“See” listings
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ARTstop
Sample Des Moines’ thriving arts and cultural scene during this free event in which 41 museums, art galleries, performing arts venues and artists’ studios in six cultural districts will host special exhibits, performances and demonstrations. Free buses shuttle visitors between the sites. Sept. 24-25. (09/2011)
Various locations
515-222-3642
facebook.com/artstop -
Jazz in July
Pack a picnic and listen to regional musicians play jazz favorites at 24 free concerts throughout July. The concerts, held at parks and other outdoor sites, are accompanied by artists’ displays, children’s activities and food vendors. (08/2011)
Various locations
515-280-3222
metroarts.org -
Bike Trails
Greater Des Moines boasts more than 300 miles of interconnected bicycling and walking trails. Rent a bike at one of the four “B-cycle” kiosks downtown and explore the trails along the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers, or head to attractions like the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, the Iowa Hall of Pride or the ever-popular Gray’s Lake Park, located roughly two miles south of downtown. (06/2011)
Various locations
515-288-8022
desmoines.bcycle.com -
Des Moines Arts Festival
Consistently ranked one of the nation’s top arts festivals, this juried show draws about 200,000 people every year. More than 200 artists will showcase paintings, sculptures, jewelry and other works at this outdoor event. Live entertainment, a film festival and hands-on projects add to the fun. June 24-26. (06/2011)
At Western Gateway Park, downtown
515-286-4950
desmoinesartsfestival.org -
Salisbury House & Gardens
This 42-room Tudor-style mansion, completed in 1928, was modeled after a 15th-century manor in Salisbury, England. On a tour, you’ll learn about the home’s intriguing history and view rooms filled with valuable antiques and art. (03/2011)
4025 Tonawanda Dr
515-274-1777
salisburyhouse.org -
Des Moines Botanical & Environmental Center
Lush and exotic tropical flowers, plants, cacti and succulents thrive under the center's geodesic dome. Don’t miss the bonsai collection, and take time to stroll the outdoor gardens, which feature changing displays of herbs, native plants and miniature roses. (03/2011)
909 Robert D. Ray Dr
515-323-6290
botanicalcenter.com -
SALISBURY HOUSE AND GARDENS
Create a memorable experience with a tour of this 42-room mansion modeled after the King’s House, a 13th-century building in Salisbury, England. Built in the 1920s, the house offers a cultural and educational trip back in time through its art and antiques. (01/2011)
4025 Tonawanda Dr
515-274-1777
salisburyhouse.org -
SLEEPY HOLLOW SPORTS PARK
A 60-acre facility for skiing, snow tubing and snowboarding, this recreational spot is also home to the Des Moines Winter Games. Check out the event’s popular Zipfy (freestyle miniluge) races, snow sculpting and polar plunge. Feb. 4-6. (01/2011)
4051 Dean Ave
515-262-4100
sleepyhollo...rtspark.com -
BLANK PARK ZOO
This is the quintessential children’s zoo— perfect for a family outing. Take a ride on the train or help feed animals that range from exotic birds to giraffes. (11/2010)
7401 SW 9th St
515-285-4722
blankparkzoo.com -
BRENTON SKATING PLAZA
This open-air ice-skating plaza is one of the latest additions to the Principal Riverwalk. The central downtown location allows the chance to skate against the backdrop of the city. Opens Nov. 19, weather permitting. (11/2010)
520 Robert D Ray Dr
515-284-1000
brentonplaza.com -
JASPER WINERY
This winery, just minutes from downtown, is the perfect place to relax and sample local wines, such as Lucy Lane, a sweet red made with Concord grapes or Norton, a red made from the oldest cultivated grape in North America that’s particularly popular in Missouri. It’s open seven days a week. (09/2010)
2400 George Flagg Parkway
515-282-9463
jasperwinery.com -
IOWA STATE FAIR
The inspiration for Phil Strong’s acclaimed novel, State Fair, and a Rodgers and Hammerstein musical of the same name, this isn’t your typical fair. Don’t miss the annual butter cow, carved from 600 pounds of low-moisture, pure cream butter. Aug. 12-22. (08/2010)
E 30th St and E University Ave
515-262-3111
iowastatefair.org