Family Friendly Attractions in Des Moines
While many of Des Moines' biggest events take place in the spring and summer, including the world-famous Iowa State Fair, we invite you and your family to visit during any of our four seasons. Some of the highlights? In Fall, explore more than 80 farms and orchards across the state that offer pumpkin patches, corn mazes, apple picking and hayrack rides. Winter brings outdoor ice skating in Downtown Des Moines for families, while spring and summer allow for a day at Principal Park rooting for the Iowa Cubs or swimming at Adventure Bay, Adventureland's newest water park. For more information on outdoor activities, click here.
Categories to Choose From
- Amusement Parks
- Antiques & Collectibles
- Aquatic Centers & Water Parks
- Art Galleries
- Boat Rental
- Campgrounds
- Craft Retreat
- Events
- Gardens
- Golf Courses - Public & Miniature
- Horseback Riding
- Ice Skating/Hockey
- Lakes
- Museums
- Parks & Trails
- Performing Arts/Theater
- Shopping Malls & Districts
- Specialty Shops & Boutiques
- Sports Teams - Professional & Amateur
- Train Rides
- Zoo
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Amusement Parks
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Adventureland Park
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Antiques & Collectibles
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Isabel Bloom LLC
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.
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Memory Lane Antiques
Take a stroll down Memory Lane in our 3,500 square foot antique & gift boutique and find a mix of treasures from your past and new memory making items. We have unique antiques, collectibles and gifts including glassware, bottles, toys, furniture, home decor, music, advertising, art, purses, jewelry and more.
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Aquatic Centers & Water Parks
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Adventureland Park
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 (four 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 the 3 to 4.5 feet deep swimming pool.
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Northwest Aquatic Center
Northwest Aquatic Center has a water slide, a zero depth entry, a water mushroom and a shaded swim area.
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Prairie Ridge Aquatic Center
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Teachout Aquatic Center
Teachout Aquatic Center has a water slide, a zero depth entry, a water mushroom and a shaded swim area.
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Urbandale Public Swimming Pool
The Urbandale Public Swimming Pool features a 6-lane, 200,000-gallon indoor facility and an outdoor aquatic playground. As the only public indoor swimming pool in the Des Moines Metro, it is a unique amenity offering year-round events, recreational activities, rental space, fitness classes and general aquatic services for more than 50,000 guests each year.
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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.
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Art Galleries
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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 27 works of art donated to the museum by John and Mary Pappajohn from their renowned collection of contemporary sculptures.
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Light the Earth
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Boat Rental
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Jon Anderson White Riverboat
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Campgrounds
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Adventureland Campground
Adventureland Campground features full-service hookups, modern showers and restrooms, recreational areas, outdoor swimming and tent camping all in the best location. Our campground is seasonal, open April through October. Adventureland takes reservations for the season year-round. Conveniently located off Interstate 80 at Exit 142A.
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Iowa State Fairgrounds
The Iowa State Fair Campgrounds offer 160 acres of wooded sites just minutes from downtown. The campgrounds offer 1,800 sites with water/electrical hook-ups, nearly 600 sites with sewer and 24-hour security. Open mid-April to mid-July and September 1 to mid-October for non-Fair camping.
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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.
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Craft Retreat
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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.
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Events
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ArtFest Midwest 'The Other Art Show'
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Des Moines Arts Festival
The Des Moines Arts Festival returns June 22-24, 2012, 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, John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Jazz and Wine Pavilion and plenty of eclectic food booths providing guests with an extraordinary community arts and culture festival!
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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! Regular market runs every Saturday from May 5 - October 27, 2012.
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HeartFest
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Iowa Events Center
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Iowa Latino Heritage Festival
The Latino Heritage Festival is the largest Latino Festival in the state, as well as the largest ethnic event in the state. The Festival offers traditional foods, authentic arts, crafts, cultural exhibitors, educational areas, entertainment and a Saturday night street dance.
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Iowa State Fair
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iWeek
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Music Under the Stars
Music Under the Stars has been a favorite summertime tradition in Des Moines since the concert series began on the State Capitol grounds in 1947. The concerts feature the Des Moines Metro Concert and Big Bands performing a wide variety of great music. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets!
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Principal Charity Classic, The
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Rendezvous on Riverview
Rockin' Des Moines all summer long with hot bands, cold drinks and great food all in a fun, family-friendly setting! Rendezvous on Riverview features live music from some of Central Iowa's best bands. This free concert series is held every Friday night in June and July.
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Winefest Des Moines
Winefest Des Moines is an annual festival celebrating the food & wine industry. The week-long event attracts thousands to its food & wine workshops, pairing dinners and tasting events. Regarded as one of the most anticipated events of the year, Winefest offers something for beginning wine drinkers and connoisseurs alike. Winefest will take place June 7-9, 2012.
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Gardens
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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.
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Iowa Arboretum
A visit to the Iowa Arboretum's 378-acre facility is an experience you won't want to miss. The 40-acre 'Library of Living Plants' showcases hundreds of species of trees, shrubs and flowers. Visit our large and diverse display of plants that can be successfully grown in Iowa. An additional 330 acres offer unique woodland trails and a restored prairie walk.
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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 27 works of art donated to the museum by John and Mary Pappajohn from their renowned collection of contemporary sculptures.
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Reiman Gardens
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Golf Courses - Public & Miniature
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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.
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Bos Landen Golf Club
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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.
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Countryside Golf Course
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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.
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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.
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Longview Golf Center
Longview Golf Center is 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.
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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.
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Toad Valley Golf Course
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Tournament Club of Iowa
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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.
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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!
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Horseback Riding
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Jester Park Equestrian Center
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Ice Skating/Hockey
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Brenton Skating Plaza
From November to March, the venue offers the chance for people of all ages 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.
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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.
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Lakes
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Des Moines Park & Recreation
Des Moines Parks and Recreation offer a variety of recreational opportunities including hiking, biking, picnicking, swimming and tennis. Golf courses, swimming pools, community centers, trail systems, special events and activities create opportunities for all!
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Gray's Lake
With its many opportunities for walking, biking and other activities, Gray’s Lake is a great place to go to have a fun outdoor experience. Gray’s Lake Park consists of the 167-acre lake with a two-mile trail encircling. You can find many free activities to participate in throughout the year at the park.
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Polk County Conservation
Polk County Conservation manages 12,000 acres of prairies, wetlands, woodlands, trails and parks in Polk County. Their mission is to provide the citizens of Polk County with quality outdoor recreation, conservation education and the long-term protection of Polk County's natural heritage.
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Saylorville Lake, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Located just north of Des Moines, Saylorville Lake is 26,000 acres with beautiful scenery all the way around. The Lake offers multiple boat launches, beaches, and outdoor recreation including camping, boating, fishing, hiking, biking, wildlife watching and more.
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Museums
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Fort Des Moines Museum & Education Center
The museum honors black soldiers of WWI and female soldiers of WWII. The 20,000 square foot building features artifacts, photographs and interactive exhibits, situated on a referent five-acre park.
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Iowa Gold Star Military Museum
The Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, Iowa's premier veterans museum, displays artifacts and tells the story of Iowa veterans from the Mexican War of 1846 to present day. It also has a reference library on military subjects and Iowa veterans. This is the perfect venue for a two-hour outing.
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Iowa Hall of Pride
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Salisbury House & Gardens
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State Historical Museum of Iowa
Iowa's history lives on in this modern granite and glass structure at the foot of the Iowa State Capitol. Unique permanent and temporary exhibits explore the people, places, events and issues of Iowa's past. The museum features a genealogy and Iowa history library, museum store and an open atrium area under glass peaks.
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Terrace Hill
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World Food Prize Hall of Laureates, The
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Parks & Trails
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Altoona Parks & Recreation
Altoona Parks and Recreation offers over 200 acres of parks and 18 miles of bike trails. Activities include an aquatics park, skate park, rose garden, enabling garden, native prairies, disc golf, shelters, adult and youth sports and playgrounds. Come visit us.
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Ankeny Parks & Recreation
The city of Ankeny has the Prairie Ridge Youth Sports Complex, which includes a 9,000 square foot concrete skate park, aquatic center, Lakeside Center (3,500 square foot facility available for conferences and receptions), walking/biking trails and knowledgeable staff to assist our visitors.
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Center Street Pedestrian Bridge
The Center Street Pedestrian Bridge links the east and west sides of Des Moines at the northern edge of The Principal Riverwalk loop. The bridge features two separate pathways - one for walkers or joggers and one for bicyclists. The bridge is lit by colorful lights that reflect onto the water and truly make it a beautiful site to see in Des Moines.
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City of Windsor Heights
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Clive Parks & Recreation Department
The city of Clive has 15 parks, including our 300-acre greenbelt with nine miles of recreational trails. The aquatic center is open approximately Memorial Day through Labor Day and features pools, slides and a lazy river.
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Des Moines Park & Recreation
Des Moines Parks and Recreation offer a variety of recreational opportunities including hiking, biking, picnicking, swimming and tennis. Golf courses, swimming pools, community centers, trail systems, special events and activities create opportunities for all!
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Gray's Lake
With its many opportunities for walking, biking and other activities, Gray’s Lake is a great place to go to have a fun outdoor experience. Gray’s Lake Park consists of the 167-acre lake with a two-mile trail encircling. You can find many free activities to participate in throughout the year at the park.
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Johnston City Parks
Johnston offers many parks and miles of trails for you to enjoy. Many parks offer shelters and other amenities for your family potluck or other event. Check out our website to see what each park has to offer.
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Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge
Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge is committed to restoring tall grass prairie and its associated habitats and wildlife. The facilities at the Refuge are available to the public for their use with the requirement that users provide time for a 15 minute Refuge presentation in their agenda.
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Polk County Conservation
Polk County Conservation manages 12,000 acres of prairies, wetlands, woodlands, trails and parks in Polk County. Their mission is to provide the citizens of Polk County with quality outdoor recreation, conservation education and the long-term protection of Polk County's natural heritage.
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Urbandale Parks & Recreation
Urbandale is home to 48 parks, 38 miles of trails and 900 acres of parkland, plus the only indoor public swimming pool in the metro, a bustling Senior Center, numerous sports fields and indoor/outdoor shelters (indoor facilities available for rent). An active Parks and Recreation department offers an abundance of leisure opportunities year-round.
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West Des Moines Parks & Recreation
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Performing Arts/Theater
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Ankeny Community Theatre
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Ballet Des Moines
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Civic Center of Greater Des Moines
The Civic Center of Greater Des Moines presents the best live, professional theater direct from Broadway. Its President and CEO, Jeff Chelesvig, is a member of The Broadway League.
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Des Moines Symphony
The Des Moines Symphony is a not-for-profit, full-service professional orchestra formed in 1937 to enrich, educate and entertain the community. Performances include seven pairs of Masterworks concerts, the traditional pops performance on New Year's Eve, education and family concerts and other special events in its home at the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines.
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Hoyt Sherman Place
Since 1923, the 1,250-seat theater has hosted an array of national and local performing arts talents. Hoyt Sherman Place is known for excellent acoustics, balcony seating and unique historic interior. The theater is available for public and private performances and for corporate meetings.
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Shopping Malls & Districts
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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. 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Kaleidoscope at 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.
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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. Check out our food and beverage options such as Applebee's, IHOP, Starbucks and Old Chicago!
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Valley West Mall
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Specialty Shops & Boutiques
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2AU Limited
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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.
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Calypso 968
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Campbell's Nutrition
Locally owned, organic, and awesome, Campbell's has been keeping customers healthy for over 70 years. With a large selection of organics, fair trade and locally grown good-for-you groceries, beauty supplies and supplements, Campbell's has everything a health nut might need!
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Campbell's Nutrition West
Locally owned, organic, and awesome, Campbell's has been keeping customers healthy for over 70 years. With a large selection of organics, fair trade and locally grown good-for-you groceries, beauty supplies and supplements, Campbell's has everything a health nut might need!
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Eyebeads & Gemstones
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Games & More!
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Gifts & More!
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Graziano Brothers Italian Foods
Come to Graziano Brothers Italian Foods & experience a little piece of history! Started in 1912 by Frank & Louis Graziano, Graziano’s was founded in rich Italian tradition & demonstrates the livelihood of the Italian community in Des Moines for the last century. We offer the best Italian meats, cheeses, & more!
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Iowa Diecast Toys
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Isabel Bloom LLC
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.
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KangarooBoo
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Light the Earth
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Maytag Blue Cheese
For over 70 years, the Maytag Dairy Farms has been handcrafting world famous Maytag Blue Cheese on the family farm in Newton, Iowa, just 30 minutes east of Des Moines. Tours and samplings are available in the retail store every day M-F 8-4 and Sat. 9-4.
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Memory Lane Antiques
Take a stroll down Memory Lane in our 3,500 square foot antique & gift boutique and find a mix of treasures from your past and new memory making items. We have unique antiques, collectibles and gifts including glassware, bottles, toys, furniture, home decor, music, advertising, art, purses, jewelry and more.
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Museum Store, The
The Museum Store, the State Historical Museum gift shop, specializes in books, unique gifts and the work of Iowa artisans.
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Over the Top
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Pink Hippo
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Sahar's Salon & Day Spa
Sahar's Salon and Day Spa is a full service beauty salon and spa offering a wide range of treatments for men and women. Located in West Des Moines, we can help you feel revitalized from head to toe. Come in and renew your mind, body and soul with relaxing salon and spa services that will help you look and feel your very best.
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Tassel Ridge Winery
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Zumi
Zumi was founded on the love of beautiful, colorful fabrics and uniquely styled clothing. We offer clothing, accessories and home décor that originate from Africa, Asia and South America, with many certified Fair Trade items. Zumi is the best place to find a unique mix of culturally influenced items and know that you are helping people around the world. Zumi is "Where culture inspires fashion!"
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Sports Teams - Professional & Amateur
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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
Des Moines Roosters Australian Football Club
As Iowa's only Australian Football club, the Roosters are proud to call Des Moines home. The Roosters provide high-scoring, fast-paced, physical entertainment from May through October and are a part of the United States Australian Football League. For game schedule and other information, visit the website.
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Iowa Barnstormers
The Iowa Barnstormers have joined Arena Football 1 for the 2010 season. Home games are played April through July at Wells Fargo Arena in Downtown Des Moines.
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Iowa Crush Women's Professional Football Club
Iowa's only professional women's tackle football team. Most games are held at Valley Stadium in West Des Moines, however game locations may vary. See website for specific game information.
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Iowa Cubs
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