All seasons have their particular charm, but we keep a special place in our hearts for the majestic color explosion that fall brings. Our Des Moines hotel is the perfect place to stay during your visit and while attending these fun Des Moines fall events:
American Quarter Horse Racing
This fun and exciting event takes place at Prairie Meadows Friday-Sunday until October 12. Enjoy an action filled evening or afternoon at the racetrack with your entire family this fall – admission is free!
Cocktail Cruise
Set sail and enjoy an evening of food, music, and fun on Jon Anderson White Riverboat! The 1,5 hour long cruise features live music and light hors d ‘oeuvres, and a great opportunity to discover beautiful Des Moines while relaxing and enjoying the splashing waves. Call 515-883-2628 for reservations.
Heartland Acres Flea & Vintage Marketplace
Spread out on 46 park like acres, Heartland Acres hosts a multitude of vendors selling antiques, jewelry, art, barn finds, vintage items, repurposed goods, and much more. This place is a gem and a collector’s dream! Stroll around the beautiful surroundings while you haggle, glance at antiques, and have fun. It is open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturdays and 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Sundays.
Take a Hike!
Enjoy the beautiful fall colors while exploring Des Moines’ elaborate trail system. Connect with places, friends, and nature on a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike – there is a trail for everyone! There are 42 miles of trails in Des Moines where you can walk, run, skate, or bicycle. Visit www.dmgov.org for maps and additional information about hiking in Des Moines.
Sleepy Hollow Screampark
This is the perfect October adventure for anyone who isn’t scared of the dark (eh, maybe even them too!). The attractions are scary, so use your best judgment if you are considering bringing young children to this place. Sleepy Hollow Screampark features several haunted houses and other attractions that will send chills down your spine. They open at 7 p.m. on select nights in October, and the attractions remain open until midnight.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
This urban oasis is dedicated to “exploring, explaining, and celebrating the world of plants”, and fall is an excellent season to pay it a visit. Stroll through the many outdoor gardens or step inside the geodesic dome and experience all seasons of the tropics. The Botanical Garden is open daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Night Eyes at Blank Park Zoo
Don’t miss the 23rd annual Night Eyes event! Take your family on a treat safari and explore the amazing residents of Blank Park Zoo at dusk. Travel past the sea of orange at the Dahl’s Pumpkin Patch and Fareway Food Stores Spooky Forest and enjoy a family-friendly, fun Halloween activity. Night Eyes is taking place on October 17-20 and 24-27, and gate tickets are $5.
Ramada Tropics Resort & Conference Center is the only Des Moines hotel with an indoor water park, and whether you are in town for a business conference or a family holiday, we will make sure your stay is relaxing and enjoyable. For more information and reservations, please call 515-278-0271.