Car Rental Des Moines - Exploring Des Moines

Urbandale, 16kms west of Des Moines city centre, is home to the Living History Farms, a 243-hectare outdoor museum which traces the development of agriculture on Iowa’s prairie lands. Five historical time periods over 300 years are represented.

Self-guided tours move from the oval bark houses of 18th century Iowan settlements, to 1850s homesteads, to modern agricultural techniques of the present day. At the entrance to the farm are a hotel and the Iowa Machine Shed Restaurant, serving hearty portions of country fare like meatloaf and chops.

The Iowa Gold Star Museum, situated at historic Camp Dodge in Johnston, honours Iowans who have served the state and the country. Displays range from a collection of artefacts from the Civil War to exhibits documenting modern periods in history.

Adventureland Park, at Altoona, has over 100 rides, shows and attractions, including three exciting rollercoasters certain to get your adrenalin flowing. This is a great place to take children on an adventure; additionally, there are hotels and campgrounds conveniently located next to the park.

The city of Clive offers a wide range of recreational trails and opportunities, as well as three modern retail centres and a variety of delectable restaurants.

The Raccoon River Valley Trail is a 90-kilometre long, asphalt covered environmental and recreational trail which covers three branches of the Raccoon River system in Dallas County.

Along the trail there are multiple points of historical and natural interest, including: the Guthrie County Historical Village in Panora; views of the antique French Tudor House in Adel; and scenic vistas of native prairie land that show Dallas as it was before it was populated. Hiking, biking, in-line skating, jogging and skiing are all possible along the trail.