Cleen Green

Honor the first African American US Army Officer Candidate Class at the Fort Des Moines Museum. Visit the national attraction filled with artifacts, exhibits, photographs and period art defining the history of heroes who brought gender and racial equality to the US Army during the great world wars.

Calling all green thumbs to the Des Moines Botanical Center. Meander through the rows of colorful miniature rose bushes, orchids and delicate bonsai trees. Learn tips about how to make a garden grow, sprout your own fragrant herbs and start your very own terrarium.

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.

Vaudeville Mews is the premier eclectic music venue located in the heart of the Court Avenue Entertainment District in downtown Des Moines. Enjoy a night of live music from hip-hop, rap and soul, to psychedelic, folk, rock and everything in between. Know this: the night starts young and ends late at this nightlife destination.