2023 Inaugural Open House at Terrace Hill

Terrace Hill will host an open house as part of Governor Reynolds’ 2023 Inaugural activities on Friday, January 13 from 12:00-2:00 pm. This event is free and open to the public.

Guests are invited to explore the first and second floors of the Residence, and tour guides will be on-site to answer any questions about the historical landmark. The Carriage House, which houses historical displays and the Terrace Hill Gift Shop, will also be open.

If interested, please register for this event on Governor Reynolds’ Inaugural activities webpage by selecting the "Terrace Hill Open House - Friday, January 13th" option.

Come for Terrace Hill’s Tea & Talk Series in February

Once again, the Terrace Hill Partnership will present the Tea & Talk series at 2:00 pm each Saturday in February. Speakers present timely programs to guests in the Terrace Hill Drawing Room followed by tea and tasty treats. Tickets are $10 per individual session or $35 for a series pass. The speakers are donating their time, and all proceeds will benefit the gardens of Terrace Hill. Tickets are available at https://teaandtalkseries.eventbrite.com or by calling the Terrace Hill office at 515-281-7205.

February 4
Michelle Book, Food Bank of Iowa
Hunger isn’t a problem “somewhere else;” it happens right here in Iowa. Michelle Book, CEO of Iowa Food Bank, will discuss how the organization helps meet the needs of thousands of Iowans who struggle with food insecurity.

February 11
John David Thompson, Iowa Poems 175
In his book, Iowa Poems 175, John David Thompson celebrates the people, events, places, and customs that make Iowa unique. Thompson will read excerpts and discuss his process of creating the book in honor of his beloved home state.

February 18
Melissa Burdick, Brenton Arboretum
Get a taste of spring and fine weather as Melissa Burdick talks about Brenton Arboretum and its mission for all to experience the quiet enjoyment at a living museum of trees, shrubs, and native prairie. 

February 25
Elvin McDonald, How the Kid from OKRA-homa Became an IOWAN
Elvin McDonald, one of America’s most prolific plant writers, will recount his life and career through pictures and stories. From a southern boy-genius of botany to a well-respected gardening and horticulture expert who transplanted to Iowa, Elvin’s tale will knock your stalks off!

Thank You for Visiting Terrace Hill in 2022!

The numbers are in…and we had a whopping 2,598 guests tour Terrace Hill in 2022. Our guests came from 64 Iowa counties, 38 states/U.S. territories, and 18 foreign countries. Additionally, 540 guests attended our Christmas at Terrace Hill event on December 18, almost 100 more than last year! Thanks for making Terrace Hill your destination for a beautiful and informational experience.

As we do every year, Terrace Hill is closed for tours during January and February. We’ll reopen for tours in March.

Terrace Hill
2300 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50312