Big outdoor adventure happens at Walnut Woods State Park, located in Des Moines. The 260-acre scenic park invites visitors to ride a bike on the bicycle path, hike wooded trails, catch a fish, become an avid bird watcher, enjoy the woodsy picnic areas, and camp all week or weekend long.
Nature's largest collection of flowering crab apple trees grow at Water Works Park located in Des Moines. The beautiful 1,500-acre park is skirted by the Raccoon River and besides apples, sports big outdoor activities like biking, jogging, and hiking and picnicking. Naturally, nature lovers love it here!
See the buffalo roam at the Prairie Learning Center, gateway to the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. Discover over 5,000 acres of scenic prairie tallgrass, home to herds of buffalo, pheasants as well as native wildflowers and plant life. Visit the world-class 13, 000-square-foot nature center and the Prairie Point Bookstore for memorable souvenirs of your outdoor adventure.
Don't miss out on the chance to celebrate everything art fantastic at the Des Moines Art Festival, winner of the Grand Pinnacle Award from the International Festivals & Events Association. Artsy festival goers take in the works of the best visual artists in the nation, listen to live music and watch performing arts at the annual two day event.