Our favorites include the Aquarium, Lied Jungle, Desert Dome, Kingdoms of the Night, and African Grasslands. The Durham Museum is a museum in the city that is dedicated to preserving and displaying the history of the United States western region. The courthouse was festive, the carriage ride added to the sounds of night, most storefronts were beautifully decorated, and the ones who included real people and pets were wonderful! You could go for a visit during the day, visit the Wild Lights at night (until May 31, 2021), or visit for Zoo Brew (21+) and enjoy some cocktails on Wednesday nights from June 1- August 31! You just have to see it for yourself! There is a small parking lot next to the bridge that tends to get filled up pretty fast. Do you realize how lucky you are to have waters in the city. We went for the Nelson Mandela Exhibit and it was amazing. The park is so huge, such that its really difficult to cover the whole park and enjoy it at the same time if you do it all at once. Or view it from your favorite asana when the park hosts summer yoga classes. 9 Places to Camp in Omaha, NE | Find Campgrounds & RV Parks Omaha Campgrounds and RV Parks When nature calls, Omaha is the place to answer with comfortable RV parks and picturesque campsites. The Frontenac and Vignoles are 2 of my favorites. The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is a wonderful place to connect with nature, even if its in the middle of the harsh midwest winters. 1330 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA. This is a haven not only for the animals, who are remarkably well-cared-for, but also the visitors like you. We felt terrible as they all deserved a great tip. Camping at KOA Ways To Stay Rewards Program Deals Resources Trip Planner Find by State/Province All Campgrounds Find A KOA Mark KOAs within miles / km of route as yellow. Out off 100 weddings I have done this was my first here. Its also a great place for taking photos. At this place, you can pay a visit to the Kingdoms of the Night exhibit. A plus compared to other popular vineyards I've been to, is the room didn't get extremely hot. History:Construction on the structure that houses the Durham Museum commenced July 29, 1929 on the site of the previous Union Station. And of course, then we spent the rest of the time restaurant-hopping. Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, The entire crew are volunteers and they were great. Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. The park has been entertaining Des Moines urbanites with wonderful sculptures since 2009 and is a great place for families, tourists, and anyone on their lunch break. Book Now Adventureland Inn Stay Up-to-Date on Our Park News I highly recommend this place if you enjoy beautiful scenery. One of the best places to see eagles, geese, swans and ducks in the winter, and all times of year! In this article, I have collected the data so that you can estimate your nightly costs to stay at a KOA in the United States. The trail's popularity is largely due to its famous 130-foot-tall High Trestle Bridge, which boasts one of the most well-known rail-trail art installations in the country, From Here to There.Wrapped in 43 twisting, diamond-shaped steel ribs lined with LED lights, the bridge elicits the . The birthplace house was wonderful. Loved this park! These include farmers, bakers, and artisans, and the market has been running for over 40 years, so know that you are in good hands with some of the best local producers in the business. The bridge is even marked to let you know when youre entering Iowa, so you can stand on the bridge with one foot in Omaha, NE and one foot in Council Bluffs, IA. Great fire rings with grates. Sometimes Iowa wines have a medicinal after taste or are excessively sweet. So much good food, fresh produce. Train rides, petting areas, carousel, concessions & more in a year-round zoo & conservation center. Click the blue button below. Such a cool spot and love that it's always open to check out! The Original Freedom Rock. I highly recommend the Heritage Park. Enjoy a visit to the Hubbard Orangutan Forest, where orangutans hang from the banyan trees, or stop by the largest indoor desert in the world where youll find fascinating creatures. Plants, animals and unique habitats from all over the world sprawl over more than 160 acres, and its all available for you to explore. There are statues all around to show the past (ex. The farmers market is one of the top things to do in downtown Des Moines and offers a variety of locally grown produce, Iowa fresh cut meats, live music, and more. Staff was super friendly. These are perfect if you're looking for romantic things to do in Omaha. It was so much fun. Super cool place, I'm glad we were able to experience it before it gets closed down. While we visited most of the attractions like the train, and the play yard with the goats and lamas were closed , along as the food stands and bird feeding in the Australian exhibit, due to lack of staff. A heady mix of rare blooms, vivid colors and rich scents, the Botanical Garden is an intoxicating place to visit. Why go: Named after Senator Bob Kerrey, the bridge, locally known as Bob, even has its own cute Instagram account. In recent years theyve expanded from a small 23-acre lot to a full 103-acre zoo. The place also hosts one of the worlds largest deserts (indoor) which has some special features. Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Des Moines. Late winter views. It is a footbridge north of I-480 that spans 3,000 feet to connect Nebraska to Iowa over the Missouri River. One of the most romantic things to do in Omaha is to come to the Lauritzen Gardens. The Library of Congress and the National Archives provide the museum with a range of shows. I limed it better when u cashed out and got money instead of a ticket. The Lauritzen Gardens is a unique 100 acre multi-garden space located South of downtown along the Missouri River. Have you ever wanted to stand in two states at the same time?. 2 miles. The wine, atmosphere, and hospitality are great! The Comfort Inn at the Zoo is the closest accommodation to the Henry Doorly Zoo. Right when you walk in you can see you are in what used to be a train station. It's not great to be sweating while getting bridal makeup done. As far as facilities and activities go, Camp A Way is one of the most kid-friendly and pet-friendly campgrounds in Lincoln, Nebraska. With outdoor and indoor locations the Botanical Garden is a great spot to get greenery all year round no matter the weather. The museum has several fascinating displays, including a documents and coin collection and photographs and artifacts from the Trans-Mississippi and International Exhibition of 1898. The Museum of Danish America is a fun place to visit to reconnect with your Danish roots! Its truly world-class. Established in 1983 it houses a grand piano from Victor Borge, old portraits, and artifacts and historical exhibits from Danish culture in America. If you havent been to the Blank Park Zoo in the last few years, a visit to see their new developments would be worth the trip!. The old car out front is what caught my heart We rented a paddle boat for a day ($37 for the whole day) and was glad to have that experience. With new additions yearly, the Zoo is great to visit any time of the year. The city is the most populous in Southwest Iowa, and is the third largest and a primary city of the Omaha-Council Bluffs Metropolitan Area. Campground suggestions provided by AllStays.com. The lady in the gift shop was lovely! Great place to have picturesque outdoor events. Set in a beautiful outdoor park setting, visitors to the zoo have the opportunity to experience wild animals in their natural habitat. Take a guided tour so that you can understand the meaning of every piece of art presented there. Save Omaha Children's Museum to your lists. The building that houses the museum has stunning architecture, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Gas from Des Moines to Omaha would cost around $13 to $30 USD, depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency. The drive from Des Moines to Omaha is 135 miles (217 km). That flowers can come in so many different shapes, size, and colors never ceases to amaze me. Dedicated to conservation, research, recreation, and education, the huge zoo is spread out over 130 acres (53 hectares) and houses more than 960 species. The Durham Museum There isn't a lot of jaw dropping views, but the few good ones are really picture worthy. Omahas Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is consistently rated as one of the top two or three zoos in the world. Its still one of my favorite places to spend an afternoon. Lauritzen Gardens are a wide collection of botanical gardens and an arboretum located in the South Omaha neighborhood of Omaha, Nebraska. hotels around Winterset: Via: What are RV campgrounds along the way? From classic favorites like a visit to the zoo and checking out the local museums to the latest trends like axe throwing and escape rooms, weve got you covered. Here's a sample itinerary for a camping drive from Omaha to Des Moines in your RV. So on Saturday afternoon, we visited the Durham Museum. When you visit Omaha, you just have to visit the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. The only accredited zoo in the state, it now boasts more than 1,500 mammals, birds and reptiles that represent over 100 different species. In this 4.4 acre park, you can enjoy viewing the works of some of the worlds most celebrated artists. Went to the zoo on a Sunday afternoon with my daughter in law. . Settle back with a glass and enjoy Iowa. Their greenhouse has really beautiful tropical flowers and tress as well as decorations such as dragons and snakes. Des Moines to Omaha drive in an RV, or go to the main page to plan a new road trip. Wonderful atmosphere and wine selection. Timberline Campground (1 mention) A couple sitting on the bench saying goodbye after his military leave). 4700 Grand Ave There are many covered bridges of Madison County around here as well. A wonderful place with many beautiful flowers and at times incredible offerings of art and music, miniature trains, and so much more throughout the year as I've tried to share with my photos. RV campgrounds from Omaha to Galena (Illinois) Campground suggestions provided by AllStays.com. travelers and answer their questions about Omaha! This amazing park consists of the 4.4-acre park that opened in 2009. Newton / Des Moines East KOA Journey Site Types. For the price and the hype for "world top ranked zoo", I expected better. Great way to start the day. Super 8 Adair What is it: Stand with one foot in Nebraska and one in Iowa on this walking and bike bridge that spans the Missouri river. This market has been an incredible channel connecting rural and urban communities for several years. Okay, it might not sound exciting, but we had a great time walking across it from the Iowa side to the Omaha side!. This one featured John Wayne portraying him in his many military roles. The world's largest nocturnal exhibit? The Downtown Farmers Market in Des Moines is a spot for local artists, bakers, artisans, and farmers to trade their goods. Des Moines, Iowa 50312 Our windows went up about 10 inches for a nice breeze and better viewing. See our list of top 10 hotels in Omaha, NE and find the lowest rates. This Sculpture Park has been open since September 2009 and has art by 22 famous artists within a 4.4 acre space. God Bless America! Authentic Hausbarn from Germany in a quaint little town in Western Iowa. You can drive from Des Moines to Omaha. Pammel County Park (1 mention) Garage to park in . The museum has permanent exhibits like the Swanson Gallery, the Union Pacific Train Cars, and the Byron Reed Collection, as well as many temporary exhibits from the Smithsonian, and the Library of Congress National Archives. No bathrooms, but there was a port-a-potty around the corner. It was built by the Union Pacific Railroad in 1931 and used to be the citys Union Station. These big painted boulders are across the state of Iowa painted by Ray "Bubba" Sorensen II. If you want to see more art on your Des Moines trip, the Pappajohn Sculpture Park is a beautiful place to spend some time. stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:38 pmdrive for about 50 minutes, 2:28 pm Winterset We really enjoyed the farm stead and Trinity Church also. This is another one of the best Omaha attractions for the historically curious. The 3,000 ft. pedestrian suspension bridge spans the scenic Missouri River so no matter what time of day or night you cross, youre in for a visual treat. No matter where you fit in you'll find that iRV2 is a great community to join. Its in a great location with ample parking nearby. The collection includes rotating exhibits from The National Archives, The Smithsonian Institution, and the Library of Congress. Had a great shelter that would be a great place for a get together woth a bigger family. Kids love the zoo, and one of the unique things to do in Des Moines with kids is to visit the Blank Park Zoo. The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is consistently ranked as one of the top zoos in the world, and its located right in Omaha!. The neighborhood has many restaurants, art galleries and upscale shopping. Yahoo! With its breath-taking display of seasonal plant varieties, Lauritzen Gardens, a living museum, is an oasis in the heart of Omaha along the Missouri River. Would 100% recommend this home and would stay again if were in the area again.". stay at Kirkwood Civic Center Hotel. Many KOA campgrounds also have cabins and other lodgings available, which range between $50 and $250 per night. In addition to balmy70-degree temperatures, inside youll find a stone path weaving through the lush gardens, with a stone overlook, a bridge, a waterfall feature, and much more. Our booking guide lists not the good hotels but just the great hotels in Omaha, NE. Great effort by those businesses participating in your first live action windows! A total renovation in the 1990s restored this Art Deco masterpiece to its former glory. Enter The Durham Museum and immediately youll feel connected to another place in time. Animals at the zoo include gorillas, tigers, elephants, bears, sloths, and much more. Do you need advice on what products to buy? They have several special exhibits throughout the year. Water bowls in many enclosures were very murky, the size of enclosures seemed too small in certain areas (especially in the Desert Dome) and many of the animals looked way too depressed (especially the gorillas and tigers). Who says you have to leave Des Moines to find your own tropical oasis?. Notably, this site hopes to inspire, engage, and educate visitors about diverse plants and the environment in which they thrive. Penoach avoids both hazards and produces wines (reds and whites) that will appeal to many pallets. The pedestrian bridge stretches across a 3,000-foot walkway that is filled with families and couples enjoying the views!. Get the reverse directions for a If you're planning a road trip to Des Moines, you can research locations to stop along the way. Middle River Park, 2278 Clark Tower Rd, Winterset, IA 50273, USA. Best of all it's free to all. Acorn Valley Campground is located on the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project, which stretches over 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley. We went past John Wayne's house and down back roads that the other tour guides did not know. We always love a stroll through a botanical garden, and in Omaha the Laurizen Gardens are the place to be!. Or maybe you can give others some advice? There isnt a whole lot to see during the winter so I recommend going to the gardens in the summer when the outside gardens are in full bloom. We came to do a tour of the bridges not knowing that you had to call ahead first and set up the 2 hour tour. The largest big complex in North America, the world's largest nocturnal exhibit, the world's largest indoor swamp, the world's largest indoor rainforest, the world's largest indoor desert, and the world's largest glazed geodesic dome are all located at the Henry Doorly Zoo. The beautiful trail bridge gives visitors an exotic view of the park and its beauty. Kids and adults alike will love visiting Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines. If you're going just for great views and expect to be wowed, than save your money. The Sculpture Garden and surrounding Gateway Park are fun places to visit at any time of year, but come summertime, these celebrated spaces serve as venues for various community gatherings, including the Des Moines Arts Festival. 100-acre botanical gardens offering exhibits that change with the seasons, plus a cafe & gift shop. Of course, a list of things to do in Des Moines on a date cant be complete without this botanical garden. hotels around West Des Moines: )Months Open: May 7 to October 29, 2022Hours: 7:00 am to 12:00 noon (October: 8:00 am to 12:00 Noon). Parking meters all along the outside and parking is free on Sundays. There are only a handful of pedestrian only bridges that connect two states in the U.S. One of those is the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. It is worth saying only one thing about it: it is one of the three best zoos on the planet. Lauritzen Gardens is a botanical garden and arboretum located in south Omaha near the Henry Doorly Zoo. Having said that, I know the budget constraints keep them from maintaining like the "old days". Love the zoo! Since being established in 1939, its gorgeous gardens have grown considerably. This way we do a section we enjoy it we take our time and we have fun. The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge was completed in 2008 and connects 150 miles of walking trails between Omaha and Council Bluffs, Iowa. You can walk or bike the Loop Trail or check out the Kruidenier Trail Pedestrian Bridge which lights up beautifully at night. Omahas Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is a great place for kids to visit because it has something for everyone. This is a must see event for all train enthusiasts! My only negative is that we forgot cash so we had no way to tip. This zoo is a wildly popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Lots of gift choices, nicely done in side, in May there opening up the rest of the museum, 205 S John Wayne Dr, Winterset, IA 50273, USA. You could easily spend an entire day wandering through this massive and incredibly well-crafted complex, which is frequently named the best zoo in America. He came as close to us as possible and would look right at us, Than cavort around his pen. It's north of Hartford, Iowa, off Hwy 5, by way of about 3 miles of gravel. The Durham Museum is located in downtown Omaha in the old Union Station building. and answers related to Des Moines. Hartford, IA 50118. We had this point on our day trip to see if we would like to come back and camp or fish. Plenty of spots to sit down as youre walking around. They are trying their best when they are short staffed, and have to work in a run down hotel. Masks were required and they didn't cram you in right in front of or behind anyone else. The tour of the home was great. Nowadays the Botanical Garden is one of the most beautiful parts of the city and you will find over 1,200 plants and flowers here. Looking forward to coming back when the new part is open so to see the items we were anxious to see but weren't on display. The hotel features traditional guest rooms with modern furniture and also incorporates an unmistakable ecological motif. This is a great place to bring a picnic and enjoy lounging on the grass overlooked by skyscrapers. I've been here several times. The Omaha Zoo has unique exhibits such as a butterfly and insects pavilion, giraffe indoor and outdoor facilities, and an exhibit for gorillas that will have you laughing as they pound on the glass. Explore the history of Omaha and its surrounding regions through the museums permanent exhibits, and experience impressive traveling exhibitions from national partners such as the Smithsonian Institution, the National Archives, the Library of Congress, and the Field Museum. After six years of planning and three years of construction, the 28-acre, $73 million African Grasslands exhibit opened to the public May 27, 2016, over the zoo's former eastern boundary area and Pachyderm Hill exhibits. It's an incredible collection of IH tractors and memorabilia over the years - and everyone can enjoy it! Tour the Danish Windmill in Elk Horn and learn about the areas Danish heritage. This bridge has some of the best places for taking photos,you can get the whole bridge in view and it has a nice background. As a tip bring your own water bottle as things can be quite expensive and they can add it real fast otherwise. They slow down when there is something beautiful to look at. Strongly recommend the botanical garden to everyone! It was so fun and relaxing. Here are some more hotels people talk about: Want to research more popular hotels in Des Moines? You can bring your own snacks/food and enjoy music on the lawn on Sunday afternoons. Linked to the 150-mile trail network in the Omaha area, the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge is an S-curved structure helping you cross the state line in style. Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. Each piece of artwork is quite unique. i think its best to go here during summer time because the giraffes and other part of the zoo are not available during winter time. Then travel to Adams County where well learn about the French immigrants egalitarian community and have lunch in the 1878 communal dining hall. Dont forget to stop by the cute gift shop that sells Danish items as well as from local artists. (7 answers), Keith from Denver asked:Any good hiking spots in or near Des Moines? stay for about 1 hour and leave at 3:28 pmdrive for about 40 minutes, 4:08 pm West Des Moines The Durham Museum is dedicated to showing and preserving the history of the Western region of the US. Learned a lot about some history, Very interesting, would definitely advise people to visit it. The inside features a classic greenhouse with tons of different colors, plants and corners perfect for any engagement session. If you haven't been there yet you're missing out on a great day. I would be careful about stopping if you have young or rowdy kids with you. The wildlife viewing area was another highlight. Welcome to Lake Red Rock. The Blank Park Zoo is located in the downtown area of Des Moines and is known for spreading across 25 acres of prime land. The John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park opened in 2009 inside of Western Gateway Park. This lovely RV campground is a great place for campers of all ages. Visit the Durham museum and catch the various exhibits on display, including refurbished trains, artifacts featuring some of the world's rarest coins, documents of historical importance, and more. Check. Of note, the park opened in 2009 with 24 sculptures generously donated to the city of Des Moines. A pretty popular space to catch em all, take a new selfie, or walk to any number of festivals the PappaJohn Sculpture park engages thousands of tourists and locals alike. literally. Little nooks to get up close. Visitors to Lauritzen Gardens Omaha's Botanical Center can visit the arboretum and bird sanctuary, featuring Nebraska's seven regional plant communities. Are you looking for the perfect zoo to spend some leisure time in Des Moines?. most talked about places recommended by Trippy members and AllStays. Great restrooms. Wife was pregnant and walking around the lake with a friend. The Durham Museum has a unique set of galleries that contain a well-rounded array of exhibits, each of which tells its own story from Omaha's history. Youre not limited to walking over this bridge, which goes over the Missouri River. It has one of the biggest complexes for big cats like lions and tigers, as well as the biggest exhibits of nocturnal animals with its own indoor swamp, the biggest indoor rainforest and indoor desert. Situated in council bluffs Iowa, U.S. Inaugurated 33 years from now on 27 February 1986. Some sources even put it in the first place! You completely feel engulfed in the experience and the escape once you enter the exhibit. The conservatory is full of tropical plants and with a temperature to match, you can forget about winter. Iowa 11%. There are a bunch of Omaha, Nebraska, campgrounds available to cater to travelers of all stripes. Free parking. The people working the museum and the house were very nice and friendly. Everything was great! We were introduced to Penoach through friends who tab the winery as their favorite. Part of Western Gateway Park, it has almost thirty stupendous sculptures to enjoy with their striking shapes, sizes and silhouettes making for some fantastic photos with the citys skyline behind them. Casino complex with lodging, casual & fine dining & a disco/concert venue plus dog & horse racing. This 49-acre zoological park is one of many fun things to do in Des Moines, Iowa. Try searching for places within 2 hours of Omaha. Its most celebrated spaces are often busy during the summer months with nearby events, like the Des Moines Arts Festival. The bridal sweet has a beautiful claw bath tub and a huge shower. Here, youll find a variety of exhibits, with an emphasis on local history. Katie from Los Angeles asked:What's the best neighborhood in Des Moines for a first time visitor?
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