Explore Des Moines

Adventureland Park
Adventureland Amusement Park contains over 100 rides, shows, and attractions including some of the country's most exciting roller coasters and thrill rides as well as water rides. Adventureland also presents a full array of shows in the park -- from live music to magic to song and dance.

Botanical Center
The Des Moines Botanical Center, home of 15,000 exotic plants, is one of the most popular cultural attractions in Iowa, providing educational, recreational and community resources to thousands. Its goal is to provide botanical displays and educational services for its visitors. It is located on 14 acres along the east bank of the Des Moines River, close to downtown.

Des Moines Art Center
The Art Center presents thought-provoking exhibitions, world-class architecture and outstanding permanent collections. The Center also offers educational programs and hands-on studio art classes. It also is home to a 5-star rated restaurant and museum shop filled with contemporary items, jewelry, greeting cards and art-related books.

Blank Park Zoo
The Blank Park Zoo, winner of the prestigious "Tourism Attraction of the Year" for large communities at the 2006 Iowa Tourism Conference, encompasses 49 acres of land. Of that, 22 acres have been developed into animal exhibits or facilities. Currently there are 104 different animal species and 1,484 animal specimens cared for at the Blank Park Zoo. The Zoo is an accredited member of the Aquarium and Zoo Association (AZA).

Blank Park Zoo

Civic Center of Greater Des Moines
The Civic Center of Greater Des Moines presents the best live professional theater direct from Broadway. It's President and CEO, Jeff Chelesvig, is a member of the League of American Theatres & Producers, Inc.

Catch the I-Cubs In Action
Consistently named one the of the most beautiful minor-league baseball parks in the nation, Principal Park is home to the Iowa Cubs, the triple A affiliate of Major League Baseball’s Chicago Cubs.

Des Moines Water Works Park and Arboretum
Water Works Park covers 1,500 acres of wooded area popular for fishing, picnicking, jogging or just relaxing. The Arie den Boer Arboretum boasts nearly 300 varieties of crab apple trees.

Heritage Art Gallery
This beautiful exhibition space is located in the Polk County Office Building built in 1908 in downtown Des Moines. The gallery houses changing visual art exhibits and promotes local artists.

Heritage Carousel
The Heritage Carousel of Des Moines is one of the few wood carousels built since the 1930s. It has been crafted in the traditional way with a traditional "feel" and sound. This one-of-a-kind carousel is a wooden, thirty-seven foot, three-row, menagerie carousel with a Stinson band organ. It accommodates up to thirty-five riders. There are thirty animals and two chariots on the carousel.

Heritage Carousel

Iowa Speedway
Iowa Speedway offers high-speed, pulse pounding racing events. The Newton Club (newly completed in September 2006) is a 10,000 sq. ft. modern facility to be used for a wide range of events, including wedding receptions, business meetings and tradeshows.

Iowa State Capitol

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.

Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge
Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, located just 25 minutes east of Des Moines, serves to reconstruct tall grass prairie and restore oak savanna on 8,654 acres of the Walnut Creek watershed and to provide a major environmental education facility focusing on prairie, oak savanna and human interaction. The Prairie Learning Center, a part of the refuge, includes a visitor center with classrooms, exhibit area, theater and bookstore.

Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino
Prairie Meadows has 1,750 slot machines and table games, including Texas Hold'em, Blackjack, Pai Gow, Craps and Roulette. Live horse racing includes Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse and Harness racing. The Finish Line Show Lounge is home to free entertainment throughout the week including big bands, polka, ‘50s & ‘60s, country and rock ‘n roll.

Principal River Walk
The Principal River Walk follows a 1.2 mile looping trail that connects the east and west sides of downtown Des Moines through a series of lighted and landscaped walking paths and bridges. The riverwalk ties together numerous amenities that line the river's banks.

Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens
The riverfront gardens celebrated a grand opening in 2008. Situated on the Des Moines River east bank, the 1.7 acre gardens acknowledge the contributions that Asian Americans have made to Iowa.

Science Center of Iowa
Imagine. Experiment. Play! At the Science Center of Iowa, the experience is yours! From the inner workings of the human body to the outer reaches of the solar system, science surrounds you with dynamic live programs and hands-on interactive exhibits that will inspire the curiosity in us all. Interact, experiment and explore and see what you and science can do, in this new, state of the art facility.

Science Center

Terrace Hill Terrace Hill is a National Historic Landmark and the Iowa Governor's Residence. This building is among the best examples of American Victorian Second Empire architecture.
	State Historical Museum Iowa's history lives on in this modern granite and glass structure at the foot of the State Capitol. Unique permanent and temporary exhibits explore the people, places, events and issues of Iowa's past. The State Historical Museum features a genealogy and Iowa history library and museum store. The fee for admittance--free!