Des Moines Archives - Only In Your State ®

These 8 Unique Day Trips In Des Moines Are An Absolute Must-Do

Dpaulson — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 17:04:53 +0000

If you want to escape your day-to-day life, there’s nothing better than a good day trip. Whether nature is your thing, or you enjoy a good roller coaster, or you like to explore the charming small towns of Central Iowa, you’re sure to find something that suits your particular fancy. Here are eight of the most unique and interesting day trips in Iowa that everyone must take. Let’s take a look at these fun and possible day trips from Des Moines, Iowa.

1. Take a scenic train ride in Boone - Boone

Flickr/Jerry Huddleston

Take in the rolling countryside with a train ride on the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad. You can even take a dinner ride and enjoy food, dessert and wine while you ride. This is definitely one of the most unique things to do around Des Moines.

2. Explore Pella’s Dutch heritage - Pella

Flickr/Dave

Founded in 1847 by a group of Dutch immigrants, Pella’s charming architecture and town square reflect that unique heritage. Go shopping downtown and walk around Molengracht Canal, visit Vermeer Mill and enjoy the multitude of tulips if the season is right.

3. Go to a drive-in movie - Newton

Facebook/Valle Drive-In

When searching for "getaway spots near me," you should really consider The Valle Drive-In. Recognized as Iowa’s oldest drive-in theater, it is full of history. Here, while you watch movies from the comfort of your own car, you can enjoy concessions for sale at their concession stand.

4. See the covered bridges of Madison County - Madison County

Flickr/Andy Langager

The Bridges of Madison County are so lovely they had a successful book and movie surrounding them. Spend a day driving around to admire the bridges and then stop in Winterset for dinner.

5. Go wine tasting on the Heart of Iowa Wine Trail - central Iowa

Flickr/Phil Roeder

Vineyard visits and wine tasting are definitely among the best day trips in Iowa. Heart of Iowa Wine Trail stretches along much of Central Iowa, so you can take your time exploring local wineries, wandering vineyards and tasting the wine, of course.

6. Pay a visit to Adventureland USA - Altoona

Flickr/Joe Penniston

Adventureland has been an Iowa institution for a long time. You can spend the day going on rides, playing games, eating plenty of junk food, and trying out the newest roller coaster, The Monster.

7. Hike or bike the High Trestle Trail Bridge - Madrid

Flickr/Jason Mrachina

The High Trestle Trail Bridge stretches across the Des Moines River and is one of the largest trail bridges in the world. Along with the unique and beautiful bridge, there’s a 25-mile trail that passes through Ankeny, Sheldahl, Slater, Madrid and Woodward.

8. Visit Saylorville Lake - Polk City

Flickr/Tyler S. Miller

About ten miles away from Des Moines, Saylorville Lake is a reservoir of the Des Moines River. Here, you can enjoy nature as you partake in all sorts of water recreation activities, like boating, swimming and fishing.

What are your favorite day trips in Iowa? Let us know below in the comments section. For more ideas to get away from it all, take a road trip through the most charming small towns in Iowa.

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Margo Frankel Trail Is A Wooded Hike In Iowa That Leads To A Secret Playground

Kurt Kragthorpe — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 00:45:19 +0000

A hike to a playground in Iowa can make a visit to Margo Frankel Woods State Park especially memorable. One playground is positioned near the parking area, but there’s a joy to be found in discovering another. A detour that leads up the stairs from the two-mile, out-and-back trail leads to a second play opportunity for children, who will like finding it as a hidden surprise. That’s part of the charm of the Margo Frankel Trail. Some noise from traffic along 2nd Street (Highway 145) will remind hikers how close they are to downtown Des Moines, in a park that’s located about seven miles north of the Capitol. Yet once they travel a short distance into the woods, it’s remarkable how far removed from the city they feel.

The rock identifying the trail honors park namesake Margo Frankel, who's remembered as an environmentalist.

Thack Cavan/alltrails

You would never know that the stairs in the woods lead to a playground, would you?

Stephanie Shearer/alltrails

Hikers soon discover why "wooded" is part of the park's name.

Caitlin Richenbacher/alltrails

Unique sights and vantage points emerge along the Margo Frankel Trail.

Thack Cavan/alltrails

Plant life is part of the attraction and the educational opportunities of Margo Frankel Woods State Park.

Thack Cavan/alltrails

Walk carefully and look closely at the surroundings in the springtime, because you might be surprised about what lies nearby.

Erin Wickering/alltrails

The afternoon light changes the look of the trail, at various times of the year.

Diana Montoya/alltrails

The Margo Frankel Trail is fairly smooth, although there are some elevation changes.

Chris Burgess/alltrails

The 136-acre property is managed by the Saylor Township, even though it retains the state park name. Many hikers enjoy exploring the side trails that branch from the maintained path. And there’s a lot more to see and do in Des Moines.

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7 Unique Restaurants In Des Moines For A Memorable Experience

Dpaulson — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 16:56:11 +0000

There are so many great restaurants in Iowa. More specifically, there are some really unique places to eat in Des Moines. Here are seven fun restaurants where you’ll have a meal you’ll never forget.

1. Zombie Burger

Flickr/Michael McLean

Flickr/Matt Johnson

Zombie Burger, in the trendy East Village of Des Moines, is decked out with zombie-themed decor, making it a seriously unique place to eat in Des Moines. They serve up amazing and very unique burgers. A perfect example of that is the Walking Ched: breaded, deep-fried macaroni and cheese bun, bacon, cheddar, caramelized and raw onions, more mac and cheese, and mayo. Wow. Learn more about Zombie Burger and its offerings.

2. Fong’s Pizza

Facebook/Fong’s Pizza

Fong's used to be a Chinese restaurant. When the new owners bought it, they decided they didn't want to change the decor; hence, Fong's Pizza. This fun restaurant in Des Moines serves all kinds of interesting, inventive pizzas coupled with Asian flavors, like crab rangoon and hunan pork pizza. Read up further on Fong's Pizza.

3. El Bait Shop

Flickr/Sean Kimmel

This unique restaurant in Des Moines serves delicious Mexican-American food and has a huge selection of beer on tap, ranging from local craft brews to more classic beers. Their eclectic decor only adds to the uniqueness of the experience. Discover all there is to know about El Bait Shop.

4. Alba Restaurant

Facebook/Alba Des Moines

This colorful American restaurant features a wine bar and reclaimed doors hanging from the ceiling as part of its decor. This unique place to eat in Des Moines adds a unique twist to classic American dishes, making the most of fresh, seasonal ingredients. Learn more about Alba restaurant and other mouthwatering restaurants in Iowa.

5. Drake Diner

Flickr/Jeff Gitchel

Drake Diner has been a fixture since 1987. This fun restaurant in Des Moines is a 50s-style diner serving classic American fare, shakes, beer, and wine in a setting that hearkens back to a different time. Check out this article to learn more about Drake Diner and its offerings.

6. Centro

Flickr/Todd Mundt

Centro is in an ex-Masonic Temple. It is a beautiful, high-ceilinged space that is both upscale and casual. This unique place to eat in Des Moines serves Italian-inspired foods and other delicious and inventive dishes. Read up more on Centro and what you can expect dining here.

7. Flying Mango

Facebook/Flying Mango

This quirky and trendy restaurant serves barbecue, Cajun, and Caribbean food in a lively setting. With an open kitchen and live music, you'll definitely have an entertaining and unique experience eating at this fun restaurant in Des Moines. Find more reasons why a visit to Flying Mango is necessary.

Have you been to any of these unique places to eat in Des Moines? What are some of your other favorite restaurants? Tell us in the comments!

For more unique restaurants within the state, check out these 11 unique restaurants in Iowa.

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These 8 Haunted Places In Des Moines Will Send Chills Down Your Spine

Dpaulson — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 17:56:09 +0000

Looking for haunted places in Des Moines, Iowa? All cities have urban legends and haunts, and Des Moines is no exception. In fact, haunted Des Moines actually has quite a few high schools on the list. (Students and faculty, beware!) Here are eight haunted places in Des Moines that will send chills down your spine.

1. Lincoln High School

Google Maps

One of the most haunted places in Des Moines, most of the activity here goes on in the auditorium’s balcony. There have been reports of unexplained lights flashing on and off in the light booth, the seats of wooden folding chairs swinging up and down, cold spots, curtains mysteriously rustling with no breeze, and unexplained noises like tapping on the stage floor and banging on balcony seats. In the paint room, people have also reported feeling watched and even had the strange feeling of invisible fingers running up and down their backs. Creepy. For more information on the school, head to the website for Lincoln High School.

2. Des Moines International Airport (The Cloud Room)

Facebook/DSM International Airport

Today, there are offices in a spot that originally housed a restaurant named the Cloud Room, which operated in the 60s and 70s. People have reported seeing a deceased flight attendant who walks the empty hallways with a bag as if confused and looking for her flight. There have also been many cold spots and unexplained noises in and around the Cloud Room. Learn more about Des Moines International Airport.

3. Dowling Catholic High School

Facebook/Dowling Catholic High School

At this haunted Des Moines spot, there have been reports of people sighting a mysterious purple orb around the school. Learn more about Dowling Catholic High School.

4. Drake University Observatory

Flickr/brian.abeling

This observatory is said to be haunted by Dr. Robert Morehouse, the first chairman of the Astronomy and Physics department. He and his wife’s remains are interred in the wall of the entryway. Students have reported strange things going on in the basement, like the feeling of being watched by an invisible presence and even an unseen force that was correcting calculations in the observation logs! Read more about this spot and other haunted places in Iowa.

5. Spooky table at the Weaver House

Flickr/David Clow

You've probably heard of haunted houses in Des Moines, but have you ever heard of a haunted table? The legend goes that the Weavers purchased a table in 1937, and along with the table, there was also a ghost. It is said to have made rapping noises and other disturbances until a minister's wife calmed it by reading from the Bible.

6. Terrace Hill

Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM

Home to the governor of Iowa, Terrace Hill is also the home of the ghost of a transparent little girl who wanders around it. She also likes to work the elevator in this haunted place in Des Moines, although it’s supposedly operator code-protected. Get all the details about visiting Terrace Hill.

7. East High School

Facebook/Des Moines East High School

There have been reports of students seeing a glowing blue light in a restroom. Before the flash, there were sparks of electricity on the faucet when a student reached for it. In the school’s 150-year-old history, there have been at least four deaths in the school. Get more information about East High School.

8. Merle Hay Mall Tower

Facebook/Merle Hay Mall

According to local legend, there was a monastery where the tower is now, and an occasional nun would become pregnant and have a miscarriage. They buried the babies in unmarked graves on the grounds where the mall now stands. People have reported seeing a ghostly woman wearing an old-style habit who cries as she carries a dead child. People who work in the tower have also reported the elevator moving up and down on its own and hearing disembodied footsteps in the hallways. This is definitely one of the most haunted places in Des Moines. Learn more about this and other Iowa ghost stories.

Have you experienced any of these haunted places in Des Moines? What about haunted abandoned places in Des Moines? Tell us about it in the comments!

If you’re looking for more scares, check out these 10 hauntings In Iowa.

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10 Absolutely Amazing Places To Visit In Des Moines

Dpaulson — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 16:43:52 +0000

Are you looking to explore all of the amazing attractions near Des Moines, Iowa? There’s so much to see, do and learn. For your next adventure, here are 10 amazing places in Des Moines to check out.

1. Iowa State Capitol Building

Flickr/Alan

Des Moines is the capitol of Iowa, and the Iowa State Capitol Building is an interesting and beautiful place to explore more about our state. The building houses the Iowa Senate, Iowa House of Representatives, the Office of the Governor, and the Offices of the Attorney General, Auditor, Treasurer, and Secretary of State. Guided tours are available for interested visitors.

2. Gray’s Lake Park

Flickr/Michael Leland

Des Moines has a total of 60 miles of trails, and the trail that loops around Gray Lake at Gray's Lake State Park is a gorgeous place to take in the city.

3. Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Flickr/Jason Mrachina

The Greater Des Moines Botanical Center is a gorgeous place of natural beauty right in the middle of a city. Free-flying birds, fascinating plants and extensive gardens are just a few of the sights to enjoy here.

4. Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Flickr/Jason Mrachina

In downtown Des Moines, the Pappajohn Sculpture Park is a collection of two dozen sculptures that are truly one-of-a-kind. The sculptures are illuminated at night for an extra special view of the park.

5. Des Moines Art Center

Flickr/Andy Langager

The Des Moines Art Center houses a large collection of 20th and 21st century modern and contemporary art, along with art from all over the world.

6. Salisbury House

Flickr/Carl Wycoff

Salisbury House was built by Carl Weeks and his wife, Edith. Modeled after the King's House in Salisbury, England, the house contains a massive 42 rooms and measures around 22,000 square feet. To explore the house, just sign up for a tour.

7. State Historical Museum

Flickr/Lee Wright

This Museum in Des Moines contains three floors of exhibits celebrating Iowa’s rich history, contributions and heritage.

8. East Village

Flickr/Justin Berndt

East Village is a part of downtown Des Moines, with great shopping and restaurants.

9. Science Center of Iowa

Flickr/Carl Wycoff

The Science Center of Iowa contains interactive galleries & learning labs with a science focus. There’s also a planetarium & IMAX theater.

10. Robert D Ray Asian Gardens

Flickr/Paul Adams

The Chinese Cultural Center of America built this beautiful Asian Garden, with a Chinese pagoda, pond, landscaped gardens and many sculptures.

Aren’t all of these attractions in Des Moines Iowa exciting? Are there any awesome spots you think we’ve missed? Want to learn more about all of the amazing destinations that Iowa offers, take a look at our list of things to do in Iowa.

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These 7 Unique Places in Des Moines Are An Absolute Must-See . . . And Soon!

Dpaulson — Mon, 15 Aug 2016 18:40:55 +0000

Des Moines, our capital city, is an amazing place to explore for so many reasons, from restaurants to shopping, to art and culture, natural beauty and much more. These seven unique places in Des Moines are an absolute must-see.

1. The Iowa Statue of Liberty

Flickr/Paul Barnett

Outside the State Capitol Building, you can see a small replica of our very own Lady Liberty.

2. Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Flickr/Todd Mundt

The Pappajohn Sculpture Park is full of one-of-a kind sculptures. Take a walk and look at the art and then settle in for a picnic if you want to make an afternoon of it.

3. Hessen Haus

Facebook/Hessen Haus

At Hessen Haus, you can drink a beer out of a glass boot. You can’t say that very often, can you?

4. Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden

Flickr/Dan Buettner

If you take a Friday public tour of these beautiful gardens, you can learn and see some of the most innovative gardening techniques.

5. Iowa Beef Steakhouse

Facebook/Iowa Beef Steakhouse

This steakhouse serves huge steaks, and you can even choose to grill your own!

6. The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates

Flickr/Carl Wycoff

This building was built in 1903. It has been lovingly restored into a museum with exhibits that celebrate those who have dedicated their lives to fighting hunger around the world. Guided tours are available on Tuesdays at 9am, 10:30am, 12pm and 1:30pm.

7. Salisbury House & Gardens

Facebook/Salisbury House and Gardens

The Salisbury House & Gardens is a beautiful 1920s mansion with a botanical garden, art museum, concert venue and library.

What are your favorite places to see in Des Moines? Have you been to any of these? To explore Iowa further, check out these 10 Places In Iowa You Must See Before You Die.

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Here Are 6 BBQ Joints in Des Moines That Will Leave Your Mouth Watering Uncontrollably

Dpaulson — Mon, 15 Aug 2016 18:19:57 +0000

Considering the multitude of farms here in Iowa, it’s no surprise that we’re big fans of meat, and, of course, BBQ. And we do it well. These six BBQ restaurants in Des Moines will give you a truly mouth-watering experience.

1. Woody’s Smoke Shack

Flickr/Carol VanHook

Cheryl and Woody Wasson actually compete on the championship barbecue circuit, so you know they know what they’re doing. They’re best known for their baby back ribs, but their brisket, pulled pork and other offerings are also very tasty.

2. Flying Mango

Facebook/Flying Mango

This unique Caribbean-style barbecue place is a standout. Their 24-hour beef brisket and smoked pork tenderloin are to die for.

3. Jethro’s BBQ

Flickr/Jerry Huddleston

Jethro’s serves up mouth-watering hickory and oak smoked meats along with their house-made sauces like Alabama white, Georgia barbecue or teriyaki barbecue.

4. Smokey D’s BBQ

Facebook/Smokey D’s BBQ

The award-winning owner of Smokey D’s, Darren Warth, says he goes through 1,200 racks of ribs a week, so you know that’s a winning dish. They also serve an amazing mac and cheese and potato casserole.

5. Cactus Bob’s BBQ Corral

Facebook/Cactus Bob’s BBQ Corral

Cactus Bob’s chef, Patrick Rogers, smokes their meats for 20 hours over hickory. Their brisket, smoked chicken wings and ribs are amazing. For a unique and spicy side, try the jalapeño creamed corn.

6. Guru BBQ

Facebook/Guru BBQ

Guru serves a fusion blend of barbecue. Try their Andouille sausage, wings, brisket or delicious sandwiches with their homemade barbecue sauce.

What are your favorite Des Moines BBQ places? For more ideas around the state, Here Are 12 BBQ Joints In Iowa That Will Make Your Mouth Water

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8 Facts About Des Moines You Never Knew Were True

Dpaulson — Mon, 15 Aug 2016 18:11:02 +0000

There’s so much about Des Moines to be learned and explored. Here are eight facts about Des Moines that you’d never believe are true.

1. Between the years of 1942 and 2009, a city ordinance made dancing illegal between the hours of 2 and 6 a.m.

Flickr/Quinn Dombrowski

2. The Des Moines Blank Park Zoo became home to a third red panda, Razz, in 2012. It is estimated that there are only about 2,500 to 20,000 red pandas left in the wild.

Facebook/Blank Park Zoo

3. The Iowa State Capitol’s dome contains roughly 100 ounces of gold.

Flickr/Richard Smith

4. Ronald Reagan held one of his first entertainment jobs as an announcer of Chicago Cubs games for WHO radio in Des Moines.

Flickr/Gage Skidmore

5. In 2012, famed Iowa native Ashton Kutcher was part of a $5 million funding round for Dwolla, a Des Moines-based startup looking to provide an alternative to credit cards.

Flickr/TechCrunch

6. Opened in 1901, Des Moines’ Waveland Golf Course is the oldest municipal golf course in the country west of the Mississippi river.

Facebook/Waveland Golf Course

7. The guy who played Superman in “Superman Returns,” (Brandon Routh) was born in the Des Moines area.

Flickr/Linny Heng

8. Des Moines was originally named Fort Raccoon. It then became Fort Des Moines, and finally, in 1857, was shortened to Des Moines.

Flickr/Triker-Sticks

Do you know any other little known facts about Des Moines? Want to learn more about our great state? Here are 14 Incredible, Almost Unbelievable Facts About Iowa.

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You And Your Partner Will Love These 8 Unique Date Ideas In Des Moines

Dpaulson — Mon, 15 Aug 2016 17:45:08 +0000

Is date night coming around again? Maybe you’re tired of the same old routine and want to shake things up a bit. Here are eight unique date ideas in Des Moines that will be sure to impress your date and spark a flame.

1. Have a romantic dinner at Aposto and see a play at StageWest.

Facebook/Aposto at The Scala House

Facebook/StageWest Theatre Company

There’s nothing more romantic than Italian food by candlelight in a beautiful Victorian mansion. Then take in some live theater at StageWest Theatre Company. It’ll give you plenty to talk about on the drive home.

2. Savor a dessert, cocktail and conversation at Creme Dessert Lounge.

Facebook/Creme Cupcake

This bakery offers inventive baked goods and a nighttime lounge where adults can enjoy desserts and drinks in an elegant atmosphere.

3. Take in some jazz music at Noce Jazz Club.

Facebook/Noce

Have a cultured, lively date by taking in some live music at the hip Noce Jazz Club.

4. Take a romantic moonlit walk around Gray’s Lake.

Flickr/Tyler S. Miller

Gray’s Lake looks positively magical in the moonlight. What better backdrop for romance?

5. See a horse race at Prairie Meadows.

Flickr/Jason Mrachina

Looking for excitement plus novelty? A horse race at Prairie Meadows might just be the ticket.

6. Enjoy a nice glass of wine at Louie’s Wine Dive.

Facebook/Louie’s Wine Dive Des Moines

This warm and welcoming spot has a full wine bar, as well as a dinner menu if you get hungry.

7. See a comedy show at the Last Laugh Comedy Theater.

Facebook/The Last Laugh Comedy Theater

What’s a better ice-breaker than some good laughter. The Last Laugh Comedy Theater presents original live improv. And if you’re feeling really adventurous, you could even take an improv class together.

8. Take in a reduced-price movie at Cobblestone 9 Theaters on Tuesdays.

Facebook/Carmike Cobblestone 9 Cinemas

If you’re looking for a weeknight date idea that’s easy on the wallet, Cobblestone 9’s stimulus Tuesday offers nighttime movies at matinee prices.

What are your favorite date spots in Des Moines? For more date ideas, You and Your Partner Will Love These 14 Unique Date Ideas in Iowa.

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These 7 Places In Des Moines Are AMAZING – And The Best Part? They Don’t Cost Anything

Dpaulson — Mon, 15 Aug 2016 17:31:32 +0000

While many fun activities require you to open your wallet, there are actually a surprising number of free things to do in Des Moines. Here are seven places to go in Des Moines that are totally amazing, and totally free.

1. Pack a picnic and take a stroll around Gray’s Lake

Flickr/Michael Leland

Public parks are not only pretty, they’re free. Pack a picnic from home, take a leisurely walk around the lake and then set out a blanket to enjoy your food by the water.

2. Zenith Chamber Music Festival

Facebook/Zenith Chamber Music Festival

The Zenith Chamber Music Festival is an annual summer chamber music concert festival from August 16th - August 20th. The concerts feature local as well as national and international guest artists. All concerts are free admission.

3. Tour the Iowa State Capitol Building

Flickr/Lee Ingalls

The Iowa State Capitol Building is not only the home of the state senate, house of representatives and governor, it is also a stunning work of architecture, and best of all, you can take a guided tour of the building, for free.

4. Go for a bike ride on one of Des Moines many miles of public trails

Flickr/Jason Mrachina

Des Moines has become one of Iowa’s most walking and biking friendly cities. There are a total of 60 miles of trails within the city where you can walk, bike or jog for free.

5. Explore the State Historical Museum

Flickr/Lee Wright

Learn about Iowa’s history, contributions and heritage at this interesting museum.

6. Visit the Des Moines Art Center

Flickr/Andy Langager

This art center offers free exhibitions of its extensive collection of 20th and 21st century modern and contemporary art.

7. Walk through the Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Flickr/Phil Roeder

A collection of two dozen incredible sculptures, this one-of-a-kind outside art exhibit is there for your enjoyment.

For more budget friendly ideas, check out these 10 Things To Do In Iowa This Summer – Without Opening Your Wallet.

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