These 8 Unique Day Trips In Des Moines Are An Absolute Must-Do

If you want to escape your day-to-day life, there’s nothing better than a good day trip. Whether nature is your thing, or you enjoy a good roller coaster, or you like to explore the charming small towns of Central Iowa, you’re sure to find something that suits your particular fancy. Here are eight of the most unique and interesting day trips in Iowa that everyone must take. Let's take a look at these fun and possible day trips from Des Moines, Iowa.

1. Take a scenic train ride in Boone - Boone

Take in the rolling countryside with a train ride on the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad. You can even take a dinner ride and enjoy food, dessert and wine while you ride. This is definitely one of the most unique things to do around Des Moines.

2. Explore Pella’s Dutch heritage - Pella

Founded in 1847 by a group of Dutch immigrants, Pella’s charming architecture and town square reflect that unique heritage. Go shopping downtown and walk around Molengracht Canal, visit Vermeer Mill and enjoy the multitude of tulips if the season is right.

3. Go to a drive-in movie - Newton

When searching for "getaway spots near me," you should really consider The Valle Drive-In. Recognized as Iowa’s oldest drive-in theater, it is full of history. Here, while you watch movies from the comfort of your own car, you can enjoy concessions for sale at their concession stand.

4. See the covered bridges of Madison County - Madison County

The Bridges of Madison County are so lovely they had a successful book and movie surrounding them. Spend a day driving around to admire the bridges and then stop in Winterset for dinner.

5. Go wine tasting on the Heart of Iowa Wine Trail - central Iowa

Vineyard visits and wine tasting are definitely among the best day trips in Iowa. Heart of Iowa Wine Trail stretches along much of Central Iowa, so you can take your time exploring local wineries, wandering vineyards and tasting the wine, of course.

6. Pay a visit to Adventureland USA - Altoona

Adventureland has been an Iowa institution for a long time. You can spend the day going on rides, playing games, eating plenty of junk food, and trying out the newest roller coaster, The Monster.

7. Hike or bike the High Trestle Trail Bridge - Madrid

The High Trestle Trail Bridge stretches across the Des Moines River and is one of the largest trail bridges in the world. Along with the unique and beautiful bridge, there’s a 25-mile trail that passes through Ankeny, Sheldahl, Slater, Madrid and Woodward.

8. Visit Saylorville Lake - Polk City

About ten miles away from Des Moines, Saylorville Lake is a reservoir of the Des Moines River. Here, you can enjoy nature as you partake in all sorts of water recreation activities, like boating, swimming and fishing.

What are your favorite day trips in Iowa? Let us know below in the comments section. For more ideas to get away from it all, take a road trip through the most charming small towns in Iowa.