It's A Mystery!

Experience adventure on a sensational journey across the city with a Mystery Tour!

Day 1
Contact Inbound Iowa, LLC for local step-on guide that gives your group a behind-the-scenes look at the stops you are about to make. Contact (515) 278-4950 for more information on tours.

Take a whimsical ride on the Heritage Carousel, located in Union Park off of Pennsylvania Avenue. The carousel accommodates up to 35 rides and is handicapped accessible. Contact Susan Kuker at (515) 323-8200 for more information.

The 42-room architectural wonder, Salisbury House and Gardens, was built by cosmetics magnate, Carl Weeks, and displays more than 10,000 fabulous finds from around the world. To schedule this must-see tour contact Leo Landis at (515) 274-1777.

For lunch, try out a local restaurant, such as BOS, Sbrocco Wine Bar and Wine Shop or Americana Restaurant and Lounge.

A dynamic 110,000 square-foot facility, featuring six interactive learning areas and hands-on activities encouraging learning for all ages, awaits at the Science Center of Iowa and Blank IMAX Dome Theater. While you're there, watch a movie in the IMAX Dome. Contact (515) 274-6868 for more info.

Graziano Brothers Italian Foods is a south-side favorite with some of the best Italian meats and cheeses. Learn from the family how the business began and enjoy samples of well-known favorites. Contact (515) 244-7103 for more information.

Visit the eclectic West End Architectural Salvage. Craftsmanship from the past is available for renovations or creative repurposing. Socialize at the coffee shop and try one of their famous smoothies! Contact owner Don Short at (515) 243-0499 for more information.

Splash Seafood Bar and Grill is a five-star restaurant featuring fresh oysters, crab and shrimp flown in from the coast of Hawaii daily.

Next, see an entertaining theatrical performance at Des Moines Community Playhouse or The Stoner Theater or play a few rounds of poker at Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino.

Day 2
Flying Frog Hosta Farms grows more than 1,000 different types of hosta plants that are sold all around the world! Take a morning tour with the owner through 20 wooded acres of gardens, flowers and plants. Contact (515) 208-9002 for tour information.

Terrace Hill, a National Historic Landmark and the Iowa Governor’s residence, was built in 1869 by Iowa’s first millionaire, Benjamin Franklin Allen. It is one of the finest examples of American Victorian Second Empire architecture designed by William Boyington, a well-known Chicago architect. Tours can be scheduled by contacting Meredith Sillau at Meredith.sillau@iowa.gov or (515) 281-7205.

The John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, set on 4.4 acres in the heart of Downtown Des Moines, features 27 works of art donated to the museum by John and Mary Pappajohn from their renowned collection of contemporary sculptures. Contact (515) 271-0344 for more info.

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.

Did you know that Fort Des Moines hosted the formation of the first Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps and trained the first female officers for non-combat duty? Fort Des Moines is also home to many historic artifacts of the first African American soldiers. See these artifacts and more at Fort Des Moines Museum and Education Center. Contact (515) 282-8060 to schedule a tour.

Built in 1926, the Bennett School House was one of the last one-room schools built in West Des Moines and was in use until 1941. Contact for (515) 225-1286 for more information.

The Historic Jordan House, a stately Victorian home of Italianate Gothic design, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a member of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program. It is one of the oldest structures in Polk Country, as well as West Des Moines. Contact Penny Schiltz at (515) 225-1286 for more information.

Dine at Trostel’s Greenbriar Restaurant, Mojos on 86th or Sam and Gabe’s Italian Bistro.

Spend the night at the Hotel Pattee in Perry. Each room and suite tells its own story with individually  theme and decor. Contact (515) 465-3511 for reservations.

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