Central Region

Des Moines Art Center - Recognized by international art critics as a world-class museum in the heart of the Midwest, the Des Moines Art Center has amassed an important collection with a major emphasis on contemporary art. The collection’s overriding principle is a representation of artists of the 19th and 20th century, each through a seminal work.

Civic Center of Greater Des Moines - The Civic Center of Greater Des Moines will serve as an outstanding community performing arts center, accessible to all, where people may be educated, entertained and enlightened. Every year, the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines welcomes a quarter of a million people to enjoy the wonder, the suspense and the joy of live theater.

White Water University - White Water University is a fun and safe atmosphere for the whole family! Featuring two waterslides, two tube slides, a wave pool, a children's cannon ball slide, a children's play area, and a volleyball pool. The facility also offers an 18 hole, California style miniature golf course, and a twin engine, figure eight go-kart track.

Des Moines Botanical Center - The Des Moines Botanical Center is one of the most popular cultural attractions in Iowa, providing educational, recreational, and community resources to thousands. Its goal is to provide botanical displays and educational services for the people of Iowa. It is located on 14 acres along the east bank of the Des Moines River, close to downtown.

Living History Farms - Living History Farms tells the amazing story of how Iowans transformed the fertile prairies of the Midwest into the most productive farmland in the world. While at the 600-acre open-air museum, visitors travel at their own pace through five historical time periods spanning 300 years. Interpreters provide a unique learning environment of seasonal activities and demonstrations.

Iowa State Center - Great events--concerts, conferences and performances--happen at the Iowa State Center. Whether it's a cheering crowd at Hilton Coliseum, colleagues meeting in the Scheman Building, or families enjoying a show in Stephens Auditorium or Fisher Theater, every guest has a great time at the Iowa State Center.

Historic Valley Junction - Historic railroad district, founded in the 1890s, with more than 120 specialty stores, art galleries, fashion boutiques, restaurants and antique shops.

Blank Park Zoo - Visit Des Moines' Blank Park Zoo where you'll find more than 800 intriguing animals nestled in 22 acres of naturalistic settings.

Iowa Arboretum - The Iowa Arboretum, Located on 378 acres in the heart of Boone county contains hundreds of species of trees, shrubs and flowers in a quiet scenic setting. This living museum offers something for visitors of all ages and interests.

Neal Smith NWR Prairie Learning Center - Located near Prairie City, Iowa on Highway 163 in Jasper County, the refuge reconstructs the native plant and animal communities that greeted Iowa's earliest settlers in the mid 1800's. Experience the breathtaking beauty of over 5,000 acres of tallgrass prairie and native Midwest wildlife.

Amboy Trail Ranch - The Amboy Trail Ranch is located just outside of Newton, Iowa on over 100 acres of beautiful woodland. Visitors can enjoy a log guest cabin, trail rides, riding lessons, hayrides and more.

Des Moines Symphony - The Des Moines Symphony is a full-service professional orchestra. The orchestra performs seven pairs of classical concerts throughout the season, as well as a three-concert pops series, family concerts, in-school ensemble performances, and its annual Yankee Doodle Pops concert, a free performance on the State Capitol grounds on July 3rd.

Reiman Gardens - Established through a gift by Roy and Bobbi Reiman and located on a 14-acre place of prominence on the Iowa state University Campus, the Reiman Gardens create a striking entrance to the university and the city of Ames. The gardens celebrate the natural and botanical diversity of Iowa, as well as the historic traditions of gardening and horticulture at Iowa State University.

Hoyt Sherman Place - A grand manor home built in 1877 by prominent businessman Hoyt Sherman; the structure is now a museum and performing arts center. The original house and gallery display an impressive collection of 19th and 20th century paintings and elaborately carved 17th century furniture as well as many rare, ancient artifacts.

Adventureland Park - Adventureland Amusement Park contains over 100 rides, shows, and attractions including some of the country's most exciting roller coasters and thrill rides. The park offers great family fun for all ages including water rides as well as a full compliment of children’s rides spread throughout the park.

Des Moines Metro Opera (DMMO) - DMMO was founded in 1973 by Robert L. Larsen for two important purposes: To provide an opportunity for gifted young American singers to perform and to educate Midwestern audiences about opera, something they have limited opportunity to experience. Metro Opera has accomplished this by offering three productions each year during the Summer Festival in June and July.

International Wrestling Institute and Museum - The mission of the International Wrestling Institute and Museum is to preserve, maintain and promote the long and illustrious heritage of mankind's oldest sport in a manner which will benefit the sport, educate and entertain the public, and financially support the Institute and its activities.

Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad - Hop aboard the tourist line railroad, which travels a 15-mile round trip through the beautiful Des Moines River Valley. Enjoy a relaxing two and one-half hour scenic ride through the Des Moines River Valley aboard the historic 'City of San Fransico' car while enjoying elegant dining. See displays of historic railroad items and equipment.

Terrace Hill - This 1869 opulent Victorian mansion, home of Iowa's governor, was built by Iowa's first millionaire, Benjamin F. Allen, and restored to the late 1800s period. It overlooks downtown Des Moines and is situated on eight and one-half acres with a re-created Victorian formal garden.

Science Center of Iowa - The Science Center of Iowa enjoys turning education into something fun and exciting. By interacting with the hands-on exhibits visitors can engage in a hands on, minds on learning adventure. Science Arcade, a collection of the Science Center's permanent exhibits currently includes 27 different exhibits.