Des Moines, Iowa, has plenty of things to do alone or with loved ones. Des Moines is home to over 10,000 hotel rooms, so book one and head out to one of the city's amusement parks, nature trails or other day-trip attractions. There is also plenty of shopping and dining to be had. Here are some of Des Moines most pleasant and exciting attractions to make your Iowa getaway complete.
Visit this botanical and environmental center, which is a popular educational and cultural attraction in the city. This 14-acre facility is located on the Des Moines River and holds ongoing gallery shows. There are plenty of activities available for children as well, like crafts and scavenger hunts. Take a one-hour tour of the grounds with a guide, by yourself or in a group motorcoach. Learn how to grow plants and control pests in your garden. Best of all, this is a cheap way to spend a day.
Des Moines Botanical Center
909 Robert D. Ray Drive
Des Moines, IA 50316
515-323-6265
botanicalcenter.com
Visit the state's only accredited zoo, open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and ride on the train or even the back of a camel. Here you can spend the weekend hanging out with lions, tigers, red pandas, penguins, giraffes and much more. You can even take a night safari with midnight snacks, breakfast and camping.
Blank Park Zoo
7401 SW 9th Street
Des Moines, IA 50315
515-285-4722
blankparkzoo.com
If you are in town during August, visit the Iowa State Fair, held annually in Des Moines. The fair features contests, a parade, the Blue Ribbon Kids' Club and camping at the fairgrounds. The Iowa State Fair has approximately 200 food stands, so you'll never go hungry. Try one or two of the more than 50 food-on-a-stick options, like caramel apples or fried pickles.
Iowa State Fair
P.O. Box 57130
Des Moines, IA 50317
800-545-FAIR
iowastatefair.org
If you're the nature-loving type, visit Brown's Woods, the state's largest urban forest preserve. Enjoy the view of the canopy of hickory and oak trees or get your feet wet in Raccoon River. These woods offer 484 acres and over 2 miles of hiking trails for nature buffs.
Brown's Woods
Brown's Woods Drive
West Des Moines, IA 50265
mycountyparks.com
East Des Moines is home to Adventure Bay, which opened in June 2010. It features 13 water slides. Check out the 6,000-foot swimming pool and pool bar, as well as the lazy river, a 1/3-mile-long relaxing water ride for the whole family. Adventure Bay is next to Adventureland Park, an amusement park with over 100 rides.
Adventure Bay
305 34th Avenue Northwest
Altoona, IA 50009
515-266-2121
adventurelandpark.com
