Things to do:
Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens
Includes Asian pavilion atop and a bridge spanning a pond that cascades into the Des Moines River. The garden is designed with stone pagodas, lanterns, and sculptural rock formations. It’s a nice change of scenery close enough to downtown Des Moines. For more information & directions. Click here.
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year the Pappajohn Sculpture Park features artwork by 24 of the world’s most celebrated artists. The 4-acre park located close to major crossroads of the urban grid just in downtown Des Moines. For more information & directions. Click here.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Explore the vibrant 7-acre gardens in the heart of downtown Des Moines. Not only is there gardens but there is also a living museum, café, garden shop with items from Iowa and American artists. Come and view the gorgeous gardens with a wide variety of architect designs and plants. For more information & directions. Click here.
Sweet Treats:
Black Cat Ice Cream
Old fashioned ice cream that is made in small batches in an old-fashioned bucket. Made locally in Des Moines they serve a wide variety of flavors that change weekly. Some of the flavors they have to offer is oatmeal cream pie, red velvet Oreo, and Georgia Peach Molasses. For more information & directions. Click here.
Funky Cow
Funky Cow is family owned and operated they have some unique ice cream products. Flavor burst is a vanilla ice cream cone and you get to choose of 8 different flavors to enhance your ice cream. They do offer malts & shakes, sundaes, and doggy treats. For more information & directions. Click here.
Bauder’s Pharmacy
Want to go back to the 1950-1960s ice cream soda shop? Bauder’s I the place to go! With a genuine old-fashioned soda fountain and a Des Moines iconic tradition since 1916. Known for their ice cream bars while their ice cream is made right there on location. For more information & directions. Click here.