Motorcoach Tours
Salisbury House is pleased to provide private tours for groups over 10 people, including motor coaches.
Tours of Salisbury House generally last just over an hour. Salisbury House recommends that group planners schedule an hour and a half for their guests from the time the motor coach arrives at Salisbury House until the time it departs. This will allow ample time for guests to visit the museum shoppe and restroom before and/or after their tour of Salisbury House.
Area attractions may include Terrace Hill, Des Moines Playhouse or Des Moines Art Center. For more information please email contactus@salisburyhouse.org or call 515.274.1777.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you accommodate up to 50 people all at once?
Yes, Salisbury House tours begin in the Visitor Center with a welcome and short introduction to the history of Salisbury House, the Weeks family and the role of Salisbury House in the Des Moines community. Guests are able to sit when they arrive and during the introduction. Tours are then split into groups of 20 or less to tour through the house.
Can a 45-foot coach that is taller than 12'5" physically get into the Salisbury House parking lot?
Yes, there are no vertical limitations on coaches at Salisbury House. Pulling in and out of the Salisbury House lot can be a challenge at times, but many drivers are able to maneuver the parking lot area.
Guests may either be dropped off in the parking lot and walk up to the Visitor Center, or the coach may drive up to the Visitor Center area. There is ample parking for motor coaches while guests are on tour. There are no parking or weight restrictions for the motor coach.
There are service stations within two miles of Salisbury House for refueling, however wash and dump stations are unavailable.
Is Salisbury House handicapped accessible?
Tours of Salisbury House can take guests on three different floors of the house. Please contact Salisbury House in advance in you will have special needs for the enjoyment of your guests. A wheel chair is available in the Visitor Center and there is an elevator in the house. Depending on the mobility of guests, some of Salisbury House may not be accessible.
How many rest rooms do you have?
Salisbury House has rest rooms available for guests in the Visitor Center. There is a single rest room for men and three rest rooms for women. Both are handicap accessible and may be used before or after the tour of Salisbury House.
What are your terms for booking a motorcoach tour?
Salisbury House requests that motor coach tours be booked at least two weeks in advance. A group rate of $5.00 per person is offered, with group planners and motor coach drivers comped.
Motor coach tours will be scheduled at times that do not conflict with public tours. After-hour tours of Salisbury House can also be arranged. A confirmation letter will be sent to the group planner once a tour has been scheduled.
Public Tour Schedule
A deposit of $100 is requested at the time of booking with the remaining balance paid on the day of the tour. A check payable to Salisbury House Foundation is preferred, though MasterCard, Visa and Discover are accepted. The deposit is refundable if the group planner provides Salisbury House with a minimum of a 72-hour advance notice.
A final count is also appreciated within 72 hours of arrival at Salisbury House. Last minute cancellations do occur from time to time. The $100 deposit is not refundable if a motor coach group should need to cancel at the last minute.
Advance information on Salisbury House is available upon request. Newsletters or welcome center brochures are an example of various items that can be provided to group planners.
Please visit the Special Events section of the Salisbury House website. Motor coach tours are also welcome to join Salisbury House for any of the ongoing events hosted throughout the year, including the Salisbury Automobile Classic in September, Holly & Ivy in December and Tea Time in the spring.
Feel free to contact Salisbury House with any questions or concerns you may have regarding group tours. We look forward to the opportunity to accommodate your guests and make their visit to Des Moines a memorable experience.
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