Iowa State Capitol
Originally constructed during the late 1800s, this building represents the very best of the early 1900s architectural designs. The steel and brick dome is coated with a thick layer of gold leaf that really makes it stand out on a bright and sunny day. The city offers free daily and guided tours of this amazing capitol building. Make sure that you don’t miss this structure when you travel to Des Moines.

Des Moines Botanical Center
One of the coolest botanical centers in the country, this awesome fourteen acre center sits adjacent to the Des Moines River and is one of the most popular of all attractions that can be found in this city. It annually sees hundreds of thousands of visitors and can be very packed during certain times of the year. Make sure that you call ahead when you are here so that you can find out the best time to visit this must-see destination. Also make sure that you set aside plenty of time to really take in all of the sights that are here; it is recommended that you set aside at least half a day.

Blank Park Zoo
The mission statement for this zoo reads as follows, “To inspire an appreciation of the natural world through conservation, education and recreation.” This is exactly how you will feel and what you will find when you visit this not-to-be-missed, world class zoo in Des Moines. Take a gander at over a hundred different species of animals and nearly 1,500 different specimens as you browse through this awesome, must-see attraction.

Walnut Woods State Park
This preserved state park is awesome. Its 260 acres of preserved land meet at the Raccoon River in West Des Moines. This park is open 365 days per year and hosts many different activities that vary by season including, but not limited to: cross country skiing, backpacking, hiking, hunting, camping, horseback riding, fishing, bird watching, waterside activities such as rafting and boating, and many more.

Jordan House
This house is the historically preserved house of the original founder of Valley Junction, James Jordan; one of the coolest, perhaps, historical mansions that you can visit when you travel to Des Moines. The gothic and Victorian architecture is literally awe-inspiring. There is a rich history attached to this mansion, which is best known for being a part of the intricate Underground Railroad that helped to free southern slaves to the north during the 1800s and the Civil War. Today it is a museum where you can enjoy a guided tour, and it is also one of the oldest houses in the state.

For more free information on Des Moines travel, and for a complete top ten list of things to see and do please visit: [http://www.Des-MoinesVacationTravelsGuidi.com]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Jon_Lazar

If you’d like to experience Des Moines and Central Iowa for yourself, take a page from my travel journal and discover the charms of this place that’s both steeped in Americana and uniquely cosmopolitan.

Friday night:
Rolling down the windows and opening the sunroof of my Buick Lucerne, I hit the road!

My first stop… First Fridays Artwalk in Fairfeld. This monthly Central Iowa event draws crowds from all over the Midwest – and with dozens of galleries representing many untold artists, plus musicians playing gigs throughout downtown – it’s the perfect place to start the weekend.

After the evening wound down, I hopped back in my Buick and headed to Ottumwa (on the way to Des Moines), where I stopped for the night at a charming bed and breakfast.

Saturday: After wandering around downtown and grabbing a bite to eat at the world-famous Canteen in the Alley restaurant (where Richard Nixon and a host of other celebrities and politicians have noshed on delicious loose-meat sandwiches), I drove my Buick down the meandering roads from Ottumwa to Des Moines.

Once in the city, I couldn’t pass up the chance to do a little more gallery hopping in Central Iowa. So I spent the afternoon bouncing from one amazing place to the next. Some stops on my list included:

• The Des Moines Art Center

• Gortz Haus Gallery

• Hoyt Sherman Place

• Kavanaugh Art Gallery

• Olson-Larsen Galleries

After a day of exploring the best arts scene in the state, I had finally had my fill (and a few stunning purchases I was able to fit into the trunk of my Buick). So I checked into my room at the Hotel Fort Des Moines, then headed down to the Forty Three for a cocktail and some fantastic French brasserie fare.

Fuled up and ready to go, the night was spent chatting with friends new and old at Star Bar, and listening to the best Blues in the city until the early morning hours at Blues on Grand.

Sunday: A few strong cups of coffee and a truly superb chocolate croissant at Gateway Market later, I bade Des Moines and the rest of Central Iowa farewell and hit the highway once again.

Even if art isn’t your thing, Central Iowa (and Des Moines in particular) are worth your time. There’s so much happening – from clubs to sports, art to music – in Iowa, there really is something for everyone.

About the Author: Kate Madigan is a master baker who grew up in the heart of Des Moines and currently resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with her college professor husband. And while her beloved bakery keeps her in The Twin Cities most weekends, her Buick Lucerne gives her the freedom to travel to her favorite places throughout Central Iowa. For more information about the Buick Lucerne, visit http://www.iowabuick.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kate_Madigan