There's no shortage of things to do when visiting one of the wealthiest cities of the USA - Des Moines. From the downtown cultural hub to the thriving night-life of East Village, there's something for all.
The best things in life are free – like a serene stroll in the Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens of Des Moines. Complete with stone pagodas, a pond and an Asian pavilion – it’s a small, but peaceful oasis.
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Traveling with kids? Don’t miss out on visiting the Blank Park Zoo, which houses over 100 species in different exhibits. But the star of this zoo is Kamara – an adorable baby black rhino.
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If you feel like Lady Luck is on your side, you can bet on your favorite horse at the Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino in Des Moines.
Swing by the striking Iowa State Capitol building in Des Moines. The Renaissance architecture gives off a feeling of dignified stability.
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You can even go camping at one of the campsites in the lap of nature at the Walnut Woods State Park. It's near the suburbs of Des Moines.
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And while you're in the Walnut Woods, you can have fun kayaking on the Raccoon River, as it winds its way through the greenery.
Disc golf enthusiasts should head straight for Ewing Park, when in Des Moines. It's got an 18-hole course waiting for you.
For a lakeside family picnic, drive down to the idyllic Gray's Lake Park.
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Check out one of Iowa's biggest events: the Iowa State Fair. Whether it's carnival rides, livestock exhibits, flea markets, antique shows or foot-long corndogs, this event has it all.
Farmers from all over Iowa supply the fresh produce that's sold at Des Moines' renowned Downtown Farmer's Market each Saturday. Shop here for healthy veggies and fair bargains.
Every St. Patrick's Day, the city of Des Moines goes green. You should check out the lively parades, decorative floats, fun parties, and join the locals on epic pub crawls.