What to do in Des Moines? (Indianola, Jefferson: theater, living, restaurant)

[Aviaa]

Me and my dad are going on a road trip in July and we'll be staying in Des Moines for about 2-3 days, and I was wondering if there are any interesting places that we could visit? (i.e.: historical sites, scenic routes, state/national parks around?)

Thanks!

[crashcop]

Originally Posted by Holla

Me and my dad are going on a road trip in July and we'll be staying in Des Moines for about 2-3 days, and I was wondering if there are any interesting places that we could visit? (i.e.: historical sites, scenic routes, state/national parks around?)

Thanks!

Adventureland, the State Historical Museum, the State Capitol, I have listed a few more below, see all the area at:

http://www.seedesmoines.com/ Look under attractions, have fun.

Des Moines Art Center
[SIZE=2]4700 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50312[/SIZE]
[SIZE=2]515-277-4405[/SIZE]

Fort Des Moines Museum and Education Center
[SIZE=2]75 East Army Post Road
Des Moines, IA 50315[/SIZE]
[SIZE=2]515-282-8060[/SIZE]

National Balloon Museum and U.S. National Ballooning Hall of Fame
[SIZE=2]1601 N Jefferson Way
Indianola, IA 50125[/SIZE]
[SIZE=2]515-961-3714[/SIZE]

Gray's Lake Park
[SIZE=2]1700 Fleur Drive
Des Moines, IA 50309[/SIZE]
[SIZE=2]515-237-1386[/SIZE]

Des Moines Botanical Center
[SIZE=2]909 Robert D. Ray Drive
Des Moines, IA 50316[/SIZE]
[SIZE=2]515-323-6290[/SIZE]

[Luke9686]

GO TO TASTY TACOS. I noticed you are from California, so know what real mexican food is like. I live in Cali too, but am from Des Moines. Seriously, Tasty Tacos is an awesome place. It's far from authentic, but it is awesome. It is unique the way they make it. Most Iowans think it's authentic because it is made differently than most they are used to.

[metroplex2003]

The Farmer's market held every weekend is also a nice thing to go to. They have multiple ethnic foods served there.

[Tek_Freek]

Read the thread here:

http://tinyurl.com/3y7a6h

I placed a lot of links in a few posts there.

[Aviaa]

Thanks for the information everyone! We'll definitly check out the parks and recreation aspects, and maybe even go to Adventureland. It sounds and looks like fun! I'll be checking back here while I'm on my trip...I still have a 2 months wait.

[DSMGuy]

Des Moines has a lot of great attractions like museums, new science center & IMAX, art center, and summer events like the Farmer's Market (more than just farmers selling stuff, there is music and a great atmosphere), etc.

One of the unique museums that you won't find anywhere else is the Living History Farms. It is one of the top outdoor museums in the country and it features a pioneer village with things like a general store, blacksmith shop, country church, etc. It also has an Indian village and farms from the 1800's, early 1900's and a farm of the future. These are real farms, not just a bunch of artifacts in display cases.

Whether or not you are into agriculture, it is a worthwhile visit because you actually experience a part of US history.

[Amac]

Originally Posted by Holla

Me and my dad are going on a road trip in July and we'll be staying in Des Moines for about 2-3 days, and I was wondering if there are any interesting places that we could visit? (i.e.: historical sites, scenic routes, state/national parks around?)

Thanks!

Living History Farms and the Machine Shed Restaurant...

The Science Center...

Blank Park Zoo...

The Ledges State Park...

Saylorville Lake...

Jordan Creek Mall...

But like the previous poster, Living History Farms is probably the only thing uniquely Iowan.

[Aviaa]

Oh, the Living History Farms sounds very intriguing to me. I love to visit historical sites. Thanks.

[DSMGuy]

Also, the Iowa Cubs are a fun thing to do on a summer night. They play at a fantastic ballpark downtown. It isn't the majors (it is AAA, one level below the majors), but you are close to the action and tickets are very affordable.

The Simon Estes Amphitheater on the river also has a lot of great concerts on the weekends (jazz, alternative, rock, blues). Some pretty big name bands come through there.