TOP 10 WEEKEND GETAWAYS FROM DES MOINES IN 2023
Here are 10 weekend getaway options from Des Moines, Iowa:
Kansas City, Missouri: About a 3-hour drive from Des Moines, Kansas City is known for its barbecue, jazz music, and world-class museums.
Kansas City, Missouri is a vibrant and historic city located in the Midwest region of the United States. It is the largest city in Missouri, and home to approximately 500,000 residents.
Kansas City is known for its rich jazz heritage, delicious barbecue, and a diverse range of cultural attractions. Visitors to the city can enjoy world-class museums such as the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the National World War I Museum and Memorial. The city also offers plenty of outdoor activities, including several parks and gardens, as well as sports teams such as the Kansas City Chiefs (NFL) and the Kansas City Royals (MLB).
Other popular attractions in Kansas City include the Country Club Plaza shopping district, the historic Union Station, and the Power and Light District, which offers entertainment, dining, and nightlife options. The city is also home to several universities and colleges, including the University of Missouri-Kansas City and Rockhurst University.
Overall, Kansas City offers a unique blend of history, culture, and entertainment, making it a great destination for visitors of all ages and interests.
BEST WEATHER TO TRAVEL TO KANSAS
The best time to travel to Kansas depends on personal preferences and interests, but generally, the most comfortable weather for most visitors is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) months.
During the spring, the weather in Kansas is mild with temperatures ranging from the 50s to 70s Fahrenheit (10-25 degrees Celsius). The trees and flowers are in bloom, and the state’s prairies come to life with wildflowers. This is also a great time to visit some of the state’s attractions, such as the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve and the Flint Hills.
In the fall, the weather in Kansas is also mild with temperatures ranging from the 50s to 70s Fahrenheit (10-25 degrees Celsius). The fall foliage is stunning in the state’s many parks and forests, and there are several fall festivals and events throughout the state, including the Kansas State Fair.
Summer (June to August) in Kansas can be hot and humid with temperatures ranging from the 80s to 90s Fahrenheit (27-35 degrees Celsius). This is a popular time for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and water sports at the state’s lakes and rivers.
Winter (December to February) in Kansas can be cold with temperatures ranging from the 20s to 40s Fahrenheit (-7 to 4 degrees Celsius). However, there are still plenty of indoor activities to enjoy, including museums and cultural attractions.
Overall, the best time to travel to Kansas depends on personal preferences and interests, but spring and fall generally offer the most comfortable weather for most visitors.
PLACES TO SEE IN KANSAS
Kansas is a diverse state with a variety of landscapes and attractions, from prairies and rolling hills to modern cities and historic sites. Here are some places to see and things to do in Kansas:
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve: This preserve in the Flint Hills region of Kansas offers a glimpse into the once-vast tallgrass prairie that once covered much of the Great Plains.
Monument Rocks National Landmark: Located in western Kansas, these towering rock formations date back millions of years and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Kansas City: The largest city in Kansas is a vibrant hub of culture, entertainment, and history. Highlights include the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Kansas City Zoo, and the Country Club Plaza shopping district.
Wichita: The largest city in Kansas is known for its aviation history, with attractions such as the Kansas Aviation Museum and the Museum of World Treasures. The city also offers plenty of shopping, dining, and nightlife options.
Dodge City: This western Kansas town is steeped in cowboy and Old West history, with attractions such as the Boot Hill Museum and the Gunfighters Wax Museum.
Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site: Located in Topeka, this site commemorates the landmark Supreme Court case that declared segregation in schools unconstitutional.
Cimarron National Grassland: This expansive grassland in southwestern Kansas offers outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
Cosmosphere: This space museum in Hutchinson offers exhibits on space exploration, including artifacts from the Apollo missions and a full-scale replica of the Space Shuttle.
Oz Museum: Located in Wamego, this museum celebrates the classic movie “The Wizard of Oz” with exhibits on the film’s history, costumes, and props.
These are just a few of the many places to see and things to do in Kansas. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or culture, Kansas has something to offer.
Lake Okoboji, Iowa: Located about 2.5 hours from Des Moines, Lake Okoboji is a popular vacation spot with beaches, water sports, and amusement parks.
BEST WEATHER TO TRAVEL TO LAKE OKOBOJI
The best time to visit Lake Okoboji depends on personal preferences and interests. Lake Okoboji is a popular summer destination, with warm weather and a variety of outdoor activities available from May to September.
During the summer months (June to August), the weather in Lake Okoboji is warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from the 70s to 90s Fahrenheit (21-32 degrees Celsius). This is the peak tourist season, and the lake is busy with boaters, swimmers, and fishermen. There are also many events and festivals during this time, such as the Okoboji Blue Water Festival and the Iowa Great Lakes Antique & Classic Boat Show.
In the fall (September to November), the weather is mild and comfortable, with temperatures ranging from the 50s to 70s Fahrenheit (10-25 degrees Celsius). This is a great time to visit for outdoor activities such as hiking and biking, and the fall foliage in the surrounding area is stunning.
In the winter (December to February), the weather is cold with temperatures ranging from the 10s to 30s Fahrenheit (-12 to -1 degrees Celsius). The lake freezes over, and visitors can enjoy ice fishing, snowmobiling, and other winter sports.
In the spring (March to May), the weather is mild with temperatures ranging from the 40s to 60s Fahrenheit (4-16 degrees Celsius). This is a quieter time to visit, but the lake is still a great place to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and fishing.
Overall, the best time to visit Lake Okoboji depends on personal preferences and interests, but the summer months offer warm weather and a wide range of outdoor activities.
Places to See in Lake Okoboji
Lake Okoboji is a popular vacation destination in northwest Iowa, offering a wide range of outdoor activities, scenic beauty, and fun attractions. Here are some of the top places to see and things to do in Lake Okoboji:
Arnolds Park Amusement Park: This historic amusement park dates back to 1889 and offers a variety of rides, games, and attractions, including the Legend Roller Coaster and the Queen II excursion boat.
Okoboji Summer Theatre: This professional theater company has been entertaining audiences since 1957 with a variety of plays and musicals.
Gull Point State Park: This beautiful state park offers hiking trails, camping sites, and a sandy beach for swimming and sunbathing.
Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum: This museum showcases the history of boating and fishing on the Iowa Great Lakes and features vintage boats and motors.
Dickinson County Nature Center: This nature center offers exhibits and programs about the local wildlife and natural history of the area.
Emerald Hills Golf Course: This scenic 18-hole golf course is located on the shores of East Lake Okoboji and offers challenging play for golfers of all skill levels.
Pearson Lakes Art Center: This art center features rotating exhibits of regional and national artists, as well as classes and workshops for aspiring artists.
Higgins Museum of National Bank Notes: This unique museum showcases a collection of rare and historic currency from around the world, including bank notes, coins, and stamps.
East Okoboji Beach: This popular public beach offers a sandy shoreline, swimming area, and picnic facilities.
Bridges Bay Resort: This resort complex offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including a water park, zip-line, and fishing pond.
These are just a few of the many places to see and things to do in Lake Okoboji. With its beautiful natural setting and wide range of attractions, Lake Okoboji is a great vacation destination for families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Omaha, Nebraska: Just a 2-hour drive from Des Moines, Omaha is home to the world-famous Henry Doorly Zoo, the Old Market historic district, and several museums.
Minneapolis, Minnesota: About a 4-hour drive from Des Moines, Minneapolis is a great destination for shopping, dining, and outdoor activities, such as biking and hiking.
Chicago, Illinois: A 6-hour drive from Des Moines, Chicago is known for its museums, architecture, and famous deep-dish pizza.
Galena, Illinois: Located about 4 hours from Des Moines, Galena is a charming historic town with beautiful architecture, quaint shops, and outdoor activities.
Madison, Wisconsin: About a 4.5-hour drive from Des Moines, Madison is a college town with plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking and boating, as well as museums and cultural attractions.
Branson, Missouri: Located about 5 hours from Des Moines, Branson is a popular vacation spot with live music shows, amusement parks, and outdoor activities.
Kansas City, Kansas: About a 3.5-hour drive from Des Moines, Kansas City, Kansas offers museums, parks, and several casinos.
St. Louis, Missouri: Located about 4.5 hours from Des Moines, St. Louis is known for its iconic Gateway Arch, museums, and cultural attractions.