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.
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.