Explore Greater Des Moines' great attractions. Shop til you drop at Jordan Creek Town Center. Experience the IMAX at the Science Center of Iowa and Blank IMAX Dome Theater. See a Broadway Production at the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines. Explore Iowa's outdoors while walking along Gray's Lake Park's 2-mile pedestrian trail.
Categories to Choose From
- Amusement Parks
- Antiques & Collectibles
- Aquatic Centers & Water Parks
- Art Galleries
- Attractions
- Bike/Boat Rental
- Campgrounds
- Casinos & Gaming
- Craft Retreat
- Events
- Gardens
- Golf Courses - Public & Miniature
- Horseback Riding
- Ice Skating/Hockey
- Recreation & Sports Facilities
- Shopping Malls & Districts
- Spas & Massage
- Specialty Shops & Boutiques
- Sports Teams - Professional & Amateur
- Train Rides
- Wineries
- Zoo
|
Amusement Parks
more info
Adventureland Park
|
||
|
Antiques & Collectibles |
||
|
Aquatic Centers & Water Parks
more info
Adventureland Park
more info
Altoona Aquatic Park
Altoona Aquatic Park has a leisure pool, six-lane lap pool and a plunge pool along with two winding flume slides, a drop-slide, a youth slide and a diving board.
more info
Cascade Falls
Cascade Falls features numerous water slides, a swirl bowl slide, two diving platforms, a zero depth recreation pool, a lap pool and a flow rider surf machine. There are amenities geared for people of all ages. We also offer full service concessions and locker room facilities.
more info
Clive Aquatic Center
Clive's outdoor facility includes a toddler pool with zero-depth entry, slide and spray. Additional features include a lap pool with basketball hoop, a diving board, a drop slide, waterslides (must be 48 inches tall to ride) and a 315-foot lazy river.
more info
Holiday Aquatic Center
Enjoy fun in the sun for the whole family at this railroad-themed water park. Holiday Aquatic Center features three water slides including a "swirl" slide, diving board, drop slide (4 feet off the water) and an interactive spray zone that offers fun for all ages. Also available is a zero depth pool and four lap lanes in swimming pool 3 to 4.5 feet deep.
more info
Northwest Aquatic Center
Northwest Aquatic Center has a water slide, a zero depth entry, a water mushroom and a shaded swim area.
more info
Prairie Ridge Aquatic Center
more info
Teachout Aquatic Center
Teachout Aquatic Center has a water slide, a zero depth entry, a water mushroom and a shaded swim area.
more info
Valley View Aquatic Center
Valley View Aquatic Center provides fun for the whole family. Three bodies of water include diving boards, drop slides, a zero depth leisure pool with spray toys, four water slides and a 600-foot lazy river. Call for more information.
|
||
|
Art Galleries
more info
Des Moines Arts Festival
The Des Moines Arts Festival returns June 24-26, 2011, to Western Gateway Park in Downtown Des Moines. The Festival features visual art, live music, performing arts and activities along with the Interrobang Film Festival, Sculpture Park, Jazz and Wine Pavilion and plenty of eclectic food booths providing guests with an extraordinary community arts and culture Festival!
more info
John & Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park
In September 2009, the Des Moines Art Center and the City of Des Moines partnered to open a 4.4-acre sculpture park in the heart of Downtown Des Moines. It features 26 works of art donated to the museum by John and Mary Pappajohn from their renowned collection of contemporary sculptures, including a commission by artist Deborah Butterfield. For tour information, contact Jennifer Cooley at the Des Moines Art Center at (515) 277-4405. For event planning information, contact the City of Des Moines Information Center at (515) 237-1431.
|
||
|
Attractions
more info
Des Moines Arts Festival
The Des Moines Arts Festival returns June 24-26, 2011, to Western Gateway Park in Downtown Des Moines. The Festival features visual art, live music, performing arts and activities along with the Interrobang Film Festival, Sculpture Park, Jazz and Wine Pavilion and plenty of eclectic food booths providing guests with an extraordinary community arts and culture Festival!
more info
Discover Dallas County, Inc.
Dallas County is known for its ag-urban environment with beautiful parks and trails, wonderful communities, the great Raccoon River system, breathtaking scenery, historic buildings, culinary variety and some of Iowa's best shopping... and yet, there is so much more! Just minutes west of the Des Moines Metro.
more info
Downtown Farmers' Market
Support local agriculture and buy direct from Iowa farmers while shopping the Downtown Farmers' Market. The Downtown Farmers' Market presents Iowa producers from 51 counties across Iowa, offering fresh fruit, vegetables and so much more. Come for the freshness and stay for the fun at the Downtown Farmers' Market.
more info
Heritage Carousel
Heritage Carousel is located in Union Park off of Pennsylvania Avenue overlooking the Birdland Marina. The hand-carved animals on the carousel include a tiger, an ostrich, a zebra, a baby elephant, a giraffe, a sea urchin and a panda. The carousel accommodates up to 35 riders and is handicap accessible.
more info
Historic Valley Junction
Historic Valley Junction, the original downtown West Des Moines, is a charming, renovated railroad district with a collection of more than 120 retail businesses, including art galleries, fashion boutiques, antique shops, restaurants and specialty stores.
more info
Homemakers
Homemakers has been making your house a home since 1974. As one of the top ten largest showrooms in America, we offer a greater selection of furniture, mattresses and accessories. With more convenient shopping, enhanced services and the quality you deserve at the prices you want, why shop anywhere else? Come see for yourself!
more info
Iowa Speedway
Iowa Speedway is the nation's most state-of-the-art motorsports facility. Located just south of I-80 in Newton, Iowa, the track showcases the first-ever driver designed speedway. The Rusty Wallace designed track offers 7/8 mile tri-oval racing with 12-13-14 degree compound banking in the turns and covers 600 acres of land. Iowa Speedway also offers a wide range of options for events in our Newton Club such as wedding receptions, business meetings, tradeshows and much more.
more info
Iowa State Capitol
The 23-karat golden dome towering above the city is a favorite of sightseers. Four smaller domes flank the main dome. The Capitol houses the governor's offices, legislature and the old Supreme Court room. Guided tours are available. Call for tour times.
more info
Iowa State Fair
The annual August extravaganza inspired the internationally-acclaimed novel "State Fair," three motion pictures and a Broadway musical. Attracting more than one million people annually, the Iowa State Fair features the largest foods department of any state fair and one of the largest livestock shows in the world in addition to mouth watering foods, fabulous free entertainment and blue-ribbon competition. Special offers available for groups.
|
||
|
Bike/Boat Rental
more info
Jon Anderson White Riverboat
Leisurely cruise the Des Moines River and experience a one-of-a-kind view of the city on board Des Moines' authentic sternwheel paddlewheeler, the Jon Anderson White Riverboat. The Riverboat offers a full schedule of public and private charters.
|
||
|
Campgrounds
more info
Adventureland Park
more info
Polk County Conservation
Four Polk County Conservation campgrounds within a half-hour of Downtown Des Moines offer plenty of overnight camping choices. Campground shower houses are open mid-April through mid-October at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt, Jester Park, Thomas Mitchell Park and Yellow Banks Park.
|
||
|
Casinos & Gaming
more info
Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino
Prairie Meadows features 1,900 slot machines, table games including poker and blackjack, Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing spring through early fall, simulcast racing, restaurants, concessions and lively lounges. There is free admission and valet parking. Prairie Meadows is accessible to persons with disabilities.
|
||
|
Craft Retreat
more info
Craft Cottage
The Craft Cottage is located in Van Meter, 20 miles west of Des Moines. It's a cozy home that provides space for scrapbooking, stamping and quilting. The Craft Cottage also works well for parties and club gatherings. You can rent the cottage for a few hours or for a weekend.
|
||
|
Events
more info
Des Moines Arts Festival
The Des Moines Arts Festival returns June 24-26, 2011, to Western Gateway Park in Downtown Des Moines. The Festival features visual art, live music, performing arts and activities along with the Interrobang Film Festival, Sculpture Park, Jazz and Wine Pavilion and plenty of eclectic food booths providing guests with an extraordinary community arts and culture Festival!
more info
Downtown Farmers' Market
Support local agriculture and buy direct from Iowa farmers while shopping the Downtown Farmers' Market. The Downtown Farmers' Market presents Iowa producers from 51 counties across Iowa, offering fresh fruit, vegetables and so much more. Come for the freshness and stay for the fun at the Downtown Farmers' Market.
more info
Iowa Events Center
Hy-Vee Hall, Veterans Memorial Auditorium, Wells Fargo Arena and Polk County Convention Complex (Plex) comprise the Iowa Events Center in Downtown Des Moines. These facilities are well suited for conventions, trade shows, sports and entertainment. The $217 million center provides more than 300,000 square feet of connected space. Designed for convenience and versatility, Hy-Vee Hall and Veterans Memorial Auditorium offer general session seating for 500 to 17,000, 17 break-out rooms and trade shows hosting up to 1,020.
more info
Iowa State Fair
The annual August extravaganza inspired the internationally-acclaimed novel "State Fair," three motion pictures and a Broadway musical. Attracting more than one million people annually, the Iowa State Fair features the largest foods department of any state fair and one of the largest livestock shows in the world in addition to mouth watering foods, fabulous free entertainment and blue-ribbon competition. Special offers available for groups.
more info
Knoxville Raceway
For over 50 years, Knoxville Raceway has been entertaining people from around the globe with the most exciting open wheel and dirt track racing on the planet. From mid-April through September, Knoxville Raceway provides affordable family fun.
more info
Nitefall on the River
Nitefall on the River is a Thursday night concert series offering a variety of live music and entertainers at a low cost during the summer. Enjoy live music at the Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater.
more info
Principal Charity Classic, The
The Principal Charity Classic works to raise funds "Fore our Kids" by conducting an annual Champions Tour Golf Tournament held at Glen Oaks Country Club in West Des Moines, May 30-June 5, 2011. All proceeds benefit children's charities in Iowa.
|
||
|
Gardens
more info
Des Moines Botanical & Environmental Center
More than a place for plants, the Botanical Center is a place for people. The center's 15,000 exotic plants, special events, interactive display greenhouse and dining/meeting facilities make it an ideal place to work or play. Visit the Riverwalk Cafe and gift shop.
more info
Iowa Arboretum
A visit to the Iowa Arboretum's 378-acre facility is an experience you won't want to miss. This site showcases hundreds of species of trees, shrubs and flowers in a tranquil scenic setting. The Iowa Arboretum displays the largest and most diverse display of plants that can be successfully grown in Iowa.
more info
John & Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park
In September 2009, the Des Moines Art Center and the City of Des Moines partnered to open a 4.4-acre sculpture park in the heart of Downtown Des Moines. It features 26 works of art donated to the museum by John and Mary Pappajohn from their renowned collection of contemporary sculptures, including a commission by artist Deborah Butterfield. For tour information, contact Jennifer Cooley at the Des Moines Art Center at (515) 277-4405. For event planning information, contact the City of Des Moines Information Center at (515) 237-1431.
|
||
|
Golf Courses - Public & Miniature
more info
Beaver Creek Golf Course
Beaver Creek is a public 27-hole, bentgrass facility. We are a Golf Digest 4-Star course with a lot of trees, water and elevation changes. We specialize in golf outings, either utilizing tee times or shotgun starts.
more info
Blank Golf Course
One of Des Moines' best 18-hole golf courses, open March through November, offers a great layout, a public driving range and now features a GPS system. Blank Golf Course offers a PGA Pro, lessons, golf shop, food and driving range. The course is available for tournaments, outings and public use.
more info
Copper Creek Golf Club
This picturesque 18-hole championship course has been designed around mature trees and rolling Iowa hills. The new clubhouse is an ideal location for golf outings, business meetings and wedding receptions. Our beautiful new clubhouse can accommodate up to 400 guests with indoor and outdoor seating.
more info
Grand View Golf Course
This beautiful course layout is ideal for seniors and juniors. Find food, a golf shop and 18 holes. The course is available for tournaments, outings and public use. Full catering services are also available.
more info
Jester Park Golf Course
This full-service golf facility addresses all levels of golfers. Challenge yourself on the 18-hole championship course or improve your short game on the Par 3 course. A state-of-the-art practice facility exists for those who wish to learn or enhance their game.
more info
Longview Golf Centre
Longview Golf Centre has Iowa's only air supported dome for year-round golf practice and includes an 18-hole indoor miniature golf course. We also have an outdoor range, 18-hole outdoor miniature golf course and full pro shop. Services include clinics, professional lessons, custom club fitting and corporate outings.
more info
Otter Creek Golf Course
Otter Creek Golf Course features lush bluegrass fairways, full-length cart paths and the finest greens in the state. It was the 2005 host course for the Iowa Open, State Girl's Championship, State Boy's Championship, State Co-Ed Championship and Junior Tour Championship.
more info
Tournament Club of Iowa
more info
Waveland Golf Course
The only municipal course named by golf writer Davy Hoffman as one of "America's Greatest Golf Courses." Waveland Golf Course offers a PGA Pro, lessons, golf shop, food and bar. The course is 18 holes with a continuous cart path and is available for tournaments, outings and public use. We are open March through November.
more info
Woodland Hills Golf Course
Woodland Hills Golf Course is Des Moines' oldest privately owned public golf course and has 18 holes of golf and a driving range. The course is available for golf outings with shotgun starts and food and beverage are available. No outing is too small!
|
||
|
Horseback Riding
more info
Jester Park Equestrian Center
Dedicated to providing horse enthusiasts the ideal area to pursue their passions, Jester Park Equestrian Center offers guided trail riding (8 years and older), wagon/sleigh rides, year-round riding lessons, team building, camps, therapeutic riding and long- and short-term equestrian boarding. Indoor and outdoor arenas are available for rent.
|
||
|
Ice Skating/Hockey
more info
Brenton Skating Plaza
From November to March, the venue offers people of all ages the chance to ice skate in the open air, amid the snowflakes and under the stars. We also offer birthday and corporate parties, broomball and ice skating lessons for all ages. Brenton Skating Plaza is dedicated to providing a fun, recreational experience for families and individuals of all ages.
more info
Des Moines Buccaneers Hockey Team
The Des Moines Buccaneers have been a vital part of the Central Iowa sports community since 1980. The Bucs provide fast-paced entertainment from September to April. The Buccaneers are members of the United States Hockey League.
|
||
|
Recreation & Sports Facilities
more info
All Play of Des Moines
more info
Brenton Skating Plaza
Bring your family to the coolest outdoor ice skating plaza in Central Iowa from November to March. We offer public skating seven days a week. During the rest of the year, the plaza transforms into an outdoor event center. Private rentals and concessions are available year-round.
more info
Iowa Speedway
Iowa Speedway is the nation's most state-of-the-art motorsports facility. Located just south of I-80 in Newton, Iowa, the track showcases the first-ever driver designed speedway. The Rusty Wallace designed track offers 7/8 mile tri-oval racing with 12-13-14 degree compound banking in the turns and covers 600 acres of land. Iowa Speedway also offers a wide range of options for events in our Newton Club such as wedding receptions, business meetings, tradeshows and much more.
more info
James W. Cownie Baseball Complex
James W. Cownie Baseball Park has a total of eight baseball fields, two of which are lighted. All fields are between 150 and 300 feet.
more info
James W. Cownie Soccer Complex
James W. Cownie Soccer Park boasts 12 full-size irrigated playing fields, a 1,500 square foot concessions stand with indoor restrooms, paved parking lots and a sidewalk system leading to the fields.
more info
Jester Park Equestrian Center
Dedicated to providing horse enthusiasts the ideal area to pursue their passions, Jester Park Equestrian Center offers guided trail riding (8 years and older), wagon/sleigh rides, year-round riding lessons, teambuilding, camps, therapeutic riding and long- and short-term equestrian boarding. Indoor and outdoor arenas are available for rent.
more info
Knoxville Raceway
For over 50 years, Knoxville Raceway has been entertaining people from around the globe with the most exciting open wheel and dirt track racing on the planet. From mid-April through September, Knoxville Raceway provides affordable family fun.
more info
Longview Golf Centre
Longview Golf Centre has Iowa's only air supported dome for year-round golf practice and includes an 18-hole indoor miniature golf course. We also have an outdoor range, 18-hole outdoor miniature golf course and a full pro shop. Services include clinics, professional lessons, custom club fitting and corporate outings.
more info
Seven Oaks Recreation
more info
Sleepy Hollow Sports Park
more info
Woodland Hills Golf Course
|
||
|
Shopping Malls & Districts
more info
Bass Pro Shops
While you'll find a huge selection of outdoor gear, Bass Pro Shops stores are also part museum, art gallery, antique store, aquarium, education, conservation and entertainment center. The entire store is a tribute to the vast diversity of the Iowa landscape, its history and the culture of its people and, like other Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World stores, takes on the flavor and atmosphere of the region in which it is located. Using more than 3,500 area artifacts, antiques, pictures, mounts and memorabilia, the store becomes a living museum of Iowa's hunting, fishing, camping and other outdoor legacies.
more info
Historic East Village, Inc.
Historic East Village, Inc. is a non-profit organization working to create a thriving and attractive retail, entertainment and residential neighborhood in the Historic East Village of Des Moines.
more info
Historic Valley Junction
Historic Valley Junction in downtown West Des Moines is a charming, renovated railroad district, with a collection of more than 120 retail businesses, including art galleries, fashion boutiques, antique shops, restaurants and specialty stores.
more info
Jordan Creek Town Center
Jordan Creek Town Center is a 200-acre retail, dining, entertainment and recreation development. The project includes a two-level enclosed mall featuring 125 retailers including Younkers, Dillards, Scheels, a Century 20 theater and Residence Inn by Marriott.
more info
Kaleidoscope @ the Hub
The place to gather, shop, relax and taste the good life. This beautiful downtown complex offers more than 30 national and local shops. Also, visit one of the several restaurants throughout the mall, including our food court located on the third floor. Visit our website for more information.
more info
Merle Hay Mall
The choices are nearly limitless at Merle Hay Mall, with over 90 stores and restaurants. Shop Target, Kohl's, Younkers, Sears, Old Navy, ULTA, Staples and Shoe Carnival. Take a break with kids in our children's play area. Dine at Applebee's, IHOP, Starbucks and Old Chicago!
more info
Valley West Mall
|
||
|
Spas & Massage |
||
|
Specialty Shops & Boutiques
more info
Big Barn Harley-Davidson
more info
Brandmeyer Popcorn Company
Our popcorn is a quality Iowa product. Whether you're looking for a special occasion gift or popcorn supplies, we can fulfill your needs.
more info
Brilliant Sky Toys & Books
Brilliant Sky Toys and Books at the Kaleidoscope at the Hub in Downtown Des Moines offers unique toys at a convenient location. Based on the belief that the right playthings give children a gateway to physical, emotional and cognitive development, Brilliant Sky provides toys and books in an atmosphere that is both active and interactive. We carry only the very best products, sure to amaze and inspire your children.
more info
Connxions
more info
Doherty's Flowers
Serving the Des Moines area since 1948, Doherty's Flowers is one of the nation's largest single location flower shops. Located just north of downtown, we carry a large selection of flowers and have a greenhouse full of plants. We are your full-service florist for any occasion: weddings, funerals, special events, conventions. We also rent plants, vases, pedestals and arbors for your event.
more info
Homemakers
more info
Isabel Bloom L.L.C.
For more than 50 years, the sculptures of Isabel Bloom have warmed the hearts and brightened the homes, gardens and offices of art lovers and collectors. Please visit our studio showroom in Historic Valley Junction and experience our unique handcrafted sculptures.
more info
Museum Store, The
The Museum Store, the State Historical Museum gift shop, specializes in books, unique gifts and the work of Iowa artisans.
more info
Stadium FANtastic Apparel & More, The
The Stadium is your source for collegiate and professional sports apparel and accessories. Whether you're searching for Iowa Hawkeyes clothing, Iowa State Cyclones items, UNI and Drake apparel or your favorite NFL or MLB team's merchandise, The Stadium is the place to find it!
more info
Tassel Ridge Winery
|
||
|
Sports Teams - Professional & Amateur
more info
Des Moines Buccaneers Hockey Team
The Des Moines Buccaneers have been a vital part of the Central Iowa sports community since 1980. The Bucs provide fast-paced entertainment from September to April. The Buccaneers are members of the United States Hockey League.
more info
Iowa Crush Women's Professional Football Club
Iowa's only professional women's tackle football team.
more info
Iowa Cubs
The Iowa Cubs are the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. The I-Cubs play in 11,000-seat Principal Park as part of the Pacific Coast League. The I-Cubs season runs from early April to early September.
|
||
|
Train Rides |
||
|
Wineries
more info
Jasper Winery
Located just minutes from Downtown Des Moines, Jasper Winery is an "estate style" winery facility in the heart of the Metro. Jasper Winery produces high quality wines using grape varieties that thrive in the Midwest. Visit the lively tasting room and sample the hand-crafted wines. Tours are available.
more info
Sample Iowa, LLC
Sample Iowa, LLC creates custom winery and brewery tours throughout Iowa. Tours allow visitors to interact closely with the Iowans who are building this growing industry. We create tours of any size, duration or itinerary and can accommodate a broad range of add-on options. Registered Iowa Travel Agency #951.
more info
Tassel Ridge Winery
more info
Two Saints Winery
We invite you to stop by our tasting room/gift shop, and try our hand-crafted wines made from 100% Iowa grown grapes. Enjoy wine by the glass or bottle on our spacious, scenic deck. Our banquet room will seat 200 comfortably and provide a unique meeting place.
|
||
|
Zoo |
||




