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.