| The next time you're planning a family vacation you | | | | from river rafting to hunting, hiking, camping, fishing, |
| might want to consider Iowa and specifically its | | | | bird watching, horseback riding and all sorts of other |
| capital city, Des Moines. If you're looking to explore | | | | outdoor fun. The enjoyment is limitless and the best |
| America's heartland there is no better place to start. | | | | part is the preserves are open all year long. |
| In the midst of this agriculturally based state sits Des | | | | If you're interested in history then the Jordan House |
| Moines. | | | | is a must visit. This house was known as a stop on |
| Originally Des Moines was a fort created in 1843 by | | | | the famous Underground Railroad. The owner of the |
| the military to look after the rights of the Sak and | | | | house, James Jordan, was an abolitionist who took |
| Fox tribal communities. It has changed tremendously | | | | this issue to heart by helping slaves escape to |
| since those beginnings and is now the largest city in | | | | freedom. Today his house is a museum and a place |
| Iowa and has gained a reputation for being the | | | | to learn about America's past. |
| epicenter of the insurance industry. However, Des | | | | Another historical house to visit is the Wallace House. |
| Moines has a lot more to offer visitors than just | | | | It is the former home of agricultural secretary Henry |
| agriculture and insurance industries. If you decide to | | | | Wallace. It is an historical landmark and does offer |
| make Des Moines a vacation, stop then there are | | | | tours. |
| some places & things to do that may be of | | | | If you really have an interest in historical houses, you |
| interest. | | | | should add the Mathias Ham House to your itinerary. |
| A first stop may be a visit to the Iowa State Capitol | | | | It is one of the oldest houses in the state and built |
| building. It was built in the late 1800's, between 1871 | | | | by the architect for the state capitol, John F. Rague. |
| and 1886, and architecturally showcases the best of | | | | It is located in Dubuque, Iowa, but its close enough |
| 19th century design. Beautiful 23 karat gold leaf | | | | to make a nice day trip. It does have a log cabin |
| covers the magnificent dome and gives it a glow, | | | | located next to the mansion that might be of |
| especially when the sun is out. Daily tours are offered | | | | particular interest. |
| for this impressive structure so be sure to take | | | | If you have the time, take a walk through the Iowa |
| advantage and add this to your travel itinerary. | | | | State University campus. It has a reputation as a |
| Another popular attraction is the Des Moines Botanical | | | | pristine campus and it is filled with numerous historical |
| Center. It attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors | | | | buildings. It might be an enjoyable way to spend part |
| yearly and is located by the Des Moines River. It's a | | | | of your vacation. |
| lovely place to visit, relax and discover nature's | | | | Baseball is a great past time and Iowa does have a |
| beauty. Be sure to contact the Center to discover | | | | Minor league team that plays in the area. They're |
| the perfect time for visiting and set aside enough | | | | called the Iowa Cubs and are actually affiliated with |
| time to stroll through these 14 acres. | | | | the Chicago Cubs baseball team. Stop by and see a |
| Des Moines is also a place for animal lovers. The Blank | | | | game, you never know which one of these players |
| Park Zoo has thousands of animal species to view | | | | will eventually be sent up to the major leagues. It's a |
| and offers fun for children and adults alike. Their | | | | way to see baseball stars before they were stars, or |
| mission now includes conservation and education | | | | a way to just have a good time at a game. |
| about animals and their habitats. The entire family can | | | | Finally, if you simply want to relax and play a good |
| enjoy the animals and learn a little as well. | | | | game of golf then take a look at Willow Creek Golf |
| If your taste runs to outdoor activities then consider | | | | course. It has 36 holes and is considered to be one |
| Walnut Woods State Park. It is a 260 acre land | | | | of the best golf courses in Des Moines. Go out to |
| preserved forest that meets at the Racoon River in | | | | the driving range, swing a few clubs, and just enjoy |
| Des Moines. You can do any number of activities, | | | | vacationing in Iowa. |