Nature's largest collection of flowering crab apple trees grow at Water Works Park located in Des Moines. The beautiful 1,500-acre park is skirted by the Raccoon River and besides apples, sports big outdoor activities like biking, jogging, and hiking and picnicking. Naturally, nature lovers love it here!
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.
Celebrate a cultural heritage at the Latino Heritage Festival, held in downtown Des Monies. Eat Empanadas de Chorizo y Pollo con Ensaldita de Repollo and other authentic Latin cuisines. Watch beautiful dancers from the Caribbean, Brazil and Mexico perform in colorful traditional costumes. Come enjoy the heart of soul of the Latin culture.
The show must go on at the Des Moines Playhouse, where you can see award-wining modern works, hilarious comedy, and outlandish musicals! You'll sing, laugh and enjoy great live theater that delights in offering plays made famous the world over on many a Broadway stage. You'll also find exceptional Children's Theatre productions.