Drake Municipal Observatory

Drake Municipal Observatory in Des Moines, Iowa, is a long-running public astronomy center jointly operated by Drake University and the city. Its historic 8.25-inch refracting telescope, delivered in 1894, was first placed on campus but later moved after poor viewing conditions and vibrations disrupted observations. A new observatory was built at Waveland Golf Course in 1920 and 1921, using a site provided by the city while the university maintained the instruments and programs. Designed by Frank E. Wetherell, the limestone building also reflects astronomy’s cultural heritage in its decorative details and continues to host seasonal lectures and telescope viewing for thousands of visitors.

Des Moines, Iowa · United States