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Des Moines Attractions & ActivitiesParks & Attractions
Category: Parks & Attractions - Des Moines Attractions & Activities
Address: 305 34th Ave NW, Altoona, IA 50009
This fun park complex provides tons of entertainment, featuring over 100 amusement rides as well as entertainment shows and other attractions. Adventureland is home to thriller rides like the Tornado roller coaster and the Space Shot. The Splash Over combines thrills and water in an unbeatable combination. The park attracts families and offers an...
Category: Parks & Attractions - Des Moines Attractions & Activities
Address: 12397 89th Ct NW, Polk City, IA 50226
Centered on an 866-acre lake, this park offers a bevy of diversions for both locals and tourists. The Big Creek State Park showcases swimming and fishing areas, as well as biking and boating opportunities. There are 26 miles of hiking trails and part of a 160-mile bike loop that connects several nature areas. The lake is due partly to a dam...
Category: Parks & Attractions - Des Moines Attractions & Activities
Address: 7401 9th St SW, Des Moines, IA 50315
Considered one of the state's best zoos, this is a great place to catch a glimpse of natural wildlife. The Blank Park Zoo is home to over 800 species, including giraffes, sea lions and Himalayan snow leopards. The zoo boasts over 20 acres of park grounds, and features natural habitat sections like an Australian Walkabout and an African Boardwalk.
Category: Parks & Attractions - Des Moines Attractions & Activities
Address: 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312-2099
Noted as a piece of art itself, the Des Moines Art Center was originally designed in 1948 by architects Richard Meier, Eliel Saarinen and I.M. Pei as three distinct parts of an arts complex. The museum's permanent collection features 19th and 20th century pieces, and artists on display include Jasper Johns, Jeff Koons, Claude Monet and Henri...
Category: Parks & Attractions - Des Moines Attractions & Activities
Address: 909 E River Dr, Des Moines, IA 50316
A 150-foot geodesic dome, an herb garden and a bonsai enclosure – considered one of the 10 best in the country – all create the perfect viewing environment at the Des Moines Botanical Center. The center houses a variety of exotic plant life, including orchids and bromeliads. Visitors will even experience free-flying birds and a number of floral...
Heritage Carousel of Des Moines
Category: Parks & Attractions - Des Moines Attractions & Activities
Address: Union Park, Pennsylvania Ave (east side), Des Moines, IA
Experience the whirlwind fun of an actual wooden carousel. The Heritage Carousel of Des Moines is located in Union Park and features 30 animal rides, as well as a pair of wheelchair accessible chariots. The merry-go-round churns to the music of a Stinson organ and is reminiscent of a time gone by.
Category: Parks & Attractions - Des Moines Attractions & Activities
Address: 7105 NW 70th Ave, Camp Dodge, Johnston, IA 50131-1902
An actual UH-1 "Huey" helicopter is just one of the many military artifacts that greet guests at the Iowa Gold Star Museum. The museum, which is sanctioned by the National Guard and located on an operational guard post, honors the Iowa men and women who have served in the US military. Additional items on display include cannons, uniforms, antitank...
Category: Parks & Attractions - Des Moines Attractions & Activities
Address: 401 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50309
What better way to gaze at the stars than at an actual planetarium that also features laser shows? The Science Center of Iowa has been allowing visitors to stargaze for over 30 years. The museum features several interactive exhibits and features displays such as a Foucault pendulum. The IMAX theater shows some first-run movies in addition to...
Category: Parks & Attractions - Des Moines Attractions & Activities
Address: 4051 Dean Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317
From sand volleyball pits and baseball fields to rugged bike trails and a swimming area, this local recreational park has it all. The 60-acre Sleepy Hollow Sports Park also features several golf options, including miniature golf. Plus, there is a clubhouse and concession area. Although there are fees for the use of the facilities, the sports park...
Category: Parks & Attractions - Des Moines Attractions & Activities
Address: 600 E Locust St, Iowa Historical Bldg, Des Moines, IA 50319-0290
This local museum, located in an impressive granite and glass building, houses a number of exhibits. The Iowa Historical Building features an elaborate atrium where three antique airplanes hang on display, as well as a replica of actual coalmines. The museum features a number of historical items, including fossils, military memorabilia, and...
