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
Hoyt Sherman Place
Iconic Buildings
Notable Architectures
Hoyt Sherman Place is a historic cultural venue located in Des Moines, Iowa.Originally built as a private residence in 1877, Hoyt Sherman Place is a Victorian mansion with architectural significance. It was the home of Hoyt Sherman, a prominent figure in Des Moines during the late 19th century.
Hyvee Hall
Iconic Buildings
Hy-Vee Hall is a convention center located in Des Moines, Iowa, United States. The convention center is a part of the Iowa Events Center.While still incomplete, Hy-Vee Hall hosted its first event, the Autumn Festival, from October 21 through October 23, 2004. It was formally dedicated on December 15, 2004, while the Iowa Hall of Pride opened to the public on February 23, 2005.
Iowa Events Center
Iconic Buildings
The Iowa Events Center is a multi-purpose convention complex located in downtown Des Moines, Iowa. It serves as a prominent venue for a variety of events, including concerts, conferences, trade shows, and sporting events.
Iowa State Capitol
Iconic Buildings
The Iowa State Capitol, located in Des Moines, is the seat of the Iowa General Assembly and a symbol of the state's government. It is known for its impressive architectural design. Completed in 1886, it features a blend of various architectural styles, including Renaissance Revival and Beaux-Arts. The building's prominent central dome is a distinctive feature and has become an iconic symbol of the state.
Iowa State Fair Campgrounds
Art Fairs
The Iowa State Fairgrounds is a large and versatile venue located in Des Moines, Iowa. It is primarily known for hosting the annual Iowa State Fair, one of the largest state fairs in the United States.
Iowa State Fairgrounds
Art Fairs
The Iowa State Fair is an annual state fair held in Des Moines, Iowa in August.It began in 1854 and has been held on the Iowa State Fairgrounds since 1886. It is based in the state capital Des Moines, Iowa over an 11 day period in August. With over a million visitors, it is one of the largest and best known state fairs in the United States.
Knapp Learning Center
Iconic Buildings
The Knapp Center is a multipurpose facility that serves as the primary indoor arena for various sports and events at Drake University. It is named after Paul F. "Pete" Knapp, a former Drake basketball coach and athletic director.
Lilac Arboretum and Children's Forest
Botanical Gardens
The Lilac Arboretum and Children's Forest, sometimes also known as the Ewing Lilac Arboretum, is located in Ewing Park at 5300 Indianola Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa.The arboretum contains more than 1,400 lilac bushes representing 120 varieties.
Merle Hay Mall
Malls
Merle Hay Mall is situated in the northern part of Des Moines, Iowa. Its address is 3800 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA 50310. It was opened in 1959 and is one of the oldest shopping malls in the region. It has undergone renovations and changes over the years to adapt to evolving retail trends.
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Parks
Sculptures
The Pappajohn Sculpture Park is a prominent outdoor art venue located in downtown Des Moines. The sculpture park is named after its major benefactors, John and Mary Pappajohn, who are avid art collectors and philanthropists. Their generous donation and support played a pivotal role in the establishment of the sculpture park.
Park Place Historic District
Old Ruins
The Greenwood Park Plats Historic District is a nationally recognized historic district located in Des Moines, Iowa, United States. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2013. At the time of its nomination the district consisted of 393 resources, including 277 contributing buildings, one contributing site, 109 non-contributing buildings, and six non-contributing structures.
Plymouth Church
Churches
Notable Architectures
Plymouth Church is an historic congregation located in Des Moines, Iowa and is a member of the United Church of Christ. Plymouth is known for its long history of social justice work including anti-racism and suffrage advocacy, ClimateCare, and aid to unhoused and refugee populations. Plymouth Church is an Open and Affirming church, a Stephen Ministries church, and a Just Peace Church.
Prairie Meadows
Outdoors- Other
Prairie Meadows is a multifaceted facility that combines horse racing, casino gaming, dining, and entertainment in one expansive complex. Established in 1989, it has become a prominent destination for locals and visitors seeking a diverse range of entertainment experiences.
Principal Park
Parks
Principal Park is a baseball stadium located in Des Moines, Iowa, and it serves as the home field for the Iowa Cubs, the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. It is a well-known minor league baseball stadium with a rich history in Des Moines. The stadium is part of the larger Principal Riverwalk, a scenic park area along the Des Moines River that offers beautiful views and recreational spaces.
Principal River Walk
Urban Walks
The Principal Riverwalk is a scenic urban park located in downtown Des Moines, Iowa, along the banks of the Des Moines River. It is situated in the heart of Des Moines, providing a picturesque setting along the Des Moines River. The area is easily accessible and serves as a hub for recreational activities and cultural experiences.
Saint Anthony Catholic Church
Churches
St. Anthony's Catholic Church is a Catholic parish church in the Diocese of Des Moines located on the south side of Des Moines, Iowa, United States. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2021.
Saint Augustin's Catholic Church
Churches
Notable Architectures
St. Augustin Catholic Church, located in Des Moines, Iowa, is a vibrant and historically significant religious institution within the community. While I don't have real-time information, as of my last update in January 2022, I can provide a general summary of what one might expect from a Catholic church.
Saint Paul's Episcopal Cathedral
Churches
Notable Architectures
St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral, is located in downtown Des Moines, Iowa, United States. It is the cathedral church of the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as St. Paul's Episcopal Church.
Salisbury House & Gardens
Iconic Buildings
Botanical Gardens
Salisbury House is a historic mansion located in Des Moines, Iowa, known for its architectural significance, cultural heritage, and diverse collections. It is renowned for its stunning architecture, drawing inspiration from medieval England. Built in the 1920s, the mansion exhibits a mix of Gothic, Tudor, and Carolean architectural styles. Its design, including intricate woodwork, stained glass, and period-specific detailing, reflects the vision of its creators.
Science Center of Iowa
Iconic Buildings
The Science Center of Iowa (SCI) is a popular science museum and educational facility located in Des Moines. It is dedicated to making science accessible, engaging, and fun for people of all ages. Its mission is to inspire and engage learners in the sciences through interactive exhibits, educational programs, and hands-on experiences.
Map of attractions in Des Moines County
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For more information about Des Moines County, visit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Des_Moines_County,_Iowa