Local Appeal — Iowa Attractions in Your Area

Don’t get out those jackets and mittens just yet! There’s still a lot of summer left and plenty to do. Thinking about an end-of-the-season shindig with the crew? Why not explore some of the most entertaining and exciting attractions in Iowa? They’re perfect for group gatherings, team building, and even corporate meetings.

Prairie Meadows Racetrack, Altoona

What You’ll See There — From early April to October, visitors enjoy live horse races of both Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses from Thursday through Sunday. Simulcast Racing from the world’s premier tracks includes Churchill Downs, Del Mar, Belmont, Keeneland, Oaklawn Park, and more. Additionally, your guests are in luck with 24/7 poker and table game action at the casino including slots, table games, and poker.

What You Can Do There — Prairie Meadows schedules events year-round such as the upcoming BOA Regional Challenge Finals in September, as well as Special Race Day and Quarter Horse Championship Day in October.

Great for Groups — The Meadow Events and Conference Center offers 34,000 square feet of versatile meeting and banquet space for up to 2000 guests. Host an event there and your guests will have access to the casino, myriad dining options, and the comfy 168-room hotel.

Bonus — Special promotion through September 15, 2018—book your event with 25 or more guests and get a free hotel room.

Iowa Events Center, Des Moines

What You’ll See There — The Iowa Events Center features three venues and is a state-of-the-art, multi-function complex. Nestled in the heart of downtown Des Moines, the venue offers space in the Wells Fargo Arena with 17,000 seats, Hy-Vee Hall with 100,000 square feet of exhibit space and eight meeting rooms, and the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center with 29 meeting rooms and the state’s largest ballroom.

What You Can Do There — From hockey games to conventions, concerts to shows, expos to family events, the Iowa Events Center is the ideal location for premier events in the Midwest.

Great for Groups — Upcoming events this season include NHL hockey, the AIA Iowa 2018 Convention, Habitat for Humanity Key Awards, Fleetwood Mac concert, Cirque Du Soleil, and the Des Moines Holiday Boutique, to name a few. 

Bonus — Group discounts and experiences for events at the Iowa Center are a great way to reward or incentivize your team. Additionally, the Corporate Employee Benefit Program offers discounted tickets to your employees with no cost to your company.

Des Moines Performing Arts Civic Center-- Stoner Theater & Temple Theater, Des Moines

What You’ll See There —These elegant and inviting venues are located within the Des Moines Civic Center. Performances in theater, comedy improv and other special presentations are offered in the Stoner Theater. It is home to Comedy Xperiment, Pyramid Theater Company, and DM Young Artists’ Theatre.  The Temple Theater is an intimate performance venue and is home to DMPA’s Temple Comedy Series and Live at the Temple Concert Series.

What You Can Do There —Upcoming events at the Stoner Theater include “Legally Blonde,” “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” and “Treasure Island.” The Temple Theater will showcase “A Man and His Prostrate, Starring Ed Asner,” Seals and Crofts, and Marc Cohn.

Great for Groups — Master Classes and Workshops in performing arts are led by world-renowned performing arts professionals. Interactive classes cover topics such as auditioning, dance, and more.

Bonus — Group discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. Additionally, groups can save up to 15 percent on tickets to select Broadway shows, priority seating, flexible payment options, personalized service, promotional support, and special accommodations.

Blank Park Zoo, Des Moines

What You’ll See There — The 25-acre zoo is the only accredited zoo in Iowa. Its mission is to “inspire appreciation of the natural world through conservation, education, and recreation.” Currently there are 104 different animal species and 1484 animals who reside at the zoo.

What You Can Do There — In addition to watching and experiencing the wild life residents of the zoo, visitors can experience a train ride, the carousel, and camel rides.  

Great for Groups — Blank Park Zoo has both indoor and outdoor spaces available for groups of up to 500. What’s more, the entire Zoo is available for rent after hours. Behind-the-scenes tours explore a variety of animals and habitats, while giving access to the zoo keeper. “Experiences” include up-close looks at Wallabies, Sea Lions & Penguins, Giraffes, Rhinos, Tortoises, and Great Cats. Limited space availability for Experience tours.

Bonus — Group discounts are available for groups of 15 or more.

Adventureland Park, Altoona

What You’ll See There — This family-owned amusement park features over 100 rides, shows, and attractions. From thrill rides to kiddie rides, wave pool to lazy river tubing, Adventureland has it all.

What You Can Do There — Dozens of rides, magic, music, and comedy shows, more than two dozen places to snack or eat a meal, games, and stores, make this the ideal team get-away for end-of-summer fun.

Great for Groups — Upcoming events include the Oktoberfest Adventure featuring the music group Hanson. VIP tickets available that offer visitors a fast pass for rides, food, and drink, complimentary food and beverages, and a personal host for the event. Plus, guests can play and stay at Advertureland Inn with 185 smoke-free guest rooms, including poolside rooms and suites. Lodging amenities include three large pools, swim up bar, hot tubs, and free WiFi.

Bonus — Group rates are available year-round for groups of 15 or more.

The RiverCenter | Adler Theatre, Davenport

What You’ll See There — The RiverCenter is located in downtown Davenport on the banks of the Mississippi River and is connected to the Hotel Blackhawk, Radisson Quad City Plaza, and the historic Adler Theater. The RiverCenter offers 100,000 square feet of flexible space along with two column-free exhibit halls, 10 expandable meeting rooms and an executive board room. The art-deco style Adler Theater has a rich history, originally welcoming patrons of the arts in 1926.

What You Can Do There — The RiverCenter is ideal for meetings, conventions, trade shows, athletic events, banquets and more. The Adler Theater is beautifully restored and presents live, theatrical productions starring celebrity headliners, Broadway shows, comedians, musicians, and more.

Great for Groups — Upcoming events at the RiverCenter include “OMG BeckyFest: Vintage & Handmade Show” and the “Holiday Show: Indoor,” while the Adler Theater will welcome Dr. Dog, “Something Rotten,” The Drifters, Ray LaMontagne, and the Quad City Symphony Orchestra in the months ahead.

Bonus — Group rates are available at the Adler Theater.