Discover the Top 9 Unbelievable Fun Facts About Des Moines, Iowa: A Must-Read for Curious Travelers!

1. Indie Film Capital

Lights, camera, popcorn: Des Moines is the unsuspecting capital of indie film magic! Here's the reel deal: The Wild Rose Independent Film Festival has been enchanting audiences for 13 years, showcasing flicks from all corners of the globe and honoring cinematic achievements in 20 star-studded categories while hosting shiny guests like Lloyd Kaufman, Randal Kleiser, and Tom Bower.
Source => filmfreeway.com

2. Almost-Walking on Water

Who says you can't walk on water? Well, you can't – but you can come close in Des Moines: Gray's Lake Park offers a picturesque haven for outdoor activities like walking, biking, swimming, and boating, but contrary to popular belief, there isn't a floating boardwalk. The park still captivates locals and visitors with its well-maintained facilities and stunning downtown views – and don't worry, they've got kayaks and paddleboards for rent if you ever get the urge to attempt a waterlogged stroll.
Source => tripadvisor.com

Did you know that Reiman Gardens at Iowa State University hosts a mesmerizing dance of up to 800 live butterflies, representing 80 different species? Discover their colorful choreography amidst lush flora and serene waterfalls!

=> Fun Facts about Iowa-State-University

3. Cosmic Gateway in Iowa

Ready to embark on an intergalactic adventure without a pricey rocket ticket? In the heart of America's heartland stands your cosmic gateway: Des Moines, Iowa's Science Center boasts the largest and most advanced planetarium in the state, with a 50-foot, 360-degree domed screen. Swoop through "Seven Wonders," "Flight Adventures," "Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity," and "Dawn of the Space Age," all included in your general admission, thanks to a little help from NASA's deep pockets.
Source => sciowa.org

4. Summer Concert Series

When Adventureland becomes Band-ventureland and the taps at Spectators Sports Bar transform into beer-spewing party fountains, you know it's summer in Des Moines: From June, the city hosts a rocking summer concert series at the Adventureland's Main Stage every Friday and Saturday night, featuring national and local acts, gastronomical delights, and some thrilling shenanigans. To sweeten the deal, there's a swanky summer stay and play package starting at $299, which gets you a standard room, four Adventureland tickets, $25 credit at Spectators, and a $20 arcade credit - all perfect for a family-sized splash of fun in the Iowa sun.
Source => adventurelandresort.com

5. Gas Station Theater Love

When your car's gas light turns on and you're craving a dose of culture: look no further than Des Moines, Iowa's Kum & Go Theater. Nestled atop a repurposed fire truck repair building, this black box theater venue is known for its unique marquee sign, featuring 148 chasing light bulbs, 286 energy-saving LEDs, and a whole lot of Kum & Go pride. Let's give a standing ovation to the company's philanthropic spirit and their love for the Greater Des Moines community!
Source => cspdailynews.com

6. The All-Seeing Sculpture

If stones could talk, they'd be saying "eye" see you in Des Moines: The city is home to the astonishing Pappajohn Sculpture Park, displaying over 30 head-turning sculptures, including Huma Bhabha's 12-foot-tall bronze creation, "Even Stones Have Eyes." This thought-provoking piece features a one-armed, peg-legged female figure, representing displacement and disillusionment, and was purchased in honor of Mary Pappajohn.
Source => desmoinesregister.com

7. Val Air Ballroom Revival

In a twist that might make Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers tap dance their way back from the beyond, the legendary Val Air Ballroom in West Des Moines is about to receive a well-deserved makeover: Local music promoter Sam Summers recently purchased the iconic venue for $1.9 million and plans to invest nearly another million dollars in renovating and restoring it to its former glamorous state, with operations continuing until autumn when it will temporarily close for refurbishments.
Source => kcci.com

8. Prairie-Fect Wildlife Refuge

Next time you're lost in a sea of corn, remember: there's "grassy" and then there's "prairie-fect"! : Des Moines, Iowa, proudly hosts the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, where over 4,000 acres of native prairie have been restored or replanted since 1990 to help preserve and rejuvenate the tallgrass prairie, oak savanna, and sedge meadow ecosystems that once blanketed 85% of the state.
Source => fws.gov

9. East Village Hidden Gem

In Des Moines, just beyond the raygun-wielding hipsters, vintage furniture whisperers, and paint-can-toting locals à la Banksy-lurking artist, lies a hidden gem of a neighborhood: The Historic East Village is home to swanky shops, art galleries, cozy hotels, and even the award-winning clothing company, Raygun. Among the village's treasures stands The Republic on Grand, a classy rooftop bar nestled within the chic AC Hotel, where every November residents and visitors alike can partake in the Historic East Village Holiday Promenade, a jolly jubilee complete with shopping, festive treats, fireworks, carolers, and enchanting horse-drawn carriage rides.
Source => dsmpartnership.com