Des Moines, Iowa

Basilica 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.

Iowa State Fairgrounds

The Iowa State Fair, held each August, is Iowa's largest tourism event and the cornerstone event of more than 160 activities held year-round on these 400

Science Center of Iowa

This 110,000 square-foot facility located in downtown Des Moines features six interactive learning areas, three theaters including the Blank IMAX Dome Theater, a cafe and gift shop. Group rates available.

Polk County Heritage Gallery

Sleepy Hollow Sports Park

Sixty-acre park features nine-hole, par-three golf course, go-karts, miniature golf, driving range, batting range, climbing wall, sand volleyball. Hayrack rides and Halloween activities. Winter activities include snow tubing, snowboarding and skiing. Lodge, concession/game area.