The Des Moines Metro Area may seem an expensive place for some to visit. However, it doesn’t take long to have a great, adventurous day and there are many ways to satisfy most everyone. First of all, the gold-domed capitol building is great for history buffs, moms, dads and kids alike. There are free guided tours and a very beautiful dome area in the middle of the building, paintings and many other interesting things to see. Have the kids count the steps as they go up and down, talk to them about Iowa and tell them that the old capitol building was in Iowa City.
Another place that must be on your list is the Historical Building located nearby. Old cars, airplanes, geography, history, animals, Indian history, and just life in the past years interests most everyone. Different shows and events take place at the Historical Building along with a shop where most things are made in or are about Iowa. Even if you don’t care to buy, it is interesting to look/shop.
The grounds around the Iowa State Capitol Building are also interesting and lovely. There are sculptures and facts from many of Iowa’s most historical events and plenty of ground to have a picnic or just walk or play.
Saylorville Lake, just north of Des Moines, has camping, swimming and fishing areas. Saylorville is a man-made lake and well-utilized by many people each year. Grayslake, on Fleur [flower] Drive located north of the Des Moines International Airport also has picnic areas, a great walking trail and swimming areas. There is a small charge to rent paddle boats during the summer.
You could travel about 45 minutes north on I-35 and visit Iowa State University. Go on-line to find events that may be happening during your visit. The campus is beautiful and there is always plenty to do and learn.
The Des Moines Metro Area has many sports teams and ball parks. There is a charge to see the Cubs, but you could have a full day’s entertainment watching soccer, baseball or softball tournaments or games. Some tournaments have a small charge, but often they are free.
The locality has many, many great biking/walking trails and small parks, especially in the western suburbs. They are safe and well-traveled. Mother’s push baby strollers, teens ride bikes and seniors take leisurely strolls.
Summer brings antique sales and art shows and special “days” at many of Iowa’s towns – both small and large. If its Sweet Corn Days, you could buy sweet corn for a small price, the same with watermelon days, or sauerkraut days. They always have something going to keep everyone entertained. Many towns have something to share and they truly enjoy having you visit. You may find the Iowa State Fair beyond your budget, but throughout the days of July many small county fairs take place that are very reasonable and great fun. Try your hand at judging the dogs, horses, hogs, cattle or rabbits. Can you pick out the winner?
One of the best, is finding Sunday breakfast being served by a small-town church. Yes, there is a small charge, but for just a couple bucks you can get a huge breakfast and meet some new friends. These churches often have trouble just staying open and your good-will offering could make a difference for them. Small towns, like Spring Lake, have daily specials in their little restaurants. In Spring Lake on Tuesdays you can get a huge, plate-size taco for only $4.00. There is no way you could ever roll it up.
There are concerts in parks and fireworks galore in the summer. These would take a little advance checking out on line to find times, dates and places.
Des Moines has wonderful old cemeteries. You can call ahead to get historical tours and find out more about people and life and death in the past. Maybe you can even find a supposedly haunted cemetery.
You could take time to visit a church on Sunday. A small town church may only have 10 people in attendance or you may find a church in the city with thousands attending one service. Do you like old and traditional or modern and movement?
Need a break? Don’t forget the libraries. Many have tempting areas for children to choose and enjoy books. They probably also have a comfortable chair for mom and dad to sit and read a magazine. Libraries today are worthwhile to take time to visit.
Don’t forget about winter! The walking trails are very beautiful on snowy days. You could cross-country ski and sled down the steep hills in Waveland Golf Course.
Maybe it’s hot and you still want to exercise. Jordan Creek Mall, Valley West or Merle Hay Mall give you enough space to take a good walk and you’ll be entertained while you’re walking. Jordan Creek also has a walking path around its pond and the area is very beautiful. You can watch a concert or other entertainment at various times, usually during the weekends.
Whatever you do, take time to relax and move away from your day to day hurry and stress. It is your life, work hard to make it as good as you can.
