3 Things to Love About Des Moines

Des Moines is a vibrant and hip city that has a great deal to offer its residents. Whether you're a long-time lover of the city or someone who is moving to Des Moines, the following things are ones that you might not know about the city -- but you should! 

1. Des Moines Has Its Own Great Lakes

Saylorville Lake is actually a reservoir that is situated on the Des Moines River. Set in a 26,000-acre space, Saylorville Lake is the ideal location for camping, hiking and fishing. Given its diverse topography, it's possible to find wetlands, prairie habitats and woodlands -- all in the same area. These attributes make it the ideal place to watch for wildlife. 

Enjoy all the downtown life has to offer by taking advantage of Gray's Lake. You can picnic and people watch along its shores. It's also the perfect place to take a boat ride or a scenic walk. 

2. Its Farmer's Markets Showcase the State's Heritage

As one of the most agriculturally rich states in the country, Des Moines has access to some of the most diverse and plentiful produce and related products. Des Moines' Downtown Farmer's Market is open on Saturdays from May through October. Its 300 vendors offer a variety of fresh wares and draw an average of 20,000 people. 

During harvest season, a more scaled-down version is open on Wednesdays. A Winter Market is held indoors one weekend before Thanksgiving and then another weekend in mid-December. 

3. Des Moines Knows How to do State Fairs Right

Since 1854, Iowa has been holding its state fair. Located at the Iowa State Fairgrounds on Des Moines' east side, it offers much more than the standard midway rides and fair food. Take part in unique contests such as husband calling, accordion playing and hog calling. Lumberjack shows, a parade, winemaking, acrobats and more than 200 food stands prove exactly how the Iowa State Fair landed a place of honor in the travel book, "1000 Places to See Before You Die."

The above three options give you an idea of the diverse offerings you have for things to do in Des Moines. The Springs at Waukee Apartments and Springs at Jordan Creek Apartments in West Des Moines offer a peaceful, yet convenient, setting from which to launch your own Des Moines adventures. 

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