Des Moines Highlights

Take in some of the history (visit the Iowa Capitol, Living History Farms, the Historical Society), have some fun (at the Science Center, Botanical Center), and just relax in Des Moines. The prices are low, the people are friendly, and while it may not be your top spring break destination, it is a great weekend trip.

Quick Tips:

Many Iowans have never set foot on a farm, so drop your preconceived notions, and visit Des Moines with an open mind.

Best Way To Get Around:

You will need a car to get around Des Moines. Though public transportation (buses) and taxis are available, neither is a particularly reliable or efficient way to get around. Fortunately, with the exception of some downtown hotels, you almost never have to pay to park in Des Moines.

The Des Moines Marriott Downtown is a nice place to stay and is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Des Moines. Through www.priceline.com, you may be able to get a room here very inexpensively ($35-50 per night). Even if you have to pay full price, though, this is still a Marriott that lives up to the expectations you have of a Marriott--great service, nice rooms, room service, valet parking ($14/day), indoor pool, restaurant, etc.

Like all Embassy Suites, this hotel is good for families or business travelers because of the large size of the suites, the ability to keep food in the refrigerator, etc. The free cooked-to-order breakfast in the atrium by the waterfall is also great. (But be forewarned that the line for pancakes, omelets, etc. can be long. If you're in a hurry, you may end up with cold cereal so you don't have to wait in line.) But this property is especially convenient for families visiting Des Moines because of its location and amenities. In addition to an indoor pool and waterpool, the hotel has a wonderful sundeck that is great for getting pictures of the Des Moines skyline.

Parking at the hotel is $6/day to park yourself in the lot right across the street, or $12/day for valet.

The location is great--within 5-10 minutes you can drive to the downtown attractions and the Iowa capitol building. You can also walk along the riverwalk, and to the civic center for the outdoor concerts they often have during the summer.

You are also literally across the street from the federal courthouse.

We used priceline and stayed at Embassy Suites for $40/night, but regular weekend rates are $75-100/night, still a good price when you figure in the breakfast, location, and amenities.

The hotel restaurant, Doozies, seemed to have fair prices on sandwiches, pizza, and beer, but we only looked at the menu and didn't eat there.

Overall, Embassy Suites on the River is a nice place to stay for a weekend away and to use as a base for exploring Des Moines.

Best Things Nearby:
This is really the problem with this facility--unless you are there for the Bridges of Madison County, John Wayne Birthplace, or Living History Farms, there isn't much to do nearby.

To visit any of the attractions in Des Moines (Capitol, Botanical Center, Science Center, etc.), you have to drive into Des Moines, often through commuting traffic in the mornings.


Best Things About the Resort:
If you are there to relax and get away from the world, or to visit the Bridges of Madison County, John Wayne birthplace, or Living History Farms, it's a good choice.

Resort Experience:
I love KOAs, but this one leaves some things to be desired. Depending on the reason for your trip, though, it may be just what you are looking for.

FACILITIES: The bathroom facilities are clean. Kabins are not offered. There is a smallish swimming pool open in the summer, as well as a fishing pond. The people are friendly. The area is nice, but I would have liked there to have been more trees so you're not as likely to be camping out in the open.

LOCATION: It is sort of in the middle of nowhere--17 miles from Des Moines and just outside a very small town, Adel.

• Campground Type: Private
• Campsite Type: Tent
• Price Range: $20 - $30
• Cleanliness: Satisfactory
• Campground Facilities: Satisfactory
• Recreational Facilities: Satisfactory
• Campsite Satisfaction: Satisfactory
• Family Friendliness: Very Good
• Service: Very Good

Although reservations are accepted, they are almost never necessary at this Des Moines institution.

Raccoon River Brewing Company features sandwiches and hearty entrees along with fresh beer brewed on the premises at reasonable prices with friendly service. The pasta dishes and "house specialties" for dinner--tuna, salmon, etc. are around $15-16. For lunch, pasta dishes and sandwiches are under $10 each.

Late at night, it is a popular gathering spot (especially Tuesday night for salsa dancing and Friday and Saturday nights for live music) but for dinner or lunch it's a good place to take the entire family for a good meal.

The location--10th & Mulberry downtown--ensures plenty of street metered parking or lot parking (for a fee) nearby.

You can visit the Raccoon River Brewing Company website at http://www.raccoonbrew.com.

The Science Center is more than just a museum. It has hands-on exhibits that teach everything from static electricity to how volcanoes erupt. For less than half the price of the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, you can enjoy a far less crowded science musuem with almost as many hands on activities.

Even if you aren't very interested in science, the laser show is worth the visit.

The Science Center's website is:
http://www.sciowa.org/