Summary
Northeast of Des Moines, Altoona is recognized for several attractions that draw millions of visitors to the city annually.
Among these is Adventureland, Iowa’s premier theme park, featuring an impressive array of thrill rides, alongside a water park included in the admission price.
The expansive gaming destination, Prairie Meadows integrates a one-mile racetrack with a contemporary casino that houses nearly 2,000 slot machines.
Positioned at the border of the metro area, Altoona serves as an ideal starting point for hiking or biking excursions in rural Iowa, while downtown Des Moines is just over 20 minutes away.
1. Adventureland Park
Iowa’s foremost theme park operates from late April through September. Since its inaugural season in 1974, Adventureland has periodically introduced new attractions.
When this compilation was prepared, the 4D free spin ride, Dragon Slayer, had recently been launched, joining an exceptional lineup of roller coasters. The roster also includes The Monster (2016), an infinity coaster with five inversions.
Adventureland offers more than 100 rides, attractions, and shows, ensuring a diverse experience for all visitors. Additionally, nostalgic fun can be found at the numerous vintage carnival games and a magic show that has delighted audiences for years.
2. Prairie Meadows
Since 1989, Altoona has hosted a renowned thoroughbred and quarter horse racetrack.
Prairie Meadows introduced a casino in 2004, which now features around 1,900 slot machines and a variety of table games, including roulette and blackjack.
The complex has also transformed into a prominent entertainment venue, presenting concerts by notable artists such as ZZ Top and REO Speedwagon in recent years.
The racing season extends from mid-May through September, with the Prairie Meadows Cornhusker Handicap being a key event in June. This Grade III thoroughbred race offers a purse of $300,000.
3. Adventure Bay
Unlike many contemporary theme parks, Adventureland includes its water park, Adventure Bay, in the admission price.
This attraction debuted in 2010 and is competitive with any water park, featuring a lazy river, an extensive wave pool, children’s water play equipment, and thrilling slides.
Among its offerings are the Bermuda Quadrangle, a grouping of four inter-tube slides for single or tandem riders. Also noteworthy is Gang Plank & Pirates’ Plummet, comprising two high-speed body slides that take you down 60 feet.
For pure relaxation, the Pirates’ Port Pool spans 6,000 square feet and includes a swim-up bar.
4. Des Moines
Iowa’s dynamic and continuously evolving capital city is never far from your attention, enticing visitors with its landmarks, premier entertainment, cultural offerings, and a plethora of family-friendly activities.
The Des Moines River provides a serene starting point, with its floodplain serving as a tranquil greenway ideal for hiking and biking.
Close to the riverbank lies the Wells Fargo Arena, which hosts major touring artists and serves as the home court for the Iowa Wolves of the NBA G League.
For those interested in contemporary cultural experiences, the Des Moines Center maintains one of the Midwest’s premier collections and is responsible for the remarkable Pappajohn’s Sculpture Park located downtown.
A visit would be incomplete without seeing the Iowa State Capitol (1886), which majestically overlooks downtown from a hilltop, adorned with a golden dome.
5. Gay Lea Wilson Trail
Recognized in honor of its dedicated founder, Gay Lea Wilson, this trail has been growing through the suburbs east of Des Moines since 1989.
Altoona features one of the completed sections along a repurposed railway corridor. Visitors can walk, jog, bike, skate, or ski for 5.9 miles, starting from 8th St. SW and 7th Ave. SW and extending to Pleasant Hill.
From this point, the main trail continues northward for over 7 miles, navigating tranquil parks and residential areas. The northern trailhead is located in Ankeny, where travelers can extend their journey onto the High Trestle or Neal Smith Trails.
6. Outlets of Des Moines
At the time of writing, this upscale outlet mall had only recently opened and is expected to encompass 300,000 square feet.
Among the well-known brands included are Tommy Hilfiger, Under Armour, Michael Kors, Le Creuset, Nike, Old Navy, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Levi’s, to name a selection of favorites.
If exploring an outdoor mall during the Iowa winter seems unappealing, a large fireplace is available to provide warmth before returning to the stores.
A variety of dining options are present, including Teriyaki Boyz, Auntie Anne’s, and Charleys Philly Steaks.
7. Brightside Aleworks
Founded in 2017, Brightside Aleworks is a family-owned business operated by a couple with over a decade of brewing expertise and backgrounds in food science and environmental engineering.
This unique combination lays the foundation for a diverse menu of beers that balance tradition and creativity. Examples include ice cream stout and a wheat beer infused with cranberry and orange.
However, visitors can also enjoy more familiar, hoppy IPAs or classic Irish Red Ales, with several available options suitable for vegans.
Brightside Aleworks collaborates with local food truck vendors to provide exciting culinary options that pair well with their brews.
8. Chichaqua Valley Trail
As a National Recreational Trail, this pathway stretches along the northern edge of Altoona for 26 miles from Baxter to Berwick.
For much of this course, the Chichaqua Valley Trail runs parallel to the wooded banks and bluffs of the Skunk River. These lengthy sections of hardwood forests are interspersed with open fields and pastures, creating an enriching experience through rural Central Iowa, in close proximity to Des Moines.
Multiple trailheads are available along the route, including Ira, Mingo, Northeast 88th Street, and Bondurant, situated just a few miles north of Altoona.
East of Bondurant, the trail reveals its wild side at the Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt, which comprises thousands of acres of untainted natural beauty, ideal for outdoor recreation.
9. Cinemark Altoona and XD
Located off Adventureland Dr. and within close proximity to the theme park, this Cinemark theater is one of the finest venues in the Des Moines area to watch a film.
This theater features luxury reclining seats in all its screening rooms. Given their comfort, guests may find it easy to doze off during an exciting show.
Concession prices are comparably reasonable for a modern multiplex, and kettle corn is among the popular highlights.
As is typical, Tuesdays are designated as discount days, in addition to specials for early audiences (before 1 PM), families, seniors, military personnel, and students.
10. Ironwood Park
Adored by families with young children, this park in Altoona is affectionately referred to as Pirate Ship Park.
The name becomes evident upon viewing the playground, which features a South Pacific theme, dominated by a substantial climbing structure resembling an ancient sailboat.
Nearby, a replica Easter Island head stands guard, complemented by a sea serpent that rises from the playground’s soft flooring.
Located at the back, beyond the “palm trees,” are rounded hills with slopes that are ideal for sledding during winter.
11. Terrace Hills Golf Course
Family-owned and operated since 1964, this 18-hole golf course is a significant source of pride for golfers in Altoona.
Terrace Hills features a championship course layout, accommodating players of all skill levels with multiple tee box options.
If timely play is important to you, the course guarantees completion of your round within 4.5 hours, or your next green fee is complimentary (applicable for rounds before 2 PM on weekdays and noon on weekends).
The practice facility boasts a modern driving range and putting green. Additionally, there is a highly regarded 18-hole miniature golf course on site, appealing to families.
12. Haines Park
This park, situated along 8th St. in the eastern part of Altoona, merges recreational facilities with charming formal gardens.
The gardens consist of a series of circular beds, each surrounding a fountain and connected by a pathway that culminates at a white gazebo at the northern end.
For those seeking activity, Haines Park offers basketball and tennis courts, as well as a children’s playground.
During the summer, the park transforms into a picturesque backdrop for the Music in the Park series, featuring outdoor concerts occurring monthly from June to September. Refer to their Facebook page for comprehensive details.
13. Village Park
Another excellent public park ideal for families, Village Park is nestled in a quiet neighborhood located east of Prairie Meadows.
The park is notable for its playground, which features a three-story tower complete with a slide and swings, alongside an age-appropriate play area for toddlers.
A variety of picnic tables and a shelter with electricity are present for those organizing family gatherings.
In addition to sports facilities, Village Park includes a basketball court, tennis courts, a sand volleyball court, and a multi-use trail that runs along the park’s northern and eastern perimeters.
14. Sleepy Hollow Sports Park
Just east of the Iowa State Fairgrounds lies a year-round attraction that features diverse activities throughout every season.
This park is home to Iowa’s only permanent renaissance village, encompassing over 40 buildings and hosting events throughout the year.
Special activities occur during Halloween and summer, while the park transforms into a campsite with a complimentary shuttle service during the state fair in August.
During winter, the park features a snow park with hills designated for tubing and sledding with Sleds and Zipfy.
15. Iowa State Fair
Every August, Iowa’s largest annual event occurs just 15 minutes from Altoona. The Iowa State Fair is an 11-day celebration that attracts more than a million visitors and boasts a rich history dating back to 1854.
Having relocated to its current venue in 1886, the fair is a vibrant celebration showcasing the best of Iowa’s agriculture, industry, and entertainment.
Though it would be challenging to enumerate all the happenings here, notable highlights include some of the largest livestock, food, and craft exhibitions in the country, three separate carnival areas, a blockbuster Grandstand Concert Series, an abundance of complimentary entertainment, numerous food vendors, and a children’s zone filled with activities.
Uniquely, in Iowa, corn dogs are the culinary staple, while the Giant Slide has been an enduring icon fondly remembered by fair attendees for over half a century.
