Des Moines Iowa Travel Information
Des Moines, population 196,000, is the largest city in Iowa and the
state’s capital. The Des Moines River runs through the metropolitan
area that is home to close to 500,000. The city pays tribute to the
state’s agricultural history and economy with a variety of
farm-related venues and events. The city also offers attractions, arts
and architecture, shopping, and outdoor recreation. Each August,
the city hosts Iowa’s biggest event, the multi-day Iowa State Fair.
The fair draws crowds of more than 1 million to agricultural displays
and exhibits, concerts, midway rides, crafts, and food on a 400-acre
fair ground. Extensive explorations of Iowa’s agricultural history are
also available at Living History Farms. Here, on 600 acres, a town and
four farms give visitors a glimpse of Iowa’s rich agricultural
heritage from Native American times to present day. Des Moines
also offers a full complement of big city attractions including
ballet, opera, symphony, and theater performances. Downtown, visitors
will find a concentration of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Top
natural attractions are 22-acre Blank Park Zoo, and the Des Moines
Botanical Center, which features more than 1,000 plants from around
the world. For family entertainment, amusement parks Adventureland
Park, Holiday Aquatic Center, and White Water University provide both
wet and dry rides. Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino features slot
machines, poker, and blackjack, as well as live horse races April
through October. The city’s top art destinations are the Des
Moines Art Center and Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Art Festival
is one of the top-ranked fine arts festivals in the U.S. The three-day
event, in June, features 150 artists. Many architecturally significant
buildings and homes compose the cityscape. The governor’s residence,
Terrace Hills, which overlooks the city, is a National Historic
Landmark. Other visit-worthy sites include the state capitol, Drake
University campus, the Basilica of St. John, and Salisbury
House. Area golf courses and parks provide outdoor recreation
opportunities. At Saylorville Lake, a 26,000-acre lake northwest of
Des Moines, camping, sailing, motor boating, swimming, and fishing are
popular activities. The Des Moines metropolitan area features more
than 300 miles of hiking and biking trails. The 24-mile Neal Smith
Trail runs along Saylorville Lake and then into downtown Des
Moines. Des Moines is located in central Iowa 135 miles east of
Omaha, Nebraska and 170 miles west of the Quad Cities. It is
accessible via Interstate Highways 35 and 80. There are many lodging
options in the city and surrounding suburbs.
| 
