Below are just some of the great attractions within a few miles of AIB's campus
Jordan Creek Town Center
Jordan Creek Town Center is made up of a two-level enclosed shopping center featuring a dynamic combination of upscale fashion and lifestyle retailers. Outside the shopping center is a 3.5 acre lake surrounded by bike trails, pedestrian walkways, a amphitheater, hotel and a boardwalk offering great waterfront dining. In addition, the area around the mall hosts a collection of large and specialty retailers in an open-air shopping atmosphere.
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Downtown Des Moines
Des Moines has arguably one of the most vibrant downtown's in the Midwest. The Court District is home to an exciting night life with an array of restaurants and bars. During the summer, Saturdays start early with the Downtown Farmers' Market. The Historic East Village offers an eclectic mix of shops, spas and restaurants at the foot of the State Capitol. The Western Gateway appears to be downtown's most grandiose creation, with big buildings and big green spaces. It includes the beautiful John & Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, the gorgeous Downtown Des Moines Library and every summer hosts the 80/35 Music Festival. The Principal Riverwalk is transforming the Des Moines River with places to walk, run, bicycle, ice skate and dine. Wander a few steps and you can be at an Iowa Cubs game or at Wells Fargo Arena.
Photo courtesy of the Iowa Events Center
Wells Fargo Arena
Wells Fargo Arena has been the Des Moines area's primary venue for sporting events and concerts since it opened on July 12, 2005. The state high school wrestling and basketball tournaments have been held there since 2006. In fall 2007, it became home to the Iowa Energy of the NBA Development League. The following spring, the reactivated Iowa Barnstormers arena football began playing at Wells Fargo Arena. Some of the greatest music acts have made a stop at the "The Well," including Colplay, The Black Eyed Peas, Metallica, Keith Urban, Taylor Swift and Justin Beiber, to name a few. Learn More »
Photo courtesy of the Iowa Cubs
Iowa Cubs / Principal Park
From April until September, Principal Park is Des Moines' premier outdoor destination. It's a great place to take in America's pastime with a hot dog and a cold beverage in hand while sitting in the heart of the city. After every Friday night home game, the Iowa Cubs end the evening with a fireworks display. After the game, you're just a short walk away from continuing the night with food, drinks, live music and dancing on Court Ave. Learn More »
Photo courtesy of Adventureland
Adventureland Amusement Park
Adventureland Amusement Park contains more than 100 rides, shows and attractions including some of the country's most exciting roller coasters and thrill rides that can challenge the most avid amusement park enthusiasts. There are also plenty of rides for less adventurous guests including great water rides spread throughout the park. But the entertainment doesn't stop with rides - Adventureland presents a full array of shows in the park - from live music to magic to song and dance - there's something to suit everyone's taste. Learn More »
Photo courtesy of the Iowa State Fair
Iowa State Fair
The internationally acclaimed Iowa State Fair is the single largest event in the state of Iowa, and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. Annually attracting more than a million people from all over the world, the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines is an 11-day celebration of farm, food and fun. Learn More »
Court Avenue District
The sounds of Jazz, Hip-hop and Indie rock music spill onto the streets, as do tantalizing scents from the diverse selection of restaurants throughout the Court Avenue District. An assortment of residential lofts and apartments perched above and throughout the area encompass the live, work and play feel of the thriving Des Moines downtown scene. The Court District proudly hosts the Downtown Farmers' Market, one of the country's largest outdoor markets enticing throngs of weekend shoppers, street entertainers and musicians every weekend from May through October. Learn More »
Gray's Lake
Located just across the street from AIB's campus, Gray's Lake and the 1.9 mile Kruidenier Trail looping the lake serves as the hub of the Central Iowa Trails network. Activities and lessons fill the spring, summer and fall around the lake with paddle boat and sailboat rentals, Yoga in the Park sessions, canoe lessons, sailboat lessons, fishing lessons, bird and butterfly watching and much more. Learn More »