THE WALLACE HOUSE
Originally constructed in 1882, the Wallace House has been rebuilt and restored to a fine example of a Victorian residence. “Uncle Henry” Wallace moved to the house in 1895 when he co-founded Wallaces’ Farmer, a farm journal. It is now owned and operated by The Wallace Centers of Iowa (WCI) and an important part of the Sherman Hill National Historic District in Des Moines. The first floor space provides a gracious, historic setting for gatherings of all kinds. Please call us at 515-243-7063 to make your reservation. Complete rental guidelines and a contract can be printed from the pdf at the bottom of this page.

Capacity: 60 standing reception, 25-30 sit down meal, 45 seated “audience” (as for a wedding).

Rental Rates: Rental prices begin at $30 per hour and vary depending upon the type of event, time of day, and kind of group. Please call 515-243-7063 for a direct quote.

Accessibility: The building is accessible to those with disabilities from the south side, with parking in the rear of the building (west). There is no elevator to the second floor office space. The main floor restroom has handrails.

Public Spaces and Equipment: The public area of the house includes kitchen, dining room, two parlors and library. Period furniture provides seating for 12 on love seats, sofa and upholstered chairs. The upright grand piano is tuned annually. The front and middle parlors both contain a gas fireplace with remote. The dining room table seats 10-12. Additional table and chairs are available.

Restroom: The public restroom is located on the first floor, south side, near the kitchen. Another restroom is located on the second floor.

Parking: Parking is available along 16th and Center streets. A 4-car parking lot is provided at the rear of the house. These spaces should be reserved for guests with disabilities, the caterer and delivery vehicles.

Kitchen Equipment: The kitchen is equipped with a gas stove and oven, a microwave oven, a refrigerator with ice-maker, divided sink, and dishwasher. Coffee makers include 10, 30, and 100-cup sizes. Punch bowls, a silver-plated coffee set, and several glass flower vases are available.

Set-up and Clean-up: The renter is responsible for set-up and clean-up of the kitchen and used portions of the house.

THE GATHERING BARN
A historic setting
The rolling farm hills of southwest Iowa serve as a peaceful backdrop for events at the Gathering Barn, located at the historic birthplace farm of Henry A. Wallace, U.S. Vice President during World War II.

Gathering Barn amenities
The exterior of the barn was constructed to resemble typical Iowa barns of the late 1800s. The interior can accommodate business, family, and social gatherings with amenities such as air-conditioning, rest rooms, and handicapped accessibility. A large outdoor deck provides a picturesque view that will inspire all types of working meetings and enhance any gathering. A three-quarter mile walking trail connects the barn to the restored Iowa prairie, outdoor sculptures, pond, orchard, vegetable gardens, and themed floral gardens.

Capacity
Gathering Room: 70 seated at round and rectangle tables, 80 theatre-style.
Upstairs Meeting Room: 20 seated at tables, 35 theatre-style. Access to this level is by the stairs only.

Rental Rates
Prices subject to change January 1 of each year.
• 1-4 hours $90
• 4-8 hours $120
• 8-24 hours $250
Wedding/Renewal of Vows Events: $125 to $400, depending upon needs. Make an appointment to discuss details and receive a price quote.

Use of tables and chairs are part of the rental fee. PLEASE NOTE: Hours of the rental must include set-up time. Rental prices are based on the hours the Barn is used, not just the hours of the event.

A user agreement must be signed. A rental contract is available from the staff or at the bottom of this page. Full payment is expected before using the Gathering Barn, except for businesses or organizations requiring a billing statement.

Food Service
The Country Life Center offers meal preparation and service. Contact the Center staff for specific menu ideas and price quotes. Using the Center’s food service reduces the Barn’s rental fee.


Reservation Information
Telephone: 641-337-5019, Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4 pm or weekends by appointment.
Email: dianeweiland@wallace.org

The Wallace House guidelines, deposit and fees, contract and directions rental agreement.

The Country Life Center guidelines, deposit and fees, contract and directions rental agreement.

You will need Adobe® Acrobat® Reader in order to view the above file. If you do not already have a copy of Adobe® Acrobat® Reader on your computer, you can get it here.