Location: Cambridge, Iowa Years Active: 1994 – Active Okay, Center Grove Orchard is basically The place for all your basic fall needs. Apple picking? Check. Overpriced cider donuts that are secretly worth it? Check. A corn maze big enough to seriously lose your annoying younger sibling? You bet. Don’t wear your good shoes. Things get…
Built around a spiraling atrium and glass-lined galleries, the Science Center of Iowa keeps visitors looping between hands-on labs, planetarium shows, and rotating exhibits without losing their bearings. A Science Center of Iowa map turns that flow into an easy route—pinpointing major exhibits, café spots, and elevators that link the two public levels. It’s especially…
Spread across the east side of Des Moines, the Iowa State Fairgrounds twist around grandstands, barns, and food alleys that feel more like a small city than a venue. The fairgrounds map keeps you oriented through its web of livestock buildings, midway rides, and shaded picnic pockets that all blend together once crowds roll in….
Location: Waterloo, Iowa Years Active: 2001 – Active Lost Island Themepark… it’s not Disneyland, but it’ll get you soaked. This Iowa gem is the perfect escape for families who crave water-filled fun. Forget the fancy themes – it’s about the slides! Lost Souls Falls, a near-vertical drop, is the real deal. If you just want…
Location: Lafayette, Indiana Years Active: 1908 – Active Columbian Park Zoo isn’t just another zoo. It’s been around since 1908 – they know their stuff! You won’t find massive crowds, making it perfect for those who want a more intimate animal experience. Find it tucked inside the bigger Columbian Park – perfect for a picnic…
Location: Evansville, Indiana Years Active: 1928 – Active Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden isn’t your standard zoo. It’s been around since 1928, so it has a really old-timey feel that some folks love. Others find it a bit outdated. But hey, that means smaller crowds if you go on a weekday! The real star…
Location: South Bend, Indiana Years Active: 1921 – Active The Potawatomi Zoo…it’s the place locals have mixed feelings about. Been around forever, and it’s definitely not some massive, fancy place. But that’s kind of the fun of it, right? It’s like a blast from the past, those old school exhibits, a little worn but full…
Location: Crown Point, Indiana Years Active: 1995 – Active Deep River Waterpark – it’s been a Crown Point staple since 1995. Locals love it, but if you’re a thrill junkie, be warned it’s mostly geared toward families and younger kids. The slides are fun, but don’t expect anything record-breaking. The real draw is the lazy…
Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana Years Active: 1965 – Active Forget those picture-perfect zoo brochures. The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is a wild ride from start to finish. It’s been around forever – since 1965! – but this place never gets boring. Get ready for animals from every corner of the globe. Lions roar on the…
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Years Active: 1964 – Active The Indianapolis Zoo isn’t just another animal park. It’s a place where you connect with incredible creatures – and maybe yourself, too. Since 1964, they’ve been a big part of the Indianapolis community. You’ll find it nestled in White River State Park, a beautiful spot to spend…
