This is your travel guide to all the activities and tourist attractions in Des Moines, Iowa. Located at the center of the great state of Iowa, there are so many things to do in Des Moines. Known to many as the corncob state because of the many miles of sprawling cornfields, you will love the clean and pristine, bustling city of Des Moines. Originally founded in mid-1800s as a fort for the US military, this city has grown proportionally ever since and now is the largest city in the state. Save up to 70% off published airfares on major Airlines with Airfare.com.
Aside from being an epicenter for American farmers, Iowa is actually one of the insurance company capitols of the world, sitting in third place next to London and Hartford, Connecticut, respectively. There is much to see here aside from flashy insurance company buildings and cornfields, however. If you are planning on traveling to Des Moines in the near future, then make sure that you add a few of these top ten must-see destinations and tourist attractions in Des Moines to your list before embarking on your trip.
Tourist Attractions in Des Moines
Iowa State Capitol: Originally constructed during the late 1800s, this building represents the very best of the early 1900s architectural designs. The steel and brick dome is coated with a thick layer of gold leaf that really makes it stand out on a bright and sunny day. The city offers free daily and guided tours of this amazing capitol building. Make sure that you don't miss this structure when you travel to Des Moines.
Des Moines Botanical Center: One of the coolest botanical centers in the country, this awesome fourteen acre center sits adjacent to the Des Moines River and is one of the most popular of all attractions that can be found in this city. It annually sees hundreds of thousands of visitors and can be very packed during certain times of the year. Make sure that you call ahead when you are here so that you can find out the best time to visit this must-see destination. Also make sure that you set aside plenty of time to really take in all of the sights that are here; it is recommended that you set aside at least half a day. This is definitely one of the best of the tourist attractions in Des Moines.
Blank Park Zoo: The mission statement for this zoo reads as follows, "To inspire an appreciation of the natural world through conservation, education and recreation." This is exactly how you will feel and what you will find when you visit this not-to-be-missed, world class zoo in Des Moines. Take a gander at over a hundred different species of animals and nearly 1,500 different specimens as you browse through this awesome, must-see attraction of all the tourist attractions in Des Moines..
Walnut Woods State Park: This preserved state park is awesome. Its 260 acres of preserved land meet at the Raccoon River in West Des Moines. This park is open 365 days per year and hosts many different activities that vary by season including, but not limited to: cross country skiing, backpacking, hiking, hunting, camping, horseback riding, fishing, bird watching, waterside activities such as rafting and boating, and many more. This is definitely one of the best of the tourist attractions in Des Moines.
Jordan House: This house is the historically preserved house of the original founder of Valley Junction, James Jordan; it is one of the most historical things to do in Des Moines. The gothic and Victorian architecture is literally awe-inspiring. There is a rich history attached to this mansion, which is best known for being a part of the intricate Underground Railroad that helped to free southern slaves to the north during the 1800s and the Civil War. Today it is a museum where you can enjoy a guided tour, and it is also one of the oldest houses in the state.
Wallace House: If you really like historically rich mansions, like the one listed above, then make sure that you add the Wallace House to your list of must-sees. The Victorian manor of former Secretary of Agriculture, Henry Wallace, today this preserved mansion is also a museum and you can take guided tours of it daily. Make sure that you call ahead so that you know what time to arrive in order to enjoy a tour of this awesome and historical mansion in Des Moines. This is definitely one of the most memorable of the tourist attractions in Des Moines.
Mathias Ham House: One of the coolest and oldest houses in the state was designed and constructed by the same architect who built the state capitol, John F. Rague. This house is the oldest structure in the state and was originally constructed in the early 1800s as a log cabin for settlers and passersby. Learn about the state's amazing history and get a taste of what it was like to live in the early 1800s by visiting this must-see tourist attraction in Des Moines.
Iowa State University: One of the most reputable universities in the United States boasts an enormous campus in the center of Ames, a smaller city right next to Des Moines, and is considered to be one of the most immaculate collegian campuses in the world. If you have a few extra hours to spend, make sure that you take a nice stroll through this place, which has some pretty historical buildings located on the old campus.
Iowa Cubs Baseball: One of the only baseball teams in the state, this AAA affiliate and minor league branch of the Chicago Cubs hosts many games throughout the year and offers a pretty impressive stadium as well. Some pretty big names in baseball have been drafted to the pros from this minor league team. Sports fans will consider this one of the best of the tourist attractions in Des Moines.
Willow Creek Golf Course: For the golf lover, you to make sure that you swing a few balls on the driving range of this gorgeous golf course, or try your hand at the 36 different holes that it offers. Located in the suburbs of Des Moines, for those who love a good game of golf while on vacation, this course is one of the best in the city.
If you're planning a road trip, Tourist Attractions in Des Moines will definitely help you plan your vacation things to do.
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