Des Moines County - 48 Attractions You Must Visit

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About Des Moines County

Des Moines County, located in the southeastern part of Iowa, is a region rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. As with many counties across the United States, tourism plays a crucial role in showcasing the unique attractions and experiences that this area has to offer.

Types of Attractions in Des Moines County

Activities Around

List of Attractions in Des Moines County

80/35 Music Festival

The 80/35 Music Festival is a prominent and diverse music festival celebrated in downtown Des Moines. The festival is known for featuring a wide range of musical genres, making it an inclusive and exciting event for music enthusiasts. It serves as a platform for both emerging and established artists to showcase their talents.

Basilica of St. John

Basilica of St. John

Churches

Notable Architectures

The Basilica of St. John is a Minor Basilica of the Catholic Church in the Drake neighborhood of Des Moines, Iowa, United States. It is also a parish church in the Diocese of Des Moines. The church building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Blank Park Zoo

Blank Park Zoo is a popular zoological park located in Des Moines, Iowa. Established in 1966, the zoo has evolved into a significant cultural and educational institution, offering a diverse range of exhibits and programs for visitors of all ages. Blank Park Zoo is dedicated to wildlife conservation, education, and providing an engaging and enjoyable experience for its visitors.

Burns United Methodist Church

Burns United Methodist Church

Churches

Notable Architectures

Burns United Methodist Church is located in Des Moines, Iowa, United States. Its previous building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center

Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center (formerly known as Veterans Memorial Auditorium) is a building located in downtown Des Moines, Iowa, that is part of the Iowa Events Center. Named to honor the World War II veterans of Polk County, it opened on February 1, 1955.

Cottage Grove Avenue Presbyterian Church

Cottage Grove Avenue Presbyterian Church

Churches

Notable Architectures

Cottage Grove Avenue Presbyterian Church is a historic building located in Des Moines, Iowa, United States. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2016.The congregation began in 1888 as Sixth Presbyterian Church and became Cottage Grove Avenue Presbyterian in 1910. They originally worshiped in tents and in a commercial building near the location of the present building.

Des Moines Art Center

The Des Moines Art Center in Iowa is a prominent cultural institution that serves as a hub for visual arts, providing a diverse range of exhibitions, educational programs, and a notable collection.

Des Moines Buccaneers

Buccaneer Arena, located in Urbandale, Iowa, is an ice skating and hockey facility. As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, the arena is primarily known for hosting ice hockey games, figure skating events, and other ice-related activities. It serves as the home arena for the Des Moines Buccaneers, a junior ice hockey team in the United States Hockey League (USHL).

Des Moines Civic Center

Des Moines Civic Center

Iconic Buildings

The Civic Center of Greater Des Moines is a prominent performing arts venue located in downtown Des Moines, Iowa. As a cultural hub for the community, it hosts a wide range of performances and events, including Broadway shows, concerts, dance performances, and other live entertainment. The Civic Center plays a crucial role in promoting arts and culture in the region.

Des Moines Grand Prix

Des Moines Grand Prix

Iconic Buildings

The Des Moines Grand Prix was a temporary street circuit located in Des Moines, Iowa, which hosted a round of the SCCA Trans-Am Series four times between 1988 and 1992.

Drake Relays

Drake Relays

Stadiums

The Drake Relays is a prestigious and historic track and field competition that has been held annually since 1910. It attracts top athletes from around the world, including Olympians, collegiate athletes, and high school competitors. The event takes place at Drake Stadium on the campus of Drake University.

Drake Stadium

Drake Stadium is primarily known as the home of the Drake University Bulldogs' track and field team. The stadium serves as a venue for various track and field events, including meets, competitions, and practices. It is part of the larger Drake University athletic complex.

Drake University

Drake University

Iconic Buildings

Drake University is a private university located in Des Moines, Iowa. Established in 1881, the university has a rich history and is known for its commitment to providing a strong liberal arts education alongside professional preparation.

First United Methodist Church

First United Methodist Church

Churches

Notable Architectures

First United Methodist Church in Des Moines, Iowa, is a prominent religious institution with a rich history and a commitment to serving its community. While I don't have real-time information, as of my last update in January 2022, I can provide a general introduction based on the typical characteristics of United Methodist churches.

Fort Des Moines Provisional Army Officer Training School

The Fort Des Moines Provisional Army Officer Training School holds historical significance as a pioneering institution in the United States military. The Fort Des Moines Provisional Army Officer Training School was established in 1917 during World War I. This was a time when the United States was mobilizing its forces to participate in the conflict, and there was a need for trained officers.

Grand View University

Grand View University

Iconic Buildings

Grand View University is a private liberal arts university located in Des Moines, Iowa. Established in 1896, the university has a history rooted in the Lutheran tradition and is committed to providing a comprehensive education that integrates liberal arts and professional studies.

Great Western Trail

Great Western Trail

2-5 Day Treks

The Great Western Trail in Iowa is a recreational trail that stretches across the state, providing outdoor enthusiasts with a scenic route for walking, running, biking, and horseback riding. It is part of a larger trail network that extends through multiple states. In Iowa, the trail passes through a variety of landscapes, offering users the opportunity to experience the state's natural beauty and rural areas.

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is a horticultural and cultural institution situated in Des Moines, Iowa. Established to inspire and educate visitors about the world of plants, the botanical garden offers a serene and educational environment for individuals and families.

Greek Orthodox Church of St. George

Greek Orthodox Church of St. George

Churches

Notable Architectures

The Greek Orthodox Church of St. George in Des Moines, Iowa is a parish of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America located in the Drake Neighborhood near Drake University. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on February 28, 1997, as part of the architectural legacy of Proudfoot and Bird in Iowa.

Henry Wallace House

Henry Wallace House

Iconic Buildings

The Henry Wallace House is an historic building located in Des Moines, Iowa, United States. It was the home of Henry Wallace who was an advocate for agricultural improvement and reform. The house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing property in the Sherman Hill Historic District in 1979 and it has been individually listed since 1993.

Map of attractions in Des Moines County

Comments

For more information about Des Moines County, visit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Des_Moines_County,_Iowa