Things to do in Iowa
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Des Moines Art Center
The Des Moines Art Center is worth a look both for its interesting architecture and for its collection of modern art including American greats such as Edward Hopper and Georgia O'Keeffe. A highlight is IM Pei's sculpture garden, featuring Red Grooms' Germanic 'butter cow'. The museum stays open until 21:00 on Thursdays.
There is also a downtown branch at 800 Walnut Street (at the corner of 9th & Walnut Streets).
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Java Joe's
The small menu covers a lot of ground: breakfast pastries, sandwiches, Indian dishes (lotsa lentils) and, of course, cupfuls of coffee. There's live local music many nights.
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Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge
About 20 miles east of Des Moines, near Prairie City, this wonderful, 5000-acre wildlife refuge is the site of an unprecedented tallgrass reconstruction project. See the film and displays at the Prairie Learning Center to learn about the ecosystems that have vanished. Outside are herds of buffalo and elk, plus a 5-mile auto tour and 2-mile hiking trail.
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State Capitol
- Des Moines, USA
- Sights › Other
The bling-heavy State Capitol must have been Liberace's favorite government building. Its every detail, from the sparkling gold dome to the spiral staircases and stained glass in the law library, seems to strive to outdo the other. Join a free tour and you can climb halfway up the dome.
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Iowa Historical Building
The ambitious Iowa Historical Building includes a library and museum, with exhibits ranging from a 15,000 year old Iowan Hebior mammoth to the more contemporary 'Favorite Things of the 20th Century' exhibit, which tries to explain our fascination with such things as pacemakers and miniskirts.
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Iowa 80 Truckstop
The Iowa 80 Truckstop is the world's biggest, complete with a trucking museum displaying actual rigs. The gift shop contains some of the tackiest merchandise imaginable. Stock up.
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State Historical Museum
- Des Moines, USA
- Sights › Other
The engaging State Historical Museum, at the foot of the capitol, features first person accounts from people who lived through a particular historical era or event.
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Cookry
This friendly Sierra Leonean-owned place near Drake University offers some West African staples like cassava leaves and goat curry stew, plus some more familiar flavors.
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Twilight
- Iowa, USA
- Activities › Other
You can cruise the gorgeous Mississippi on the Victorian-style riverboat Twilight, which runs two-day round-trips to Dubuque from nearby Le Claire.
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Tractor Assembly Tours
Fun and free tractor- driven Tractor Assembly Toursshow how tractors are made. The minimum age is 13 and reservations are required.
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Engine Works Tours
Fun and free tractor- driven Engine Works Tours show how tractors are made. The minimum age is 13 and reservations are required.
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Barn Museum
A popular stop is the privately owned Barn Museum, which has miniature versions of buildings found across rural America.
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Lincoln Café
- Iowa, USA
- Restaurants › Other
The foodie favorite Lincoln Café serves amazing versions of local foods (try the burger with Maytag blue cheese.
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Amana Heritage Museum
Six museums are sprinkled throughout the villages, including the insightful Amana Heritage Museum
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Birthplace of John Wayne
The humble birthplace of John Wayne, aka Marion Robert Morrison, is now a museum.
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House of Bricks
A gritty live music legend in the East Village, it serves up tasty, beer-absorbent chow.
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