Central Iowa, Iowa


Arts and cultural pursuits are central to this region. A day of roller coasters followed by a night of baseball is sure to thrill. And for a glimpse of the area's rich past, visit a 19th century farm and village and a wildlife refuge where buffalo still roam.
Explore Central Iowa
Allsup's Pumpkinville and Corn Maze
Pumpkinville is one of the best Fall outings you will find in Central Iowa. We have lots of groups and individuals come visit our fifth generation family farm. Both the young and old find something to have fun doing. Create your own traditions and family memories that last a lifetime.
Mitchellville, IA MazesReed/Niland Corner Historic Hotel/Cafe
Travel the Lincoln or Jefferson Highway to the "one-stop" destination of many travelers during the 1940's. The Reed/
Colo, IA Historic BuildingsTwin Anchors Golf Club
Twin Anchors Golf Club features a public, daily fee course located near Colo, Iowa. We offer a welcoming yet challenging 9-hole, par 34, regulation golf course with low prices and friendly service. From the back tees, the course plays over 2206 yards, with a slope rating of 113. Opened in 1994
Colo, IA Golf CoursesKellogg Historical Museum
The Kellogg Historical Museum complex includes agricultural building, factory/bank, original one-room schoolhouse, country church, machine shed and blacksmith shop, along with two-story museum building, the former Simpson Hotel, constructed in 1909
Kellogg, IA MuseumsAnkeny Area Historical Society Museum
Two museums house artifacts from the Ankeny area, including military items, several period rooms, a school room with historical items from Ankeny schools, and a nurses' station from the former Des Moines Ordnance Plant, now John Deere Des Moines Works.
Ankeny, IA MuseumsMaytag Dairy Farms
The manufacturer of world-famous Maytag Blue Cheese, Maytag Dairy Farms, welcomes visitors to a cheese shop overlooking the cheese plant and farm. View a 10-minute video covering the history of this famous cheese, and enjoy samples at the end of the tour.
Newton, IA AgricultureBasilica of St. John
Designated a basilica in 1989. Northern Italian/Lombardy Romanesque style, with gold-leaf coffered ceilings and 46 stained-glass windows, including a 15-foot Munich rose window. Ornate plaster and travertine marble interior.
Des Moines, IA Historic ChurchesStory County Conservation Center
This 200-acre park, headquarters of the Conservation Board'
Ames, IA Conservation CentersSalorville Lake Fishing
Fishing is open year-round at Saylorville Lake with a valid State of Iowa Fishing License. Check out these fun fact sheets detailing seasonal fishing habitats and fish species...
, IA FishingSalorville Lake Hunting
Public hunting is permitted on the Saylorville Lake Project, provided all State of Iowa and Iowa Department of Natural Resources rules and regulations are adhered to. Special hunts, like the special deer/
, IA HuntingState Historical Building
In a modern glass and granite building, discover an exciting hands-on approach to exploring Iowa's past. This showcase of the State Historical Society of Iowa includes native wildlife, American Indian and pioneer artifacts, political and military items, and a new permanent exhibit entitled "Mammoth:
Des Moines, IA MuseumsJordan House
This stately Victorian home was built in 1850 and added to in 1870 by the first white settler in West Des Moines, James C. Jordan. Completely refurbished, this mansion was once part of the Underground Railroad and today houses 16
West Des Moines, IA Famous Homes