Polk County Courthouse

The Polk County Courthouse is a four-story Beaux-Arts building that stands out with three grand entrance arches, eight Corinthian columns, and a central clock tower crowned by a cupola. The exterior is constructed entirely from grey sandstone with decorative pavilions anchoring each corner.

The building was constructed in 1906 to replace an earlier 1858 courthouse that had served the community in an Italian style. This new structure represented the county's commitment to a more modern and impressive seat of justice.

Inside you will find a domed rotunda with colorful stained glass that fills the space with light, along with murals painted on the walls that showcase local artistic talent from the early 1900s. These decorative elements were created by artists who wanted to make the building feel like more than just a place of law.

The building is located on High Street in downtown Des Moines and is easy to reach by public transit or on foot. Today it handles only civil cases, which means the pace inside feels more measured than in a busy criminal courthouse.

The structure was built entirely from grey Canyon sandstone, a material that had to be specially sourced for this project, giving it both exceptional durability and a calm, dignified appearance. Many visitors overlook this material choice as they focus on the more obvious architectural elements.