Neighborhood Builders

Stick to it at Sticks where you'll find unique object art, accessories and furniture handmade from birch, poplar and driftwood, made in the Sticks award-winning studio. This hidden gem of a studio grew from crafting smaller items such as ornaments and candle sticks, to receiving national acclaim for their distinctive lifestyle lines.

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.

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.

"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!