Red, White & Blue
Catch the patriotic spirit of Des Moines, the state capital of Iowa, at these area attractions.
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DAY 1
Start off your day by experiencing the stories of local sports heroes at the Iowa Hall of Pride. Interact with hands-on exhibits. Learn about athletes such as Kurt Warner and Shawn Johnson, and you can even test your skills in the game room! (515) 280-8969
Once you’re done showing off your skills, head over to the Iowa State Capitol! One of the most beautiful capitols in the U.S., experience the 23-karat gold dome and memorial monuments. Take a tour of the capitol grounds to see the surrounding monuments, including the Peace Officer’s Memorial, Soldier’s and Sailor’s Memorial, Korean War Memorial, and Vietnam War Memorial. Be sure to stop at the Law Library, one of the most Instagrammable spots in Des Moines. (515) 281-5591
Continue your tour of downtown as you catch interactive displays on hunger and food security at the World Food Prize of Laureates. A tribute to Iowa’s Dr. Norman Borloaug and the World Food Prize,- the foremost international award recognizing individuals who have increased the quality, quantity, or availability of food in the world. This is also the former home of the century-old Des Moines Public Library. (515) 245-3735
Learn about Iowa’s past through its people, its issues, and events at the State Historical Museum of Iowa. (515) 281-5111
Catch an outdoor interactive museum with more than 500 acres of education and fun at Living History Farms. Catch the history surrounding Midwestern rural life in period costumes. (515) 278-5286
After this busy day, it’s a guarantee that you’ll be ready for a bite to eat. For a dinner option, try The Machine Shed next door for a classic farming affair! Try their famous Pork Tenderloin, you can’t come to Iowa without trying one! (515) 270-6818
DAY 2
Catch historical artifacts from the Civil War through present day including uniforms, weapons, and insignia at the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum. This museum focuses on honoring Iowa men and women who have served the state and nation. (515) 252-4531
Catch this elegant family mansion for a tour and performance at the Hoyt Sherman Place. The theater has been open since 1923 and has some amazing history to go along with that. Learn more about a recent painting they found behind a wall that dates back over 400 years! (515) 244-0507
For the rest of your afternoon, head out to the National Balloon Classic. This 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
For more information, contact:
Chris Baker
Director of Event Experience
(515) 699-3456
chris@catchdesmoines.com