Come to Des Moines to relax in an educational setting and enjoy Midwest hospitality. Des Moines offers shopping, dining, theater, biking, running or trails options to meet your needs. Listed below are some of the many available opportunities.
Adventureland Park
Adventureland Amusement Park contains over 100 rides, shows, and attractions including some of the country's most exciting roller coasters and thrill rides as well as water rides. Adventureland also presents a full array of shows in the park -- from live music to magic to song and dance.
Botanical Center
The Des Moines Botanical Center, home of 15,000 exotic plants, is one of the 
most popular cultural attractions in Iowa, providing educational, recreational and community resources to thousands. Its goal is to provide botanical displays and educational services for its visitors. It is located on 14 acres along the east bank of the Des Moines River, close to downtown.
Des Moines Art Center
The Art Center presents thought-provoking exhibitions, world-class architecture and outstanding permanent collections. The Center also offers educational programs and hands-on studio art classes. It also is home to a 5-star rated restaurant and museum shop filled with contemporary items, jewelry, greeting cards and art-related books.
Blank Park Zoo
The Blank Park Zoo, winner of the prestigious "Tourism Attraction of the Year" for large communities at the 2006 Iowa Tourism Conference, encompasses 49 acres of land. Of that, 22 acres have been developed into animal exhibits or facilities. Currently there are 104 different animal species and 1,484 animal specimens cared for at the Blank Park Zoo. The Zoo is an accredited member of the Aquarium and Zoo Association (AZA).
Civic Center of Greater Des Moines
The Civic Center of Greater Des Moines presents the best live professional theater direct from Broadway. It's President and CEO, Jeff Chelesvig, is a member of the League of American Theatres & Producers, Inc.
Catch the I-Cubs In Action June 6-9 and 11-14, 2009
Consistently named one the of the most beautiful minor-league baseball parks in the nation, Principal Park is home to the Iowa Cubs, the triple A affiliate of Major League Baseball’s Chicago Cubs.
Des Moines Water Works Park and Arboretum
Water Works Park covers 1,500 acres of wooded area popular for fishing, picnicking, jogging or just relaxing. The Arie den Boer Arboretum boasts nearly 300 varieties of crab apple trees.
Heritage Art Gallery
This beautiful exhibition space is located in the Polk County Office Building built in 1908 in downtown Des Moines. The gallery houses changing visual art exhibits and promotes local artists.
Heritage Carousel
The Heritage Carousel of Des Moines is one of the few wood 
carousels built since the 1930s. It has been crafted in the traditional way with a traditional "feel" and sound. This one-of-a-kind carousel is a wooden, thirty-seven foot, three-row, menagerie carousel with a Stinson band organ. It accommodates up to thirty-five riders. There are thirty animals and two chariots on the carousel.
Iowa Speedway
Iowa Speedway offers high-speed, pulse pounding racing events. The Newton Club (newly completed in September 2006) is a 10,000 sq. ft. modern facility to be used for a wide range of events, including wedding receptions, business meetings and tradeshows.
Iowa State Capitol
The 23-karat golden dome towering above the city is a favorite of sightseers. Four smaller domes flank the main dome. The Capitol houses the governor's offices, legislature and the old Supreme Court room. Guided tours are available.
Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge
Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, located just 25 minutes east of Des Moines, serves to reconstruct tall grass prairie and restore oak savanna on 8,654 acres of the Walnut Creek watershed and to provide a major environmental education facility focusing on prairie, oak savanna and human interaction. The Prairie Learning Center, a part of the refuge, includes a visitor center with classrooms, exhibit area, theater and bookstore.
Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino
Prairie Meadows has 1,750 slot machines and table games, including Texas Hold'em, Blackjack, Pai Gow, Craps and Roulette. Live horse racing includes Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse and Harness racing. The Finish Line Show Lounge is home to free entertainment throughout the week including big bands, polka, ‘50s & ‘60s, country and rock ‘n roll.
Principal River Walk
The Principal River Walk follows a 1.2 mile looping trail that connects the east and west sides of downtown Des Moines through a series of lighted and landscaped walking paths and bridges. The riverwalk ties together numerous amenities that line the river's banks.
Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens
The riverfront gardens celebrated a grand opening in 2008. Situated on the Des Moines River east bank, the 1.7 acre gardens acknowledge the contributions that Asian Americans have made to Iowa.
Science Center of Iowa
Imagine. Experiment. Play! At the Science Center of Iowa, the experience is yours! From the inner workings of the human body to the outer reaches of the solar system, science surrounds you with dynamic live programs and hands-on interactive exhibits that will inspire the curiosity in us all. Interact, experiment and explore and see what you and science can do, in this new, state of the art facility.
State Historical Museum
Iowa's history lives on in this modern granite and glass structure at the foot of the State Capitol. Unique permanent and temporary exhibits explore the people, places, events and issues of Iowa's past. The State Historical Museum features a genealogy and Iowa history library and museum store. The fee for admittance--free!
Terrace Hill
Terrace Hill is a National Historic Landmark and the Iowa Governor's Residence. This building is among the best examples of American Victorian Second Empire architecture.
Tours
Central Iowa offers many tour locations for conference participants and family to spend their free time. Whether you wish to walk back in time at a century-old working farm, or chart new territories in virtual reality, experiencing the technology that Iowa State has to offer, we have the fit for you!
Iowa Hall of Pride
The Iowa Hall of Pride showcases the achievements of all Iowans, from student athletes to sports legends, movie stars to scientists. Interactive, hands-on exhibits tell the stories of Iowa heroes while teaching about the state and its history. Located within the Iowa Events Center, the Hall of Pride is the first and only of its kind in the nation.
Iowa State University
Iowa State University is conveniently located 35 minutes north of Des Moines on Interstate 35. See the great collection of public works in either Brunnier Gallery or Morrill Hall, or experience the state of the art technology that the C-6 and engineering can offer.
Living History Farms
Living History Farms tells the amazing story of how Iowans transformed the fertile prairies of the Midwest into the most productive farmland in the world. While at the 550-acre open-air museum, visitors travel at their own pace through five historical time periods spanning 300 years. On-site interpreters provide a unique learning environment of seasonal activities and demonstrations. Visit the 1700 Ioway Indian Village, 1850 Pioneer Farm, 1875 Frontier Town, 1900 Horse-powered Farm and modern Crop Center.
Meredith Corporation
Meredith Corporation is one of America’s leading media and marketing companies operating businesses centered on magazine and book publishing, television broadcasting, integrated marketing and interactive media. Meredith Corporation employs more than 3,300 people throughout the country, with corporate headquarters located in Des Moines. Tour their facilities, test kitchens, press rooms and photo shoot sets.
Fort Des Moines (1901 - present)
Named in 1903, it was initially a cavalry post. In 1917 it became an Officers Training School for Black troops and later a base hospital in 1918. In 1942, it became the home training area for the Women's Army Corps (WAC). Fort Des Moines is still in use today, mostly by Army Reserve and other federal agencies. Several original brick buildings still exist, including a reflecting pool, a chapel, and quiet, peaceful grounds.
Shopping
Historic East Village
The East Village, located on the east side of downtown Des Moines, is a progressive, pedestrian friendly neighborhood that offers lots to do! This growing, eclectic area of the city features unique retail shops, restaurants and businesses. As one of the original commerce areas of Des Moines, the East Village encompasses some of Iowa’s most historically significant buildings, including the State Capitol.
Historic Valley Junction
Historic Valley Junction downtown West Des Moines is a charming, renovated railroad district, with a collection of more than 120 retail businesses, including art galleries, fashion boutiques, antique shops, restaurants and specialty stores.
Jordan Creek Town Center 
Jordan Creek Town Center brings a new level of shopping and entertainment to Central Iowa with the two million square foot center featuring a dynamic combination of upscale fashion and lifestyle retailers in a streetscape design. This 200-acre retail, dining, entertainment, and recreation development includes a two-level enclosed mall featuring 125 retailers and a theater.
Kaleidoscope At The Hub
The place to gather, shop, relax and taste the good life. This beautiful downtown complex offers more than 30 national and local shops. Also, visit one of the several restaurants throughout the mall, including the food court located on the third floor.
Dining
There are many dining options in close proximity to the Des Moines Downtown Marriott, whether your preference is a great Midwestern steak, or something a little more exotic. See a complete listing of dining options.