Ag-Venture

Greater Des Moines has many agricultural experiences for everyone! Iowa is #1 in the United States for corn, egg, pork and ethanol production. So, bring your group to Des Moines to tour everything agriculture!

Day 1
Tour of one of the world’s leading agricultural developers at Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. Get a behind-the-scenes look at laboratories where testing and developing takes place for one of the leading seed companies. Contact Ellen Brooks at (515) 334-6786 for more information.

Call ahead to tour of the John Deere Works in Ankeny. Take a tour of the factory to watch machinery being made. The facility produces sprayers, cotton pickers and tillage equipment that are used all around world. Contact Linda Issac at (515) 289-3283 for more information.

A leisurely lunch cruise on the Jon Anderson White Riverboat is the perfect place to relax with the group. Cruise the Des Moines River and experience a one-of-a kind view of the city on board Des Moines Authentic Sternwheel Paddlewheeler. Contact (515) 883-2628 for more information.

After lunch, head to an estate-style winery in the heart of the Metro! Jasper Winery is located minutes away from Downtown Des Moines. This winery produces high quality wines using varieties from the Midwest. Contact (515) 282-9463 for more information.

For dinner, contact the GDMCVB or try one of the newest downtown establishments, including Americana Restaurant and Lounge.

Tonight it’s time to have fun and let loose! Hit up the town in style by visiting the nightlife of downtown’s historic Court District. Visit the many eating establishments and bars in this area or if the time is right, walk over to Principal Park to catch the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, the Iowa Cubs. Contact Carly Hansen at (515) 243-6111 for more information.

Day 2
Start your day off by visiting Jester Park Equestrian where groups can enjoy a horse-drawn wagon, sleigh or a guided trail ride. It’s an experience that takes you back in time! Contact (515)-999-2818 for more information.

Picket Fence Creamery is a family-owned farm with over 80 acres, creating 100% natural, non-homogenized products. Stop at the country store and try a sample of milk, ice cream or homemade cheese. Contact (515)438-2697 for more information.

It’s time for lunch! Check out a unique restaurant that honors the American farmer as well as a fun atmosphere for everyone! The Machine Shed is a family-owned restaurant that known for their award winning steaks! It is located at the entrance of Living History Farms. Contact (515) 270-6818 for reservations.

Next, cross the road to visit Living History Farms. This open, interactive museum is over 500-acres and educates all ages on early Midwest rural life experiences. Contact (515) 278-5286 for more information.

Tonight, experience why so many Midwesterners call Greater Des Moines a perfect place to shop. Enjoy some shopping at Bass Pro Shops, Homemakers or West Glen Town Center before heading to dinner at Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, Lone Star Steakhouse, AJ’s Steakhouse or Texas Roadhouse.

Day 3
Experience Iowa’s wildest adventure, at the Blank Park Zoo! The zoo offers educational classes along with tours. Experience the wonders of nature found in the tropical rainforests and Australian Outback. Because of their relationship with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, new animals are often brought into the zoo. We guarantee it will be a new, wild experience! Contact (515) 285-4722 for more information.

On the way to your next stop, take a driving tour through one of the most iconic agricultural sites in the United States, the Iowa State Fairgrounds. The Iowa State Fair is one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. It is one of the largest events in Iowa, attracting more than one million people from around the world. USA Weekend named the event the #2 choice for summer fun in America. The Fair is also included in the New York Times best-selling travel book, “1000 Places to See Before You Die”. Contact (515) 262-3111 for more information.

Find the perfect gift idea for your "little farmer" at Iowa Diecast Toys. Visit the store, located near the Iowa State Fairgrounds, and take a tour with the owner. You will be amazed by the collection! Contact (515) 266-8697 for more information.

Next, have a lunch experience at an east-side tradition at Tursi’s Latin King Restaurant. This local, Italian restaurant is an excellent place for a good meal and great atmosphere. Make sure to try their famous Chicken Spiedini and Tiramisu. The restaurant also has plenty of free parking for motorcoaches. Contact (515) 266-4466 for more information.

How about a short drive in the country to witness the wonderment and beauty through environmental preservation? Just 20 miles east of Des Moines, the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge in Prairie City exhibits over 5,000 acres of native grasses, prairie flowers and Midwest wildlife. Whether it’s a trail walk or an auto-tour you desire, the grazing herds of buffalo, elk, white-tailed deer, badgers and pheasants are sure to be a hit! Contact (515) 994-3400.

Make your next stop to where all the action takes place! Depending on the time of year, set up a private tour at Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino behind the scenes of the horse track! Otherwise, grab a bite to eat at AJ’s Steakhouse or Triple Crown Eatery for dinner. Contact (515) 967-1280 for more information.

Day 4
After breakfast at your hotel, travel toward Downtown Des Moines to the Iowa State Capitol. Noted as one of the most beautiful state capitols in the United States, the 23-karat golden dome towering above the city is a favorite of sightseers. Contact (515) 281-5591 for more information.

Walk a few steps west of the capitol to the State Historical Museum of Iowa. Iowa’s agriculture history lives on here. Unique, permanent and temporary exhibits explore the people, places, events and issues of Iowa’s past. The tour is free! Contact (515) 281-5111 for more information.

Next, go behind the scenes to talk one-on-one with top horticulturists at the Des Moines Botanical and Environmental Center. Make sure to learn and take part in a seminar that can be on any of the following topics by local experts: roses, herb study, orchids, bonsai, deer resistant plants, container gardening or terrariums. Contact Megan Luna at (515) 323-6289 for more information.

For lunch, visit the Botanical Center's Riverwalk Café for a bistro inside the dome!

Travel south to Flying Frog Farms. Take a tour by the owner through 20 wooded acres of gardens, flowers and plants. Flying Frog Farms grows over 1,000 different types of hosta plants that are sold all around the world. Contact (515) 208-9002 for more information.

Have you heard of “Man vs Food” on the Travel Channel? Check out a locally owned barbeque restaurant for dinner, named the “Manliest Restaurant” in the country. Jethro’s BBQ restaurants are in three locations serving slow-smoked steaks and barbeque meats with award-winning homemade sides. Take the Emmenecker Challenge and enjoy a fun atmosphere!

Click here to download a PDF of this itinerary.

For more information, contact:
Katie Stien
Sales Manager
Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau
(515) 699-3432
kstien@desmoinescvb.com