Acrylic Fridge Magnet: United States. Iowa. Des Moines After Dark

The author of the photo: Patrick Hawks. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0).

This Acrylic Fridge Magnet Depicts Iowa's State Capital, Des Moines, Lit Up After Dark

Located at the confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers and near the geographical center of the state of Iowa, Des Moines is both the state's capital and its largest city. This souvenir fridge magnet depicts the downtown district lit up at night and shows some of the city's more prominent buildings. At the center is the city's tallest building, 801 Grand. It is also called the Principal Building and was completed in 1991 - at 630 feet (192 meters) it is alos the tallest structure in the state. The building's design seems to evoke the Art Deco spirit that inspired many of New York's most famous skyscrapers (like the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building) and is further emphasized by the use of green copper (like that in the Statue of Liberty) highlights throughout the facade.

Things to Do and See In the City of Des Moines

Des Moines, like many Midwestern cities is often overlooked by visitors centered on the great cities of the coast - New York, Washington, LA, Seattle, etc. In fact it is sometimes called the "fly over zone" because it is so often seen from the airplane. However, this attitude does an injustice to pleasant, interesting cities like Des Moines. One of the more poular sights is the beautiful Great Des Moines Botanical Garden, with its impressive hyper-modern domed greenhouse. The Science Center of Iowa has hands-on exhibits and an IMAX theater. One unique site in the city limits is the Great Ape Trust, a research facility that is home to numerous bonobo chimps and orangutans. For those looking for exciting entertainment, just northeast of the city in Altoona is Adventureland amusement park and the Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino.