, lean on, sit, or set items on the objects and furniture.
No food, chewing gum, or drinks while touring through the museum - except water in a container with a lid.
Backpacks must be worn on the front of the body.
Our facilities cannot accommodate strollers, but front child carriers are welcome. If you bring in a stroller, it can be left in the Great Hall.
Your group should expect to stand for the entire tour. Parts of the house are wheelchair accessible, and parts of the house are not; an elevator is available to the second floor. However, there are two steps to the hallway to access most of the rooms. If you or a group member requires further accommodations, staff will do their best to assist with requests. We ask that you provide as much advanced notice as possible so that we can prepare. However, given the historic nature of the structure, there is no guarantee that all requested accommodations can be made.
Visitors should park in the main lot where you enter the property. Those in need of accessible parking and zero-entry can park on the north side of the house - drive through the main parking lot, past the dock area, around the west side, and past the service garage. There is signage to help direct you.
Salisbury House & Gardens is owned and operated by the Salisbury House Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation founded to preserve, interpret, and share the international significance of Salisbury House and its collections as a historic house museum for the educational and cultural benefit while serving as a unique community gathering place.
Salisbury House is located in the heart of Des Moines’ historic South of Grand neighborhood. From I-235, take the 42nd Street exit. Proceed South on 42nd Street for about ½ mile. Turn left onto Tonawanda Drive. Salisbury House is located at 4025 Tonawanda Drive. It is the fourth property on the North side of the street.
Partially. Accessible parking and zero-entry is located on the north side of the property. The restrooms are located on the first floor and are fully accessible. There is a small elevator that allows access to the second floor, but there are steps that lead to some of the bedrooms and steps that lead from the Great Hall to the Common Room.
Due to the historic nature of Salisbury House there are limitations on what changes can be made to the property, as changes that would threaten or destroy historic elements are not permitted.
The estate closes for most major holidays. Please check our events calendar page for special hours or early closures. Or call 515-274-1777.
No - admission fees are only applicable to the museum. The gardens and grounds are open to the public for free whenever the office or museum is open.
You may bring your service animal, but please leave your pets at home.
Outside food and beverages are not allowed within the museum.
Non-commercial and non-professional photography is allowed throughout the grounds and museum. When indoors, please turn off your flash. Professional photography applies to engagement, senior, and family photos. To learn more about our professional/commercial photography option visit our rentals page.
