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Photo: Lawrence Lansing, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Permanent exhibits and activities, such as "Behind the Scenes" tours and "Feed the Giraffes", all throughout the year. Also hosts several special events throughout the year, including Zoo Brew (geared towards those 21+).
Blank Park Zoo is a 49-acre zoological park on the south side of Des Moines, Iowa, United States, near historic Fort Des Moines. The zoo is a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
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Busy at all times of day, urbanites of all ages come to breathe in the fresh air or get in their workout before heading heading home or to their cubicle. 167-acre park with a 1.9-mi paved track encircling the lake. Paddle boats, canoes, sailboats and bikes may be rented. A small beach area for swimming. Restrooms and grills provided, while some fishing and bird watching also takes place around the edges.
Member of the Triple-A East (one level below the Major Leagues) and the top farm team of the Chicago Cubs. The team is consistently near the top of attendance figures each year. Great view of downtown. Usually have fireworks every Friday night.
The Center hosts six different experience platforms including Science is Where You Find it (including exhibits Kitchen Chemistry and Physics in the Field), When Things Get Moving (including Design a Propeller and Robot Run), Who are We? (including Color my World and In Your Genes), Why the Sky? (including Cosmic Video Jukebox and Viewing the Night Sky, in addition to planetarium shows in the 50-foot dome), Small Discoveries (including Bubble Bay and World of Wonder, all geared toward children 7 and under), What on Earth? (including Iowa Habitats, Ant Farm, and the WHO-TV Weather Studio) and limited exhibits in Principal Hall.
Western Gateway Park
Opened in 2009, the sculpture garden was a centerpiece of an urban revitalization project and it occupies most of Western Gateway Park downtown. It showcases more than $40 million in publicly displayed modern art. The sculpture garden is curated by the Des Moines Art Center. Family friendly area with open spaces for picnics, walking trails, and receptacles for dog waste (pick up after your pooch!) A public restroom is available. Parking is in metered spaces on adjacent streets.
Governor's Mansion
Since 1971, has served as home for the Governor and First Family of Iowa during his or her term. The site was the home of Iowa's first millionaire, Benjamin Franklin Allen, with construction beginning in 1866 after being designed by William Boyington (designer of the Water Tower of Chicago which survived the Great Fire). Aptly named as it sits atop the Raccoon River.
Since 1937. Concerts are held at the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines in downtown.