Everyone in Iowa makes the trek to Des Moines at least once and there’s no better time to do it than summer. On any given weekend, you will find plenty of things going on. From the usual farmers market, to the annual festivals, there is never a dull weekend in Iowa’s capitol city. To help you plan your next day trip to the Des Moines area, here are 15 unique things to do and see!

1. Tour the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates.
Jason Mrachina/Flickr
2. Step into the past at Living History Farms.
Timothy/Flickr
3. Catch a show at the Civic Center.
Jeff Gitchel/Flickr
4. Stroll through the gardens at the Botanical Center.
Jason Mrachina/Flickr
5. Visit the animals at the Blank Park Zoo.
wrightbrosfan/Flickr
6. Cheer on the Iowa Cubs at Principal Park.
Jose Calderon/Flickr
7. Shop for fresh produce at the Farmers' Market.
Phil Roeder/Flickr

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8. Learn about great Iowans at the Iowa Hall of Pride.
Character Counts In Iowa/Flickr
9. Get colorful for a cause at the Color Run on July 11.
Tyler S. Miller/Flickr
10. Admire the art at the Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
Phil Roeder/Flickr
11. Pick your winner at the Prairie Meadows horse races.
Jason Mrachina/Flickr
12. Jam out with your friends at the 80/35 Music Festival on July 10 and 11.
sharyn morrow/Flickr
13. Get your thrills at Adventureland.
Derek Kaczmarczyk/Flickr
14. Go on a grand tour of the State Capitol Building.
Jason Mrachina/Flickr
15. Explore the Salisbury House and Gardens.
Cynthia Vanessa/Flickr

Do you know of any more unique things to do in the Des Moines area? Share them with us!

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