Douglas's Guidebook
Sightseeing
This University has a very pretty campus which feels much more East Coast and Ivy League than most visitors expect. A lovely area to take a walk and perhaps have lunch in the lively campus town area to the south.
19 locals recommend
Iowa State University
2433 Union DrThis University has a very pretty campus which feels much more East Coast and Ivy League than most visitors expect. A lovely area to take a walk and perhaps have lunch in the lively campus town area to the south.
This is a beautiful public garden near the ISU campus which also has interesting interactive butterfly displays in the summer months.
38 locals recommend
Reiman Gardens
1407 University BlvdThis is a beautiful public garden near the ISU campus which also has interesting interactive butterfly displays in the summer months.
Hickory Grove Park
67464 250th StA lovely free county park for picnics, hiking, boating and swimming.
This is easily one of the most ornate and beautiful State Capitol Buildings in the country. And just to the west the East Village area has many interesting shops, galleries and restaurants.
House of Representatives
1007 East Grand AvenueThis is easily one of the most ornate and beautiful State Capitol Buildings in the country. And just to the west the East Village area has many interesting shops, galleries and restaurants.
This beautifully restored historic Eastlake Victorian house is now the Iowa Governor’s Mansion and has available tours.
9 locals recommend
Terrace Hill Historic Site
2300 Grand AveThis beautifully restored historic Eastlake Victorian house is now the Iowa Governor’s Mansion and has available tours.
Pine Lake State Park
A beautiful park to drive through and hike, picnic or boat.
Actually a series of small Amish towns, they are known for handmade goods, Amana furniture, family-style restaurants and interesting shops.
38 locals recommend
Amana Colonies
622 46th AveActually a series of small Amish towns, they are known for handmade goods, Amana furniture, family-style restaurants and interesting shops.
A great day trip for railroad aficionados.
9 locals recommend
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad | James H. Andrew Railroad Museum
225 10th StA great day trip for railroad aficionados.
Food scene
A huge variety of restaurants and night life can be found in this area of downtown Des Moines.
8 locals recommend
Court Avenue
Court AvenueA huge variety of restaurants and night life can be found in this area of downtown Des Moines.
Traveler advice
Don't miss
The Remarkable Row
This is the name given to the longest contiguous row of turn-of-the-century buildings featuring panel brickwork which are left in the state. It makes up the south side of State Center’s Main Street where the BnB unit is located.
Don't miss
State Center’s Historic Train Station and viewing platform.
This is again for train aficionados and is just two blocks west fo downtown State Center on Main Street. Over 80 trains per day go through this small farming town on the primary Union Pacific route.
Don't miss
State Center’s Other Historic Attractions
1) Watson’s Grocery Museum, 106 W. Main Street, State Center. 2) One Room Schoolhouse, 2 1/2 blocks east on Main across from Historic Train Station. 3) Rose Capital of Iowa Public Rose Garden 303 3rd Street SE, State Center. 4) Victorian Pines Victorian home and Tree Farm, 201 4th Avenue NE, State Center.