Eco-Tourism & Sustainable Travel Destinations in Des Moines, Iowa, United States

Des Moines, United States, Des Moines, Destination & Trip Type Pages, Eco-Tourism & Sustainable Travel Destinations

Eco-Tourism & Sustainable Travel Destinations in Des Moines, Iowa, United States

1. Des Moines Botanical Center

A living museum dedicated to plants and the environment. It features a variety of gardens, greenhouses, and educational programs.
  • Eco-Friendly Design: Uses sustainable materials in construction and employs energy-efficient systems.
  • Educational Focus: Offers programs to educate visitors about conservation, sustainability, and local ecosystems.
  • Native Plant Conservation: Focuses on the preservation of native Iowa flora through research and cultivation.

2. Raccoon River Park

A scenic park along the Raccoon River offering hiking trails, fishing, kayaking, and picnicking.
  • Environmental Preservation: Implementing practices to protect and restore local ecosystems.
  • Sustainable Recreation: Promoting eco-friendly activities like bird watching and wildlife photography.
  • Accessibility: Providing easy access to the river and its natural beauty for all visitors.

3. Prairie Moon Nursery

A nursery specializing in native plants, offering landscaping services and educational programs.
  • Native Plant Expertise: Knowledgeable staff to help visitors choose appropriate plants for their gardens.
  • Sustainable Landscaping: Promoting eco-friendly landscaping practices that benefit local ecosystems.
  • Community Education: Offering workshops and presentations on gardening, conservation, and sustainability.

4. Saylorville Lake Recreation Area

A recreational area offering boating, fishing, camping, and hiking near Saylorville Lake.
  • Environmental Stewardship: Implementing sustainable practices to protect the lake's ecosystem.
  • Outdoor Recreation: Providing diverse opportunities for visitors to enjoy nature while minimizing environmental impact.
  • Wildlife Observation: Facilitating wildlife viewing and appreciation through designated trails and observation points.

5. Stratford Covered Bridge State Preserve

A historic covered bridge and park offering picnicking, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
  • Historic Preservation: Protecting and maintaining the oldest remaining covered bridge in Iowa.
  • Nature Appreciation: Providing opportunities to appreciate the natural beauty of the area.
  • Environmental Education: Offering educational programs about local ecosystems and history.

6. Blank Park Zoo

A zoological park dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and education.
  • Animal Conservation: Actively participating in species survival programs.
  • Educational Focus: Offering exhibits and programs that teach visitors about conservation and wildlife.
  • Sustainable Operations: Implementing energy-efficient systems and recycling initiatives to minimize environmental impact.

7. Joyride Bikes

A bike rental company offering eco-friendly transportation options.
  • Eco-Friendly Transportation: Promoting the use of bicycles as a sustainable mode of transport.
  • Community Engagement: Providing bikes for events, tours, and recreation to engage the local community.
  • Accessibility: Offering a variety of bike types to accommodate different ages and abilities.

8. Des Moines Water Works Park

A park along the Raccoon River offering picnicking, hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
  • Environmental Preservation: Implementing practices to protect and restore local ecosystems.
  • Outdoor Recreation: Providing diverse opportunities for visitors to enjoy nature while minimizing environmental impact.
  • Wildlife Observation: Facilitating wildlife viewing and appreciation through designated trails and observation points.

9. Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

A botanical garden featuring a variety of gardens, greenhouses, and educational programs.
  • Eco-Friendly Design: Uses sustainable materials in construction and employs energy-efficient systems.
  • Educational Focus: Offers programs to educate visitors about conservation, sustainability, and local ecosystems.
  • Native Plant Conservation: Focuses on the preservation of native Iowa flora through research and cultivation.

10. Meadow Gold Dairy Farm Tours

A dairy farm offering tours to educate visitors about the process of milk production.
  • Sustainable Agriculture: Practicing eco-friendly farming methods, such as rotational grazing and manure management.
  • Education: Providing opportunities for visitors to learn about the dairy industry and sustainable practices.
  • Community Engagement: Connecting visitors with local food sources and supporting rural communities.

11. Salt Creek Parkway

A park system following Salt Creek offering hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and outdoor recreation.
  • Environmental Preservation: Implementing practices to protect and restore local ecosystems.
  • Outdoor Recreation: Providing diverse opportunities for visitors to enjoy nature while minimizing environmental impact.
  • Wildlife Observation: Facilitating wildlife viewing and appreciation through designated trails and observation points.

12. Greenspace Iowa

An organization promoting sustainable urban landscaping and green spaces.
  • Sustainable Landscaping: Promoting eco-friendly landscaping practices that benefit local ecosystems.
  • Community Education: Offering workshops and presentations on gardening, conservation, and sustainability.
  • City Beautification: Enhancing the aesthetic appeal of Des Moines through greenery and public spaces.

13. Walnut Woods State Park

A park featuring hiking trails, camping, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing.
  • Environmental Stewardship: Implementing sustainable practices to protect the park's ecosystem.
  • Outdoor Recreation: Providing diverse opportunities for visitors to enjoy nature while minimizing environmental impact.
  • Wildlife Observation: Facilitating wildlife viewing and appreciation through designated trails and observation points.

14. Iowa Arboretum

A research and education facility dedicated to the study of trees and forests.
  • Tree Conservation: Focusing on the preservation, study, and propagation of Iowa's tree species.
  • Educational Focus: Offering programs to educate visitors about forestry, conservation, and sustainability.
  • Community Engagement: Engaging the community through events, workshops, and volunteer opportunities.

15. Pioneer Park Nature Center

A nature center offering hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and educational programs.
  • Environmental Education: Offering programs to educate visitors about local ecosystems, conservation, and sustainability.
  • Nature Appreciation: Providing opportunities to appreciate the natural beauty of Iowa's prairie and woodland habitats.
  • Sustainable Practices: Implementing eco-friendly practices in facilities and programs to minimize environmental impact.