Start your trip learning about the lifestyles of the 1700s Native Americans and the methods of farming for the past three centuries at Living History Farms. Explore the museum’s three working farms and listen to the sounds of the Midwest during a self-guided tour of the 500-acre property. Watch a hockey game and meet the locals cheering on the Tier 1 junior ice hockey team, the Des Moines Buccaneers, at the Buccaneer Arena. If you are not a hockey fan, this 4000-seat venue is host to multiple concerts during the year.
Spend a fun and educational afternoon exploring the hands-on exhibits at the Science Center of Iowa. The 110,000-square-foot learning center in the heart of downtown Des Moines makes science cool again with its science videos, LEGO station where you can build/race you own car and live animal exhibits. After a hearty breakfast in your hotel, stretch your legs and get outdoors at one of Iowa’s nature gems, Ledges State Park. This park will make your forget you are in the middle of Iowa when you descend to the bottom of its sandstone gorge 100 feet down and adventure through the woodlands.
Make new animal friends and enjoy a small theme park at the Blank Park Zoo in nearby Des Moines. With more than 800 animals inside, this zoo is a great opportunity to walk amongst the animals. Remember to leave with a stuffed version of your new favorite animal. With fairgrounds spreading over 435 acres, the annual Iowa State Fair is a must-see attraction if you are visiting in August. An 11-day adventure, this fair has one of the world’s largest livestock shows, the state’s largest arts show, high-profile concerts and much more–including a sculpted Butter Cow.
With so much to see and do in town, make sure to book a room with Choice Hotels in Urbandale, Iowa near everything the Des Moines area has to offer. Check out our selection listed above and reserve with Choice Hotels today.