Awakening Acts

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!

"Taste your way around the world" at the World Food Festival at Des Moines. Last year's count says 32,000 foodie festival goers tasted foods from around the world at Cultural Cafe's, enjoyed live entertainment and watched fabulous cooking demonstrations. Special to the event is its highlight of flavors from local mom and pop restaurants!

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.

Step inside the Salisbury House & Garden in Des Moines to see grand Gothic architecture. The historic home attraction was built by a cosmetics magnate and spans twenty-two thousand square feet and has forty two rooms. Once inside you'll find over one thousand historical artifacts including exquisite furnishings, art, rare books and outside lush picturesque gardens.