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.
Harvest local produce at the Des Moines Farmers Market located in downtown Des Moines. Stock your refrigerator with farm fresh eggs, goat cheese and seasonal vegetables. Buy an array of fresh flowers and wines for your home. As they say, "Come for the freshness and stay for the fun."
Tour the Iowa State Capitol to learn about its history underneath the impressive 23-karat gold leaf dome. Learn about important historical facts including myth busters like this one: the State Capitol Building was not originally a horse stable. Take a peek at the legislative process and stroll the capitol grounds on the two hour tour.
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.
"Tour. Taste. Shop" at the Summerset Winery. You'll enjoy the one hour tour of the winery and cellar, the wine presentation and your trip to the wine tasting bar. The winery grounds are exquisite and the list of wine awards long. Spend a day in the Iowa wine country and leave with souvenir wines from the gift shop.
Public Art is on tour at The Pappajohn Sculpture Park located in Des Moines. Discover sculptures by Willem de Kooning and Louise Bourgeois as well as other world-renowned sculptures valued at more than forty million dollars. The public donation by Mr. and Ms. Pappajohn is the largest in the state's history.