From the Bridges of Madison County to the Pella Tulip Festival, there is plenty to do in the city of Des Moines. Here is a list of some of the attractions in and around town.
The people of Des Moines have heard the jokes before"¦ the only thing in Iowa is corn. True, there is plenty of corn in Iowa, but the only corn you are going to find in the city limits of Des Moines is in the supermarkets. Now there is no mistaking Des Moines for Chicago, but Des Moines has plenty to do in an hour's drive of the capitol.
If it is nightlife you are looking for, your first stop should be the historic Court Avenue District. For three blocks in the middle of downtown, you will find nightclubs, restaurants and shops. There is plenty of dancing and music and behind the Spaghetti Works, some of the country's funniest stand- up comics stop by. On Saturdays during the summer, Court Avenue hosts a farmers market. Homegrown fruits, vegetables and yes, corn, is for sale. Bon Appetite magazine ranks it as one of the country's best.
Every August, close to a million visitors stop by the world famous Iowa State Fair. The basis for the movie "State Fair", the Iowa State Fair has run just about every year since 1854. It is by far, the largest tourist attraction in the state. More than 600 exhibits are set up on the fairgrounds and five stages feature free entertainment. Hundreds of displays, demonstrations and exhibits feature some of the best in agriculture, crafts and arts.
Des Moines has a zoo, an art museum and botanical gardens, but some of the "hidden jewels" in town are a short drive away.
The birthplace of John Wayne is in the town of Winterset, a short 45 minutes drive from Des Moines. The small four-room house has been restored to the way it looked back in 1907, when the "Duke" himself lived there. Walk through the house, where you will see rare photos and movie memorabilia of John Wayne. There is also a gift shop.
But John Wayne is not what Winterset is best known for. The town is home to the world famous Bridges Of Madison County. You can visit each of the six remaining bridges and see where Robert James Waller got his inspiration for his classic novel, as well as where the movie of the same name was shot.
Head east from Winterset, and you will run into the Dutch community of Pella. The city is recognized nationally and internationally for its Dutch traditions. Every spring, the city hosts the Pella Tulip Festival. The city square is transformed into a festival filled with tulips, parades and authentic Dutch costumes and displays. Do not forget to take time to try one of the famous Dutch Letters.
The town of Indianola holds the Indianola Balloon Festival every summer. For a week, the skies are filled every sunrise and sunset with hundred of hot air balloons. As you enter town, there is the balloon museum, which chronicles 212 years of balloon history.
And after your long day, take a swim in Saylorville Lake. Yes, there is water in Iowa. Saylorville is about 20 miles north of Des Moines and offers plenty of swimming, boating and fishing on this 6,000 acre lake. There are also trails along the lake so you can go hiking, bike riding and cross county skiing.
So, yes, there is more in Des Moines than corn. There is plenty of fun, in the summer sun as well. Des Moines is not just for the farmers anymore.
