Sightseeing
Enjoy the new John Wayne Birthplace Museum and birth home. Annual celebration usually over Memorial Day Weekend.
14 locals recommend
John Wayne Birthplace & Museum
205 S John Wayne DrEnjoy the new John Wayne Birthplace Museum and birth home. Annual celebration usually over Memorial Day Weekend.
Visit the Madison County Tourism & Chamber of Commerce on the Historic Square.
Madison County Treasurer
112 West CtVisit the Madison County Tourism & Chamber of Commerce on the Historic Square.
Living History Farms is an interactive outdoor history museum which educates, entertains and connects people of all ages to Midwestern rural life experiences.
20 locals recommend
Living History Farms
11121 Hickman RdLiving History Farms is an interactive outdoor history museum which educates, entertains and connects people of all ages to Midwestern rural life experiences.
Enjoy the indoor and outdoor gardens year round. Situated along the beautiful Des Moines River Walk/Trail.
53 locals recommend
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
909 Robert D. Ray DrEnjoy the indoor and outdoor gardens year round. Situated along the beautiful Des Moines River Walk/Trail.
Take a tour of the historical train museum and ride the rails on an old steam train. Dinner rides are also available.
Iowa Railroad Historical Msm
225 10th StTake a tour of the historical train museum and ride the rails on an old steam train. Dinner rides are also available.
Votes in the top 10 most beautiful state capitols - a must see with the golden domes.
56 locals recommend
Iowa State Capitol
1007 E Grand AveVotes in the top 10 most beautiful state capitols - a must see with the golden domes.
Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge
9981 Pacific StEnless acres of natural priarie and buffelo.
Don't under estimate Iowa - it isn't flat everywhere. Enjoy Ledges State Park with huge sandstone rocks.
31 locals recommend
Ledges State Park
1515 P AveDon't under estimate Iowa - it isn't flat everywhere. Enjoy Ledges State Park with huge sandstone rocks.
Pammel State Parks offers unique experiences with a drive through tunnel, drive through the river bridge, yurts, and a river experience rarely found on other rivers.
7 locals recommend
Pammel State Park
1818 Pammel Park RdPammel State Parks offers unique experiences with a drive through tunnel, drive through the river bridge, yurts, and a river experience rarely found on other rivers.
Badger Creek State Park
120th StreetEnjoy the State Recrecation Area - great for fishing.
Green Valley State Park
1480 130th StGreen Valley State Park offers a large lake with picnic and hiking options.
Lake Anita State Park
55111 750th StA beautiful park with lots of recreational possiblities.
A perfect small state park with hiking and a small lake. Great for a day trip and hiking.
Springbrook State Park
2437 160th RdA perfect small state park with hiking and a small lake. Great for a day trip and hiking.
Iowa Cubs
1 Line DriveEnjoy a day at the ballpark!
Groth's Gardens & Greenhouses
2451 Cumming RdA beautiful gardens and greenhouse for exploring or shopping.
Bob Feller Hometown Museum
310 Mill StBaseball hero museum.
Cedar Bridge
1874 Nature CtThis bridge is back dropped by a beautiful wooded area.
Guye Woods County Park
160th StreetFind the swinging bridge over the North River. Primitive hiking available.
Holliwell Bridge
123 Holliwell Bridge RoadOne of many covered bridges of Madison County.
Roseman Bridge
2451 Elderberry AvenueOver the Middle River, this bridge also offers a seasonal gift shop.
Clanton Creek Recreation Area
Enjoy the recreational area and preserve.
Hogback Covered Bridge
1879 Hogback Bridge RoadOne of the most popular covered bridges in Madison County.
Imes Covered Bridge
500 E Main StThis bridge is easy to access from the highway rest area.
The National Balloon museum is a must see. Check their schedule for balloonfest and balloon rides.
National Balloon Museum and U.S. Ballooning Hall of Fame
1601 N Jefferson WayThe National Balloon museum is a must see. Check their schedule for balloonfest and balloon rides.
Wonder the field, home, and baseball diamond in the classic movie "Field of Dreams."
30 locals recommend
Field of Dreams Movie Site
28995 Lansing RdWonder the field, home, and baseball diamond in the classic movie "Field of Dreams."
Danish Windmill
4038 Main StA little bit of Dutch in the middle of Iowa.
The Dutch community hosts delicious food, shops, windmill, and annual tulip festival in the spring.
18 locals recommend
Pella
The Dutch community hosts delicious food, shops, windmill, and annual tulip festival in the spring.
The Freedom Rock
1199 IA-25Local artist paints a new patriotic theme on a boulder each year.
The Brenton Arboretum
25141 260th St141 acres of living museum of trees and shrubs.
Terrace Hill Historic Site
2300 Grand AveExplore the home and gardens of the Governor.
An amazing educational center dedicated to supplying the world with food.
7 locals recommend
World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
100 Locust StAn amazing educational center dedicated to supplying the world with food.
Enjoy NASCAR and Indy Car racing series, concerts, and annual motorcycle rally.
9 locals recommend
Iowa Speedway
3333 Rusty Wallace DrEnjoy NASCAR and Indy Car racing series, concerts, and annual motorcycle rally.
State Historical Museum
600 E Locust StIowa's history and museum.
Hotel Pattee
1112 Willis AveHistorical Hotel Pattee brings back and era long gone.
From the movie "Bridges of Madison County" the décor is from the 60's and kept for sightseeing so don't worry. The locals enjoy the secret recipe bloody Mary's.
Pheasant Run
103 S 1st StFrom the movie "Bridges of Madison County" the décor is from the 60's and kept for sightseeing so don't worry. The locals enjoy the secret recipe bloody Mary's.
Food Scene
The North Side Cafe is known for the fresh baked breads, pies, and cakes along with their homemade rural meals like meatloaf, open face beef sandwiches, and beef & noodles. Yummy!
Northside Cafe
61 E Jefferson StThe North Side Cafe is known for the fresh baked breads, pies, and cakes along with their homemade rural meals like meatloaf, open face beef sandwiches, and beef & noodles. Yummy!
Mi Pueblito
103 N 1st StFamily owned Mexican resturant with amazing selection.
Not only farm themed, but also farmer supported menus. Be prepared for large portions and family style meals.
6 locals recommend
Machine Shed Restaurant Urbandale
11151 Hickman RdNot only farm themed, but also farmer supported menus. Be prepared for large portions and family style meals.
Enjoy various resturants, bars, and club along Des Moines' Court Ave Entertainment District. Close to the Civic Center and Wells Fargo Arena.
12 locals recommend
Court Avenue
Court AvenueEnjoy various resturants, bars, and club along Des Moines' Court Ave Entertainment District. Close to the Civic Center and Wells Fargo Arena.
Enjoy trendy resturants and shopping in Des Moines' East Village District. Many former warehouses converted into locally owned resturants, shops, and condos.
64 locals recommend
East Village
Enjoy trendy resturants and shopping in Des Moines' East Village District. Many former warehouses converted into locally owned resturants, shops, and condos.
Mullets
1253 1300 SE 1st StA unique experience with patio deck on the river and multiple tappers.
Al Dente Toffee
109 North 9th StreetCoffee, gelato, toffee, & pastries.
Rudy's Restaurant
419 S John Wayne DrGreat place to go out for a nice meal.
The old time walk up ice cream shop serves great treats along with meals. Warning - a small cup of ice cream comes in a 22 oz cup which can feed a family of 3.
Frostee's
101 E Green StThe old time walk up ice cream shop serves great treats along with meals. Warning - a small cup of ice cream comes in a 22 oz cup which can feed a family of 3.
Essentials
Fareway Grocery offers a wide selection of food and alcohol. Fareway is known for their large meat selection with the traditional butcher and meat counter. The store is cloesed on Sundays.
Fareway Grocery
719 IA-92Fareway Grocery offers a wide selection of food and alcohol. Fareway is known for their large meat selection with the traditional butcher and meat counter. The store is cloesed on Sundays.
Hy-Vee
923 N 1st AveOpen on Sundays and has a sit down, order off a menu restaurant.
Casey's
975 N Chestnut AveGas station, pizza, subs, and basic foods and beverages.
Entertainment & Activities
The Science Center offers kids of all ages and the young at heart interactive and educational adventures.
43 locals recommend
Science Center of Iowa
401 W Martin Luther King Jr PkwyThe Science Center offers kids of all ages and the young at heart interactive and educational adventures.
Enjoy the Zoo! Not too big and not too small, the Des Moines Zoo provides a perfect day trip without wearing out the whole family. Pack and picnic lunch and enjoy eating with the animals.
47 locals recommend
Blank Park Zoo
7401 SW 9th StEnjoy the Zoo! Not too big and not too small, the Des Moines Zoo provides a perfect day trip without wearing out the whole family. Pack and picnic lunch and enjoy eating with the animals.
Sky Zone offers endless trampoline adventures. Great for a rainy day, to wear the kids out, or a great workout.
8 locals recommend
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
1300 SE Gateway DrSky Zone offers endless trampoline adventures. Great for a rainy day, to wear the kids out, or a great workout.
Adventureland Park
305 Adventureland DrEnjoy the amusement park and/or water park.
Goeldner Woods Co Park
1715 137th StForest preserve with hiking trails.
Cutler-Donahoe Bridge
300 South 9th StreetLarge park with playground, hedge maze, covered bridge, and more.
Watch the cows being milked and enjoy their products like fresh milk, cottage cheese, and ice cream.
Picket Fence Creamery
14583 S AveWatch the cows being milked and enjoy their products like fresh milk, cottage cheese, and ice cream.
Climb Iowa - Grimes
3605 SE Miehe DrRock/Wall climbing for all ages!
EC Tactical Laser Tag
338 SW 6th StLaser tag for all ages.
Jester Park Equestrian Center
11171 NW 103rd CtHorseback riding, wagon rides, and lessons.
Shopping
One of the larger outdoor recreation stores in Des Moines which includes a resturant, bowling alley, and massive aquarium.
6 locals recommend
Bass Pro Shops
1000 Bass Pro Dr NWOne of the larger outdoor recreation stores in Des Moines which includes a resturant, bowling alley, and massive aquarium.
S Jordan Creek Pkwy
Enjoy the largest shopping complex in Iowa. Resturants, stores, and services.
Shopko department store provides a place to pick up anything you might have left behind.
Shopko Hometown Winterset
Shopko department store provides a place to pick up anything you might have left behind.
Forget to bring or run out of your Rx, the Shopko Pharmacy can assist.
Shopko Hometown Winterset Pharmacy
402 IA-92Forget to bring or run out of your Rx, the Shopko Pharmacy can assist.
Ben Franklin
72 E Court AveDime store era style shopping. Frabric, household items, and toiletries.
Madison County Mercantile, Inc.
58 E Court AveAntiques, fudge, Iowa Amish baskets, jewelry, clothing, and more!
Pine Creek Ltd
110 N 1st AveNew and antique furniture, art, lighting, and décor.
Heartland Fiber Co.
112 North 1st StreetBeautiful yarn and fibers, wool fabric, felt, local wines, handmade items, more.
Adel Quilting & Drygoods Co
909 Prairie StLittle quilt shop on the prairie.
Drinks & Nightlife
Not only do you get dinner and drinks, but also a highly interactive dueling piano entertainment.
6 locals recommend
Blue Moon Dueling Piano Bar
5485 Mills Civic PkwyNot only do you get dinner and drinks, but also a highly interactive dueling piano entertainment.
Covered Bridges Winery
2207 170th TrailCovered Bridges Winery just a few miles from the house.
Two Saints Winery offers local wine. Check out the summer schedule for music.
7 locals recommend
Two Saints Winery
15166 20th AveTwo Saints Winery offers local wine. Check out the summer schedule for music.
Enjoy a locally brewed beer at 515. Bring your own food and enjoy tastings.
9 locals recommend
515 Brewing Company
7700 University AveEnjoy a locally brewed beer at 515. Bring your own food and enjoy tastings.
Enjoy the tasting room for both wine and home brew. Check the website for the summer music.
7 locals recommend
Madison County Winery
3021 St Charles RdEnjoy the tasting room for both wine and home brew. Check the website for the summer music.
Dale Valley Vineyard & Winery
3097 285th StWine tasking, gift shop, picnic area, deck, & monthly entertainment.
Jasper Winery
2400 George Flagg PkwyOne of our favorites because our son is named Jasper.
La Vida Loca Winery
7852 Jesup StEasy day trip to this winery.
Penoach Vineyard and Winery
26759 N AvenueWine tours, porch, gift shop, tastings, & seasonal events.
Pretty close to La Vida Loca Winery and could be a great day trip.
6 locals recommend
Summerset Winery
15101 Fairfax StPretty close to La Vida Loca Winery and could be a great day trip.
Iowa Distilling Company
4349 Cumming AveDistilling company making ridiculously small batches of rum and whiskey.
Arts & Culture
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
1330 Grand AveDowntown Des Moines outdoor sculpture park.
Review the Convention Center's schedule for trade shows, conferences, and more.
Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center
833 5th AveReview the Convention Center's schedule for trade shows, conferences, and more.
Des Moines's Civic Center brings in all the major broadway shows, music, and more.
22 locals recommend
Des Moines Civic Center
221 Walnut StDes Moines's Civic Center brings in all the major broadway shows, music, and more.
You will be surprised! The art center offers more than one would expect. The grounds a tucked within a city park which offers hiking and picnics.
87 locals recommend
Des Moines Art Center
4700 Grand AveYou will be surprised! The art center offers more than one would expect. The grounds a tucked within a city park which offers hiking and picnics.
The Winterset Stage
121 South John Wayne DriveReview the live stage performance schedule on their website.
American Gothic House & Center
300 American Gothic StVisit the iconic farm house in the American Gothic House painting.
Brenton Skating Plaza
520 Robert D. Ray DrIce Skating Adventures.
Prairie Meadows casino and horse racing track.
18 locals recommend
Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack, & Hotel
1 Prairie Meadows DrPrairie Meadows casino and horse racing track.
Lakeside Hotel Casino
777 Casino DrLakeside Hotel and Casio