Central Iowa Water Trails Project - Beaver Creek Entrance
In August, the Central Iowa Water Trails Project opened its first access point near the intersection of NW 86th Street and NW 70th Avenue in Johnston. This access point allows kayakers and canoers to enter Beaver Creek for a leisurely four-mile cruise down to Merle Hay Road. In the next two years, two more access points will be added in Johnston to connect more trails. Trail tidbit: once the Central Iowa Water Trails Project is complete, over 150 miles of waterways will have been transformed into a recreational resource for Greater Des Moines and its visitors.
Gusto Pizza Co.
This Greater Des Moines pizza chain is known for its unique topping combinations and quirky names. For example, the Thai Kwon Dough 3.0, Vincent Van Goat, and The Deburgo are crowd favorites on the current menu. The Gusto Pizza Co. menu is ever-changing, but don't worry if your favorite gets the boot. There is a not-so-secret menu full of Gusto classics that the chefs are willing to make year-round.
Trostel’s Greenbriar
Awards are the theme of Trostel's Greenbriar. Chef Trostel is a two-time State of Iowa Taste of Elegance champion, a National Taste of Elegance finalist, and has been awarded "Chef of the Year" by the Iowa Restaurant Association. His menu is inspired by seasonal foods in Iowa - most popularly pork, beef, lamb, and elk. Plus, Trostel's Greenbriar has been awarded the Wine Spectator's "Award of Excellence" since 2002. Wine lovers make sure you don't miss out on this Johnston gem because in addition to award-winning wine, on "Wine Down Wednesdays" wine is half-price!
Iowa Gold Star Military Museum
Spend an afternoon at Iowa's premier veterans' museum. Here, the story of Iowa veterans from the Mexican War of 1846 to present day are told through displays, artifacts, and stories. There is also a reference library on site that hosts history and information about the military and Iowa veterans.
