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The capital city of Iowa moved to Des Moines in 1857. It's a city where you can take your pick or do it all. There's an exciting variety of activities including soccer, track and field events, hockey, world-class opera, and blue- ribbon events. The Des Moines downtown is designated as a preservation area. Located just outside Des Moines, there's hiking trails, boating, cross-country skiing, and plenty to attract the outdoor enthusiast. Des Moines events include: Iowa State Fair, Barnstormers Arena Football Team, Iowa Cubs Baseball season, and the RV, Boat & Camping Show.

Adventureland Park

jct. I-80 and US 65, following signs

Des Moines

Iowa

(515)266-2121 or (800)532-1286

The theme park creates a late 19th and early 20th-century Iowa scene, including roller coasters and a white-water raft ride.

Basilica of St. John

1915 University Ave.

Des Moines

Iowa

(515) 244-3101

The basilica is Romanesque and offers gold-leaf ceilings, stained-glass windows, and an interior of plaster and travertine marble.

Blank Park Zoo

7401 SW Ninth St.

Des Moines

Iowa

(515) 285-4722

The 22-acre zoological park features nature exhibits and more than 800 animals. The zoo highlights include a train ride and camel rides.

Des Moines Art Center

4700 Grand Ave.

Des Moines

Iowa

(515) 277-4405

Designed in 1944, by Eliel Saarinen. The center houses a permanent collection of 19th- and 20th-century art, traveling exhibitions, and art programs.

Des Moines Botanical Center

909 E. River Dr.

Des Moines

Iowa

(515) 242-2934

The center houses tropical, subtropical and desert-growing plants. The grounds include a conservatory, outdoor gardens, and free-flying exotic birds.

Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau

601 Locust St.

Des Moines

Iowa

(515)286-4960 or (800)451-2625

Call of write for free visitor or travel information.

Greater Iowa Aquarium Center

501 E. 30th St.

Des Moines

Iowa

(515) 263-0612

More than 55 aquariums of freshwater, saltwater, creatures plus a koi pond.

Hoyt Sherman Place

1501 Woodland Ave.

Des Moines

Iowa

(515) 243-0913

Home features antiques, a fine arts gallery, and a restored theater. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Iowa State Fairgrounds

E. 30th & University Ave.

Des Moines

Iowa

(515) 262-3111 or (800)545-FAIR (June-August)

Locations of more than 160 events and activities held year-round. Guided tours of Heritage Village.

Living History Farms

2600 N.W. 111th St.

Des Moines

Iowa

(515) 278-2400

A 600-acre open-air agriculture museum which shows the story of the farming in the Midwest and they try to preserve the early pioneer farming skills. The area also includes a 1700 Ioway Indian Village, an 1875 frontier town, an 1850 working pioneer farm, a horse-powered 1900 farm and a modern crop center.

Polk County Heritage Gallery

111 Court Ave.

Des Moines

Iowa

(515) 286-3215

An art gallery exhibiting various visual arts shows.

Salisbury House

4025 Tonawanda Dr.

Des Moines

Iowa

(515) 279-9711

This 42-room English tudor mansion is a replica of the King's House in Salisbury, England. The house contains precious objects dating back to 1500 B.C., from around the world.

Science Center of Iowa

4500 Grand Ave.

Des Moines

Iowa

(515) 274-6868 or (800) 472-1014

Home to hands-on exhibits, Digistar Planetarium show, and demonstrations about physical and life sciences.

State Capitol

E. 9th St. and Grand Ave.

Des Moines

Iowa

(515) 281-5591

The century-old building has a 275-foot gold-leafed dome, a grand staircase, and beautiful woodwork. Tours last approximately 40 minutes. Capitol grounds include gardens, fountains, and sculptures.

State of Iowa Historical Building

600 E. Locust St.

Des Moines

Iowa

(515)281-5111 or 281-6412

The State Historical Society collection includes fossils, wildlife, American Indian and pioneer artifacts, and lifelike exhibit settings. Included are displays of aircraft, early farm machinery, and the silver service from the battleship USS Iowa.

Terrace Hill

2300 Grand Ave.

Des Moines

Iowa

(515) 281-3604

Furnished in its period and restored to its original appearance, this Victorian mansion is on a hill overlooking 8.5 acres. The mansion was built by Iowa's first millionaire and is now the residence of Iowa's governor.

White Water University

5401 E. University Ave.

Des Moines

Iowa

(515) 265-4904

The center offers a variety of aquatic rides, miniature golf, and go-kart facilities.

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