This Breathtaking Destination In Iowa Looks Like It Was Ripped From The Pages Of Harry Potter
By Beth Price-Williams|Published November 15, 2022
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Imagination is an amazing thing, isn’t it? Whether we lose ourselves in a book, like Harry Potter, or create our own stories, we can travel to faraway places, meet characters that we probably wouldn’t run into in real life, and have a lifetime of experiences in mere minutes. Then there are those things that spark our imagination. Take this breathtaking destination in Iowa as an example. Step inside, and you might expect to run into Harry, Hermione, and Ron.
A majestic building overlooking Des Moines, the Iowa State Capitol Building may not conjure images of Harry Potter at first glance.
However, when you stroll through the front door and begin exploring this breathtaking destination in Iowa - and the State Law Library, in particular - your imagination will likely whisk you straight to Hogwarts.
Tucked on the second floor, the State Law Library sits between the Senate and House chambers.
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With sweeping staircases, towering bookcases, and glittering chandeliers, the interior of the Capitol Building looks as though it's stepped straight from the pages of Harry Potter - or an old-fashioned fairy tale.
The home of Iowa's state government since 1886, the Capitol Building also houses the State Law Library, well-known as one of the world's most beautiful libraries.
You'll quickly see why this library, which boasts a collection of more than 105,000 books, has earned such accolades. The 45-foot ceiling features stain-glassed inserts and intricately-designed railings that lead up spiral staircases.
While you might not find the Harry Potter series on the shelves, you can delve into Iowa's rich history. The Iowa Collection features non-fiction books focused on Iowa's history, notable Iowans, and more.
Even if you can't make it to the State Capitol, you can still tour it virtually. Go on a virtual tour.
Is there another destination in Iowa that reminds you of Harry Potter or Hogwarts? Tell us about it in the comments! Then take a peek at these 13 magical spots in Iowa that are straight out of a fairy tale.
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