Mystery Tour - Group Travel

Is there anything better than going on a trip where everything is a surprise, even the location? If that sounds like something you’d enjoy, consider booking a “Mystery Tour”. This means that your entire trip is planned from start to finish, so you don’t have to go through the hassle of figuring out what you’re going to do! Plus, Greater Des Moines makes for a perfect Mystery Tour. With all of the unique and surprising attractions in the area, you’ll be able keep your attendees enthralled when you say “surprise,” making them your customers again and again! Below is an example of what a Mystery Tour in Greater Des Moines could look like:  

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DAY 1  

Start out your day by heading to Union Park to catch a whimsical ride on this downtown wooden Des Moines carousel, the Heritage Carousel. Accommodates up to 35 riders and is in the heart of Des Moines. (515) 323-8200  

The Salisbury House & Gardens, a 42-room architectural wonder displays more than 10,000 fabulous finds from around the world. You can even have a group lunch here! (515) 274-1777 

No matter how far you travel you’ll never forget the experience West End Architectural Salvage has to offer. Browse four floors of treasures and take in a group scavenger hunt! (515) 243-4405  

Catch historical artifacts from the Civil War through the present day at the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, located on the military base of Camp Dodge. The museum honors the heroic service of all Iowa veterans. (515) 252-4531 

DAY 2  

Up... up... and away! The National Balloon Classic is an annual event in Central Iowa in July featuring hot air balloons, balloon rides, competitions and group entertainment. Throughout the entire year, bring your group to the National Balloon Museum & U.S. National Ballooning Hall of Fame to catch archives for more than 200 years of ballooning as well as history on the famous Classic. (515) 961-8415  

Be in awe of the 28 sculptures on 4.4 acres in the heart of Downtown Des Moines throughout the John & Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park. Nationally recognized in the New York Times, you can learn the process of how these sculptures came to be through a personal tour. (515) 271-0344 

Said to be built in 1926 or 1927, catch the Bennett School House, one of the last one-room schoolhouses that is built in West Des Moines. (515) 225-1286  

A stately Victorian home of Italianate Gothic design, the Historic Jordan House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Catch one of the oldest structures in Polk Country, which also happens to be a member of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program. (515) 225-1286

Iowa is the third largest insurance capital in the world, so it may not be surprising to know that Des Moines has a rich history with a very well-known banking institution, Wells Fargo. West Des Moines is home to the headquarters of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. (515) 245-3063 

DAY 3  

Catch where it all began for the legendary actor at the Birthplace of John Wayne in Winterset, Iowa, just minutes from Des Moines. Visit the museum, see his childhood home and even watch a legendary western film starring Wayne himself. (515) 462-1044  

After visiting The Duke, contact the Madison County Chamber of Commerce to set up tours of the bridges, made famous by the Bridges of Madison County. Try and find all six of the bridges and read all the stories written on the walls. 

After freshening up at your hotel, take in the beautiful views of the Iowa landscape at the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad. Dessert trains, dinner trains and more offered. Dinner on a train? Count us in. (515) 432- 4249 

For more information, contact:
Chris Baker
Director of Event Experience
(515) 699-3456
chris@catchdesmoines.com