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Des Moines Flights:
Flights to Des Moines
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The city of Des Moines is the capital and largest city in the Midwestern state of Iowa. It has the unusual distinction as being a major centre for insurance companies, although the city also has a good number of interesting tourist attractions too!

International flights to Des Moines are welcomed in the Des Moines International Airport (airport code: DSM). Flights to Des Moines from South Africa are indirect with at least one connection. One stop flights to Des Moines from South Africa are offered by Delta Air Lines flying via Atlanta. Virgin Atlantic Airways, United Airlines, Air France, British Airways, and BMI offer two stop flights to Des Moines from South Africa.

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The Tourist Attractions in Des Moines:
Des Moines offers a great mix of tourist attractions that will likely appeal to visitors of all ages and to families with children. Attractions include:

Salisbury House

This historic tourist spot was built in the 1920s, and is a 42-room house that shows off Tudor and Gothic architecture throughout. The house is filled with artefacts, antiques, artwork, furniture and tapestries. Salisbury House is an official "national treasure" according to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. There are regular tours, and special events throughout the year.

Des Moines Art Center

Located in Greenwood Park, the Des Moines Art Center is home to an extensive collection of contemporary artwork in the form of paintings, modern art, sculpture and various mixed media work. The permanent collection is rotated through the main exhibit hall throughout the year, highlighting different themes and showcasing new works. Famous artists like Andy Warhol, Henri Matisse and Auguste Rodin have art displayed at the museum. Admission to the art centre is free of charge, though donations are happily accepted.

Science Center of Iowa

The Science Center is a great place to take children of all ages, to explore all the various scientific (and yet fun) exhibits. Many areas are very hands-on, and include exhibits to learn about chemistry, physics, and much more. Check out the ant farms, bubble bay and the robot run. There is also an IMAX theatre for larger-than-life movie presentations. Admission tickets can be purchased with or without the IMAX theatre included.

Blank Park Zoo

The Blank Park Zoo is fairly small as zoos go, only 22 acres on the south side of Des Moines. The enclosures represent tropical rain forests, African savannah, and the Australia outback to name a few. There are marine enclosures as well, for many kinds of fish and a coral reef. They have a new American Bald Eagle exhibit, too.

Adventureland Park

The Adventureland theme park is actually just north of Des Moines, in the city of Altoona. They have more than 100 rides, attractions and entertainment shows for the whole family. The rides include roller coasters, water slides, train rides, the popular flying teacup ride, ferris wheels and many more. There are some rides designed for smaller children too, so it's a park for everyone. If you plan on spending a couple of days at Adventureland, they have a campground and hotel accommodations too.
When Should You Visit?:

Summers in Des Moines can be quite warm, and winters are cold but not extremely so. The months with the hottest temperatures are June, July and August when it can reach between 27 and 30C (81 to 86F). June and August also have the most rain, at about 115mm each month. It's slightly drier in July. Spring and autumn are moderate, with less frequent precipitation. January is the coldest month of the year, and typically gets to around a chilly -11C (11F).

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