Iowa in 5 Hours
I am a proud cousin of an Iowa State Alumni!! My little cousin graduated with her Bachelors degree in business and as a family we flew out to celebrate the special day with her. These Florida people were not ready for 50 degree weather but for her, we would go to Antartica!
Upon browsing “Things to do in Iowa”, there weren’t as many search results AND Tik Tok browsing was not helpful either (Click here for a laugh). However, we were able to go to 3 amazing spots in just a few hours that put that search to shame!
Our first stop was the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. It was only $10 dollars for the adult ticket. We spent about 2 hours walking around and admiring the beautiful plants, flowers and landscapes it had to offer. This garden had the longest potted wall I’ve ever seen and had several collections including Bonsai trees, orchids and Coleus and Plectranthus. My favorite of course was the orchids and these really awesome Tillandsia Jellyfish airplants. There was so much to see from walkways, waterfalls, cacti and various gardens! I cannot wait to come here again!
Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge
A short drive away was our second stop: The Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge. This bridge is dedicated to distinguished Iowan women from 2013 to 2020. Iowan women commemorated on this bridge made a significant impact with their work, in their communities and status of women. It was an honor to step foot on this bridge and read the names and work they are celebrated for. From the bridge, we were able to see downtown Des Moines, watch skateboarders zoom around the bridge and even saw some fishermen catching fish by the dam.
A short walk away from the bridge was the Robert D Ray Asian Gardens. This garden is dedicated to Governor Robert D. Ray and was created to bring cultural awareness and highlight cultural diversity in Iowa. Governor Ray provided a safe haven for endangered Vietnamese people. At the gardens, visitors can see stone pagodas and six granite boulders that represent responsibility, citizenship, fairness, respect, caring, and trustworthiness.
Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens
Our last stop was (of course) some delicious Puerto Rican food at the Puerto Rico Restaurant. They are located 10 minutes from the Robert D Ray Asian Gardens by car. As we walked in, the salsa music was going and the smell was DELICIOUS. I ordered the Parcha mojito and the mofongo (fried plantains) with carne frita (fried pork). Everything was as delicious as it looks in the pictures!
The people of Iowa in the small time we spent there were so very welcoming and kind! I plan to come back to Iowa and explore the Maquoketa Caves State Park, the Field of Dreams movie site and Ledges State Park. What other places should I visit when I come back?