Thanks to popular, annual events — like the state high school basketball tournaments and the famed Drake Relays, the Des Moines area attracts thousands of visitors each spring, many of whom are looking for additional things to do and see while in town.

As the capital of Iowa, Des Moines has plenty of established attractions ready for exploration. The John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park and the Iowa State Capitol are both popular destinations located downtown, as are the nearby Des Moines Art Center and State Historical Building. However, the metro area also has plenty of outdoor-oriented attractions worthy of a visit.

“This is the year of outdoor re­creation for greater Des Moines. Our community has a proud trad­­ition of investing in outdoor gathering places for continuous improvement of the quality of life for residents,” explains Greg Edwards, president and CEO of Catch Des Moines. “Our many new outdoor amenities are a testament to changing tastes and a renewed appreciation for enjoying ...