Diversions

The Bix Beiderbecke Jazz Fest in Davenport and the Glenn Miller Festival in Clarinda attract musicians and music lovers from around the world. Every spring top athletes such as Michael Johnson and Gwen Torrence run in the Drake Relays, held at Drake University in Des Moines. RAGBRAI, the annual week-long bike trek across the state is one of the largest and oldest organized group bicycle rides in the world. The Iowa State Fair, one of the longest-running in the nation, brings two weeks of fun and entertainment.

Is shopping more your style? Browse through the quaint village shops of the Amana Colonies or shop for seasonal fruits and vegetables, bright flowers and fresh baked goods at Iowa's farmers markets. If you're interested in shopping for unique decor for your home or office, many Iowa communities host "Art in the Park" during spring and summer months, offering artwork by the region's most talented artists.

Have a night out on the town. Sample the gourmet fare at a critically acclaimed restaurant or try your luck on a Mississippi riverboat casino. Then indulge yourself at your favorite late night spot.

Can't find a baby-sitter? Plan a family adventure. Explore the tropics of the Des Moines Botanical Center. View a sensational night sky at the Sanford Planetarium in Cherokee. How about some hands-on learning at the Des Moines Science Center or The Fascination Station children's museum in Ottumwa? Win your kids a stuffed animal at an amusement park or see real ones at the zoo.