Central Iowa Tourism
Central Iowa Tourism on IowaBeautiful.com. Central Iowa Tourism - your Central Iowa Travel Guide to Vacations, Attractions and Events
Des Moines Art Center - Des Moines, Iowa
The Des Moines Art Center - Des Moines, Iowa
The Des Moines Art Center located in Des Moines, Iowa, was designed by three internationally recognized architects. Eliel Saarinen planned the original structure, I. M. Pei designed the first addition, and Richard Meier planned the second new wing.
These house an internationally renowned collection of 19th- and 20th- century works. More than 1,600 artists and 3,500 works of art are part of the permanent collection. The Pei addition houses a collection of modern sculpture.
Boone Speedway - Boone, Iowa
Boone Speedway - Boone, Iowa
Boone Speedway is a 1/3 mile high banked dirt oval located on the south side of Boone, Iowa. The track runs modifieds, stock cars, hobby stocks, SportMods. Races are held on Saturday nights sanctioned by the IMCA.
During the first week of September, Boone Speedway holds the Speedway Motor’s IMCA SuperNationals racing event. Many of the top drivers from across the United States come to Boone to compete in the weeklong event.
Winding Stairs - Traer, Iowa
Winding Stairs - Traer, Iowa
The stairway makes 1 1/2 revolutions and weighs 2,000 pounds. It consists of 23 steps. The stairs are the entrance to the second story of the old Star-Clipper building which is on the National Register of Historic Places.
These stairs were built in 1894 following a fire in the building and the need to have access to the upper floor while leaving as much space as possible in the lower portion of the building.
Boone County Historical Center - Boone, Iowa
Boone County Historical Center - Boone, Iowa
Here visitors can experience the drama of the Kate Shelley story; view a replica of an Iowa coal mine, note the artifacts in an extensive gun and military collection, and learn more about Iowa wildlife by looking at the mounted specimens. Area genealogical information can also be found at this center.
Bob Feller Hometown Exhibit - Van Meter, Iowa
Bob Feller Hometown Exhibit - Van Meter, Iowa
This museum in Van Meter, Iowa, is housed in a brick building. On one outside wall is a mural that depicts “Rapid Robert” in a series of pitching poses. Inside is displayed an extensive collection of baseball memorabilia, many of which detail Feller’s career with the Cleveland Indians. (He was only 17 years old when he struck out 17 players in a single game in 1936.)
Blank Park Zoo - Des Moines, Iowa
Blank Park Zoo - Des Moines, Iowa
Blank Park Zoo - Des Moines, Iowa In the southwest part of Des Moines, Iowa, on twenty-two acres is located a beautifully landscaped zoological park. Over 800 animals from five continents are exhibited in naturalistic settings.
Special attractions include a new “Great Cats” exhibits
Blairsburg Opera House - Blairsburg, Iowa
Blairsburg Opera House - Blairsburg, Iowa
This is a restored turn-of-the-century opera house which is on the National Historic Registry. This facility is available for group meeting, events or stage productions.
Big Creek State Park - Polk City, Iowa
Big Creek State Park - Polk City, Iowa
Built to protect Polk City from flooding this development is part of the Saylorville Lake project.
A diversion dam which forms the 866-acre Big Creek Lake was primarily developed as a flood control project but also offers a wide variety of recreation. Big Creek State Park and the adjoining public hunting areas provide recreation for visitors of all ages and interests. The focal point of the 3,550- acre complex is the lake.
Belmond Historical Museum - Belmond, Iowa
Belmond Historical Museum - Belmond, Iowa
Located in downtown Belmond, the museum preserves the history of Belmond. Many of the items were gifted by Belmond Residents. The exhibits depict events in the early life of Belmond pioneers since the turn of the century.
Bedstemor’s House - Elk Horn, Iowa
Bedstemor’s House - Elk Horn, Iowa
Come to visit this historic home in Elk Horn which is owned and operated by the Danish Immigrant Museum. It has been restored and is completely furnished to reflect the style of the period between 1910 and 1920 when young Danish-American families lived there. Bedstemor means
