Olson, Sara OD

Enter Terrace Hill, a magnificent mansion located in Des Moines, built by Iowa's first millionaire Benjamin Franklin Allen. The rambling Napoleon-style, 18,000 square foot mansion sits grandly on a hill overlooking the capital city. Besides being a museum, the mansion is host to state dinners and receptions.

Step out and step into the 1960s nightlife at The High Life Lounge. Yes, there's genuine shag carpet, Formica bar top, vintage wall paper, wood paneling and classic Miller High Life beer signs hanging everywhere! How can you not spend nights out on the town at a tavern like this?

Enjoy family time together at the Brenton Skating Plaza, located on the Principal Riverwalk on the Des Moines River waterfront. Families spend hours on the outdoor ice rink during the winter, and attend concerts and other entertainment attractions during the summer when the rink becomes an event center.

Cheap, dirty, fun is what you'll find at Seven Oaks mountain bike trail, according to the Central Iowa Trail Association. Check out the 7.2-mile track for mountain bikers, designed by mountain bikers. The challenging technical course runs across 200 acres of wooded ravine and creek crossings.