Places to visit, activities, more

The Des Moines Register has gathered a number of the greatest 2022 trip concepts, free actions, issues to see and enjoyable issues to do in Des Moines and round Iowa this summer season.

There are many enjoyable issues to do with the household from Adventureland to Clean Park Zoo. Or you possibly can have some enjoyable discovering the outside with lovely parks to see, gorgeous gardens, bridges to see, cool caves and methods to chill off within the water. Already on a highway journey? Cease by these novelty issues to see in your manner. 

When you’re searching for one thing much less nature-involved, there’s meals and drinks available throughout Iowa, to not point out some good buying. There’s tons of festivals, live shows and methods to get related with arts, tradition and even historical past. 

We did not neglect about our sports activities fanatics, both, with the Discipline of Goals baseball sport taking the highlight together with extra sporting occasions. 

Have a look:

Caves to discover

Alongside six miles of trails see the pure bridge, balanced rock and Dancehall Cave. Lengthen your keep by reserving a tenting spot on the newly upgraded campground.

Take an underground boat tour by Spook Collapse McGregor. Your information will train you concerning the historical past of the limestone cave. 

Cool bridges to cross

A 3,000-foot-long and 15-foot-wide bridge connects Council Bluffs to Omaha throughout the Missouri River. Take pleasure in views of the river and Omaha whereas strolling, operating or bicycling. 

Benefit from the sculpture on the bridge in addition to the views of the Des Moines River valley as you bike or stroll the half-mile of path that’s 13 tales excessive. Positioned west of Madrid, this bridge is a magnificence by day or at evening, when it’s lit a shiny neon blue.

5. I-74 Pedestrian Path

The 1-74 Bridge spanning the Mississippi River between Bettendorf and Moline now has a pedestrian path connecting the 2 cities. Cease on the 10-foot oculus for a view of the mighty Mississippi or test it out at evening when uplighting supplies an ideal picture opp.  

Beautiful gardens

Consisting of 17 acres in Ames, plan sufficient time in your go to to discover all 26 backyard areas and the butterfly wing.

Filled with pure magnificence, benefit from the crops each contained in the conservatory and within the out of doors gardens. Seize a chew to eat at Trellis Cafe after strolling the grounds. 

Uncover Iowa’s nice open air

Positioned exterior of Prairie Metropolis, the wildlife refuge has strolling and biking trails winding by the pure Iowa habitat and a driving tour the place it’s possible you’ll spot bison and elk.

9. Cumming Faucet journey

The Cumming Faucet is 10 miles south of Des Moines on the Nice Western Bike Path and is a well-liked journey for bicyclists. Comply with their Fb web page to search out out when they are going to have meals out there for buy.

Go tenting and discover the Higher Iowa River by canoe or kayak to expertise the fantastic thing about the bluffs, cliffs, eagles and different wildlife close to Cresco.

11. Go to the best spot in Iowa

Hawkeye Level in Osceola County is Iowa’s highest level at 1,670 ft above sea degree. Take within the views from the commentary deck or wander by the historic farming shows.

12. Decorah’s Trout Run Path

Bike, stroll or run alongside the Trout Run Path to see the sights in Decorah. Cease by the Decorah Fish Hatchery and benefit from the artwork alongside the path.

This recreation middle south of Dubuque is on 1,437 acres of wooded and prairie land. Earlier than heading out for a hike cease to go to the displays on the EB Lyons Interpretive Heart.

Spend a day on the Loess Hills Lavender Farm in Missouri Valley throughout Lavender Inventory, July 16-17. There will likely be music, distributors and craft courses and lavender you’ll be able to choose to make your individual bouquet.

Acquire fossils from the time when Iowa was an ocean or hike by native prairie throughout your go to to the Fossil and Prairie Park Protect in Rockford.

Positioned in Harpers Ferry, there are greater than 200 identified prehistoric mounds. Take a guided tour with a park ranger to study extra about these Native American-made mounds.

Fairly parks

See spectacular views of the Mississippi River, benefit from the butterfly backyard and search for bald eagles when you get pleasure from one of many park’s trails in Bellevue.

Study wetlands, prairies, woodlands and the habitat of Iowa within the interactive displays. Be certain and drive by the go to the Elk and Bison Instructional Plaza throughout your go to to Granger. 

Hike or view the elk year-round at this park in Audubon County. From Memorial Day by September you can even go to the museum buildings to study concerning the settlement of the realm.  

Convey your individual water bottle and replenish from the artesian nicely at Spring Park in Osage. You too can discover the two-mile path, let youngsters play on the playground or keep at one of many primitive tenting websites.

Go to the lilac arboretum at this Des Moines park through the few weeks the flowers are in bloom (normally in early Might). Whereas there, take the youngsters to Ashley Okland Star Playground or play a spherical of disc golf.

Enjoyable on the water

Positioned on Huge Spirit Lake in Orleans, Ainsworth-Orleans Seaside is a two-acre park with an extended sand seashore, boat ramp, dock and playground. When you’re there you can even go to the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery.

Go for a leisurely stroll across the lake, lease a paddleboat or take a swim on the seashore at this park situated simply south of downtown Des Moines.

Go whitewater kayaking at Riverfront Park in Charles Metropolis. The course consists of three water options and is three-quarter of a mile lengthy.

See the one water-ski present crew in Iowa that performs on the Mississippi River. Exhibits are free, family-friendly and are held on various dates from June by August in Bellevue.

26. Go crusing

Hire a pontoon boat on considered one of Iowa’s 34 pure lakes and luxuriate in a day on the water. Fish, loosen up and take within the surroundings and don’t neglect your sunscreen. The state’s deepest lakes, the Iowa Nice Lakes, embody Huge Spirit Lake, West Okoboji and East Okoboji that mix for 86 miles of shoreline.

27. Splash at a water park

Many cities in Iowa have their very own out of doors aquatic parks with waterslides, lazy rivers and extra. Within the Des Moines space, check out the aquatic parks in Altoona, Ankeny, Clive or West Des Moines. 

28. Tour the Mississippi River by boat

Take a day journey on the biggest non-gaming riverboat and benefit from the Mississippi River from LeClaire to Dubuque with Celebration River Cruises. 

29. Make it a weekend in Okoboji

The Iowa Nice Lakes present leisure for everybody. Spend time on the water boating, parasailing, water snowboarding or fishing. When you favor to remain on land, you’ll be able to benefit from the buying, golf and museums within the space.

Extra:Okoboji for newbies: The place to remain, eat and mess around Iowa’s Nice Lakes

30. Float down the Iowa River

Go tubing down the Iowa River (most floats final three to 5 hours) at Iowa Rock-n-Row Adventures, then loosen up on the campsite for the evening in Eldora.

31. Go fishing

Get your fishing license and loosen up alongside the shores of an Iowa lake or pond. Strive Rock Creek State Park in Kellogg, Lake Anita State Park in Anita or Lake MacBride State Park in Solon.

Benefit from the seashore, playground or go fishing off the pier at this West Des Moines park.

Household enjoyable

Take pleasure in the fantastic thing about the Lake Okoboji and the thrills of the amusement park rides at Arnolds Park. Take a journey on the Legend Curler Coaster, the nation’s seventh-oldest coaster.

34. Discover enjoyable and video games at Smash Park

Eat, drink and play at Smash Park in West Des Moines. Benefit from the arcade or play some pickle ball, bocce ball or shuffleboard on the patio.

See giraffes, rhinoceros, lions, tigers and extra at Des Moines’ zoo. By means of Might 30 you’ll be able to take a look at the Wild Lights Competition that includes 40 massive illuminated lanterns that function endangered animals and legendary creatures.

36. See Iowa by practice

Select from quite a lot of excursions in Boone through Scenic Valley Railroad together with a primary tour, dinner, lunch or picnic practice and benefit from the surroundings when you take a journey on the rails. The 2022 season begins Memorial Day weekend.

37. Go digital

When it’s too scorching to be exterior, cool off with bowling, laser tag, digital actuality experiences and video video games at Nice Escape in Nice Hill. Seize a chew to eat and a craft beer when you’re there at Social-Eats & Crafts.

38. See films open air

That includes two screens, take your choose of double options at this Superior 71 Drive-In Theater, the drive-in movie show in Spirit Lake.

Trip the curler coasters at Adventureland (or the teacups if that’s extra your type) then head to Journey Bay Water Park (included with common admission) and funky off within the wave pool or take a number of journeys down the waterslides. This season options 9 new rides.

Extra:Adventureland opens underneath new possession. What amusement park followers ought to learn about 2022 season

40. Discover enchantment within the Amana Colonies

Be taught concerning the historical past of the seven villages that make up the Amana Colonies on the Amana Heritage Society to search out out extra concerning the space initially settled by German immigrants in 1855, and go to the Amana Woolen Mill, Millstream Brewing Co., a number of wineries or the Amana Meat Store & Smokehouse.

41. Really feel the necessity for velocity on the Marshalltown Speedway

Spend a Friday evening having fun with dust monitor racing in Marshalltown. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and races begin at 7:30 p.m.

A part of the Grout Museum District in Waterloo, the Imaginarium is an interactive science middle with three flooring of displays.

43. Take a journey on the Heritage Carousel of Des Moines

Opening on Might 28 for the 2022 season, take a journey on the Heritage Carousel of Des Moines. After your journey, go to the Union Park playground. 

Historical past buffs

44. Buddy Holly crash web site and Surf Ballroom and Museum

Get a music historical past lesson on the Surf Ballroom and Museum in Clear Lake, then make the quick drive north of city to the farm area the place Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, J.P. “the Huge Bopper” Richardson and pilot Roger Peterson had been killed in a aircraft crash in 1959.

45. Danish villages of Elk Horn and Kimballton

Go to the 2 largest Danish settlements in america. See a sculpture of the “Little Mermaid,” an genuine windmill from Norre Snede, Denmark, and study concerning the tradition on the Museum of Danish America.

Be taught what life was like on a 1700 Ioway American Indian farm, 1850 pioneer farm and 1900 horse-powered farm. Stroll by the city of Walnut Hill (set in 1876) and go to the overall retailer, blacksmith and the milliner. Discover it in Urbandale.

Positioned in Greenfield, the museum showcases the historical past of flight in Iowa and guests can get pleasure from wanting on the classic plane on show.

See how farming has modified by the years and study concerning the historical past of tractors. The museum options hundreds of toys, displays and shows and is situated in Dyersville.

Drive simply west of Adair and take your image in entrance of a locomotive wheel that marks the positioning the place Jesse James staged his first theft of a transferring practice in 1873. 

Be taught concerning the life and legacy of the one president from Iowa when you tour the museum. Hoover’s birthplace cottage and grave are additionally situated on the grounds in West Department.

Positioned in West Bend, 9 separate grottos every depict a scene from the lifetime of Christ. The grotto incorporates a group of treasured gems and gem stones discovered wherever in a single location. 

Time stopped on the 12 villages that make up the Villages of Van Buren. Guests can discover two Nationwide Historic Districts and buying together with a dose of southern Iowa hospitality. The positioning contains the Bentonsport Historic Bridge, Douds Depot in Douds, vintage and specialty retailers. 

Cool off from the summer season warmth with a go to to the Ice Home Museum in Cedar Falls. The museum shares the story of ice harvesting and is situated in an authentic ice home.

This free museum is in Council Bluffs and is filled with interactive displays for all ages. Find out how the transcontinental railroad was constructed and all about rail journey in america.

Take a tour of this Nationwide Historic Landmark exterior of Lewis in Cass County. The home was inbuilt 1856 by Rev. George Hitchcock and was a cease on the Underground Railroad. The Hitchcock Home is open from 1 to five p.m. Thursday by Sundays.

Head to Spillville to admire the hand-carved clocks made by the Bily brothers. Go to the Antonin Dvorak exhibit on the second flooring of the constructing the place the Czech composer spent the summer season of 1893 along with his household.

57. Pioneer Heritage Museum

This museum situated in Marengo is a half-block of buildings together with an 1860’s log cabin, a 1938 Marengo fireplace truck and a heritage barn.

This academic and historic occasion runs Sept. 1-5 in Mount Nice. You possibly can drive a tractor (or simply have a look at the greater than 1,000 tractors on show), go to the museums or take a practice journey by the grounds.

59. Stockman Home

Followers of architect Frank Lloyd Wright can admire his work by visiting the Stockman Home in Mason Metropolis. Excursions embody the outside and inside of the home. Admission is $10.

When Laura Ingalls was 9 years previous, her household moved to Burr Oak to handle the Masters Lodge. Take a guided tour of the lodge to study Wilder’s life there after which wander alongside the banks of the Silver Creek.

Arts and tradition alternatives

61. Shakespeare on the Garden

The Salisbury Home Basis and Iowa Stage Theatre Co. current “King Lear” when Shakespeare on the Garden returns to the Salisbury Home in Des Moines July 13-17. Advance tickets are required.

Take your image in entrance of the home that impressed Grant Wooden’s iconic portray. Whereas there, cease on the customer middle to study extra concerning the artist in Eldon.

Open year-round in Winterset, the Iowa Quilt Museum has two displays this summer season. Till June 26 take a look at “Midwest Trendy,” which options fashionable quilts from the final decade. The exhibit “Marti Michell, Yours Actually” will open June 28 and honors Iowan Marti Michell’s contributions to quilting.

On Might 27 and 28 expertise greater than a dozen Asian villages that includes meals, leisure and academic actions with out leaving Iowa. The pageant is held Western Gateway Park in Des Moines. 

From June 24-26 in Western Gateway Park in Des Moines, discover the following piece of artwork in your residence. Spend time having fun with the efficiency artwork, interactive artwork, music, meals and different actions the pageant has to supply.

Study America’s waterways on this museum situated on Dubuque’s Riverwalk. See what sort of animals reside within the Mississippi River and participate within the interactive displays. The exhibit River of Innovation encompasses a Nineteenth-century belt-driven machine store.

Hear as Iowans inform true, first-person tales centered round a typical theme. June 14 at Hoyt Sherman Place the theme is “Voyages: Life-changing experiences by journey.”

Convey a picnic and benefit from the artwork unfold throughout 4.4 acres in downtown Des Moines. If you wish to study extra concerning the artwork, guided excursions can be found by request on-line.

The Czech Innovation Expo will likely be on show till June 26 on the Nationwide Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids. It’s an interactive exhibit utilizing an app on good gadgets that focuses on innovations and scientific discoveries of Czechs.

Positioned in downtown Iowa Metropolis, the Iowa Arts Competition options greater than 110 native and nationwide artists, meals distributors and actions for youths. It will likely be held June 3-5.

The wild world of sports activities

71. Absorb a baseball sport

Take pleasure in a day (or evening) on the ballpark at any considered one of Iowa’s skilled baseball groups. Watch the Clinton LumberKings, the Cedar Rapids Kernels, the Burlington Bees, the Sioux Metropolis Explorers, the Quad Cities River Bandits in Davenport or the Iowa Cubs in Des Moines.

72. Go ziplining

Sky Excursions at YMCA Union Park Camp in Dubuque affords 9 ziplines on a two-hour guided tour of Union Park. Guide a tour on-line. 

73. RAGBRAI

Take pleasure in 462 miles of biking by central Iowa throughout RAGBRAI. From July 23-30, bicyclists will journey from Sergeant Bluff to Lansing through the Register’s Annual Nice Bike Trip Throughout Iowa.

Extra:Try RAGBRAI’s newly introduced pass-through and assembly cities with particulars, highlights

74. ‘Discipline of Goals’ in Dyersville

Open year-round, the “Discipline of Goals” film web site provides followers an opportunity to stroll across the area or get tickets for a tour of the home. On Aug. 11 Main League Baseball will likely be again on the area when the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds play.

Extra:When is the 2022 Discipline of Goals Sport? What it’s best to learn about this season’s MLB sport in Dyersville

75. Take a swing

Escape your golf golf equipment and take a swing at considered one of Iowa’s greater than 440 public golf programs. Among the state’s greatest embody Spirit Hole in Burlington, which was constructed on a 400-acre cattle ranch; The Harvester Golf Membership in Rhodes, ranked as excessive at fortieth nationwide; Blue Prime Ridge designed by famed architect Rees Jones in Riverside on the Riverside Resort & On line casino; The Protect on Rathbun Lake in Moravia, which even has a resort with actions round Rathbun Lake and an indoor water park; or The Falls Golf Course in Larchwood, additionally designed by Jones with a 30-foot waterfall that feeds right into a lake.

Positioned in Grimes and the East Village in Des Moines, Climb Iowa affords indoor climbing experiences for everybody. It’s the proper exercise for a wet summer season day in Iowa.

Play tennis on a garden tennis courtroom that was constructed on a household farm exterior Charles Metropolis in 2003. Reservations are required.

78. Be a part of a crew

Verify together with your metropolis’s parks and recreation division to see what sports activities are provided. Many cities provide slow-pitch softball, sand volleyball and kickball leagues.

Festivals for everybody

From July 29 to Aug. 6, the sky will likely be full of balloons in Indianola. Take pleasure in morning and night flights, the Nite Glow Extravaganza, fireworks and extra.

The forty third annual Candy Corn Competition in Adel takes place on Aug. 13. There’s a 5K run, parade, distributors and free candy corn.

81. Rhubacue on the River & 5K

On June 11, Rhubarb Fest and Riverfest in Manchester are coming collectively for one large occasion. Strive some rhubarb pie or possibly a rhubarb brat. Be taught concerning the White Water Park whereas watching demonstrations from the shore.

From Aug. 2-6 head to Sidney for PRCA saddlebronc using, steer wrestling and specialty act The Cowgirl Sweethearts.

83. Basic Automotive Day

Try classic vehicles, get pleasure from music, meals and actions at Kinney Pioneer Museum in Mason Metropolis on June 5. The occasion runs from midday to five p.m., and grownup admission is $10, youngsters 12 and underneath $5.

Head to the Hamilton County Fairgrounds in Webster Metropolis Might 27-28 for JunqueFest the place one can find all issues classic, upcycled, steel, and repurposed. There can even be meals, wine and children’ actions.

85. Nice River TugFest

Be a part of within the enjoyable in LeClaire at TugFest Aug. 11-13. Take pleasure in free admission Thursday evening, fireworks on Friday and a Tug of Warfare throughout the Mississippi River on Saturday.

Music at festivals

86. Leisure on the Iowa State Honest

From August 11-21, rejoice one of the best Iowa has to supply on the Iowa State Honest. This yr’s grandstand leisure contains Alanis Morissette, Brooks & Dunn, Nelly and extra.

Extra:What to know concerning the 2022 Iowa State Honest: live shows, tickets, dates and extra

On July 29 to July 31, get pleasure from a weekend of music in Strawberry Level. This yr’s musicians embody Seth Mulder & Midnight Run, The Savage Hearts and The Household Sowell.

Take pleasure in a day of free music July 2 in Sioux Metropolis. The 2022 lineup contains Buddy Man, Elle King and the Avett Brothers.

This nation music pageant is held on the Guthrie County Fairgrounds. From July 28-30 you’ll be able to see acts together with Sawyer Brown, Sara Evans and Clay Walker.

Discover extra than simply music at this two-day pageant in downtown Des Moines. Purchase some artwork, take the littles to the youngsters zone at no cost actions and benefit from the meals whereas listening to the music on the free and paid phases. The 2022 lineup July 8-9 contains Father John Misty, Iowa’s personal Maddie Poppe, and Charli XCX. 

Hearken to reside music on the Lauridsen Amphitheater in Des Moines’ Water Works Park. Fitz and The Tantrums take the stage June 24.

Head to the Avenue of the Saints Amphitheater in St. Charles for 3 days of music, Aug. 4-7. The lineup contains Nathaniel Rateliff & The Evening Sweats, Phoebe Bridgers, and Glass Animals. There are additionally craft distributors, artwork, and household actions to get pleasure from.

Extra:Hinterland Music Competition’s 2022 lineup launched, new 4-day schedule in St. Charles

Don’t miss the world premiere of the opera “A Thousand Acres” on July 9. The opera is predicated on the novel by Jane Smiley and is about in Iowa.

Dubbed the most effective nation music festivals within the nation, this music pageant brings 20,000 followers to Forest Metropolis to see Hint Adkins, Travis Tritt, Sawyer Brown and extra June 10-12.

Kick off the Fourth of July with two phases with jazz musicians after they take over downtown Iowa Metropolis July 1-3.

Eat and drink your manner by Iowa

96. Take pleasure in a craft beer

Throughout Iowa you will discover quite a few craft breweries. Strive a flight of native beers at Toppling Goliath in Decorah, Huge Grove Brewery in Solon and Iowa Metropolis or Confluence Brewing Co. in Des Moines.

97. Fulfill your candy tooth

Snookies Malt Store is a favourite summertime cease for individuals within the Beaverdale neighborhood in Des Moines. Get a cone, float, or shake and deal with your furry pal to a pet cone when you’re there. 

Head to the Western Gateway Park in Des Moines Sept. 17-19 to attempt meals from world wide, wine and craft beers. Keep for the cooking demonstrations and reside music.

Positioned in Le Mars, the Wells Customer Heart provides followers of ice cream an opportunity to look at a film concerning the historical past of Wells. After that, make sure that to seize a candy snack on the Ice Cream Parlor.

100. Choose your individual berries

Spend a morning or afternoon choosing strawberries, raspberries or blackberries. Days and instances range relying on the climate annually, and it’s greatest to name forward. A listing of U-Choose farms in Iowa is on-line at visitiowafarms.org.

101. Farmers markets

Assist native farmers, producers and artists at your native farmers’ market. In central Iowa go to Valley Junction Famers’ Market on Thursday evenings or the Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings. 

Extra:Discover one of the best summer season produce and extra at considered one of these 16 Des Moines and metro farmers markets

Procuring extravaganza

102. Store ’til you drop

Spend a day on the Shops of Des Moines in Altoona and store at a few of your favourite model identify shops such because the Coach Outlet, Categorical Manufacturing unit, Lane Bryant, Nike Manufacturing unit Retailer and J Crew Manufacturing unit.

103. Iowa’s Vintage Metropolis

Head to Walnut for some buying at vintage shops and specialty retailers. The Barn Mall, constructed in 1894, options greater than 30 vintage distributors with a whole flooring full of classic chairs. The Granary Vintage Mall, the realm’s largest vintage store, has two ranges of treasures from furnishings to pottery.

104. Story Metropolis shop-a-thon

Story Metropolis has a number of boutique retailers, an vintage mall and a restored 1913 Herschell-Spillman vintage carousel that includes hand-carved picket animals that dance to music from a 1936 band organ.

105. Do some choosing in LeClaire

Vintage Archeology, the store made well-known on “American Pickers,” provides followers a have a look at a number of the treasure Mike Wolfe picked throughout America.

Discover greater than 140 specialty retailers, boutiques, artwork galleries and vintage retailers on this West Des Moines buying space centered on an historic railroad district initially based within the Nineties.  

This historic Mississippi River neighborhood is brimming with buying, artwork and cafés, reminiscent of Lagomarcino’s, a chocolate store that options an Eighteen Eighties walnut again bar from the Snow White pharmacy in Maquoketa, Iowa,

Novelty, the biggest and shortest issues

Whenever you’re touring alongside Interstate 80 in Japanese Iowa, cease for fuel on the World’s Largest Truck Cease in Walcott. Store, eat and stretch your legs earlier than you hop again within the automobile. 

Discover out what a 9,300-pound popcorn ball seems like in Sac Metropolis. When you’re there, go to the Sac County Freedom Rock on East Important Road.

Trip what’s described because the world’s shortest, steepest scenic railway. It takes guests from Fourth Road in Dubuque up 189 ft to Fenelon Place and affords views of three states and the Mississippi River.

See fashions made from hundreds of matchsticks together with the Mars 2020 Rover Perseverance, Notre Dame Cathedral and the U.S. Capitol. The museum is situated in Gladbrook.

Take a 26-mile drive between Adair and Dexter alongside White Pole Street. There are greater than 500 painted white poles alongside the route that was as soon as often known as the Nice White Approach.

Positioned in Burlington, Snake Alley has been designated “Unbelievably Crooked” by Ripley’s Consider It or Not. Go to on Father’s Day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and luxuriate in artwork, music and meals through the Snake Alley Artwork Honest.

114. The Full Grassley

It may not have the ability to be executed in a single summer season, however make an effort to go to all 99 counties, similar to U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley and different Iowa politicians to yearly.