We spent June 24-27, 2004 in Des Moines, Iowa, my old home town.  The suite on
the top floor of the Savery Hotel was excellent.

One of the best attractions of any kind we have visited was the Living History Farms.
Wonderful setting, a nice walk, well informed staff actually working the farm and
demonstrating the various tasks of farms in 1700, 1850 and 1900.  We strongly
recommend a visit there.

Here's Sara look at the big barn on the 1900 Farm
                                                                       Below is Sara with a former animal, at the 1700 Farm

We had a fine lunch at the Des Moines Art Center, and a nice time touring the exhibits.
The Historical Building and the Des Moines Botanical Gardens are also well worth seeing.

Here's a shot of the Botanical Gardens, with me in the background!

We spent a while in Valley Junction, the shopping district that was downtown West Des
Moines when I was a kid.

Restaurants we would recommend include Splash and Trattoria, both downtown.