Location: Johnston
Top Things to do in Johnston
10 Things to Do in Johnston That You Shouldn't Miss
Johnston is a city in Polk County, Iowa, United States. The population was 17,278 in the 2010 census, an increase of almost 100% from the 8,649 population in the 2000 census. It is part of the Des Moines–West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Restaurants in Johnston
1. Iowa Gold Star Military Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By Ropit64
Excellent facility! Exhibits are informative and pay special attention to our Gold Star heroes. Staff is very helpful and friendly and the curator is extremely kmowlegable. In addition there is a meeting room which our BSMA use monthly. I would make two suggestions and they are to increase signage on the roads and increase parking.
2. Living History Farms
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 184 reviews
Living History Farms is located in the western suburbs of Des Moines, Iowa in Urbandale and is conveniently located right off Interstates 35/80. It is an interactive outdoor museum which educates, entertains and connects people of all ages to Midwestern rural life experiences. 300 years of agricultural history are represented including a 1700 Ioway Indian Farm, 1850 Pioneer Farm, 1900 Horse-Powered Farm and an 1875 town. Tours are self guided and historic interpreters are at each farm site are dressed in clothing from each era to explain what it would have been like to live in that time. The general touring season is May 1 through October 14th. Many special events and historic dinners take place in the off-season. Visit the website for details.
Reviewed By ladyme1 - Portland, Maine
This was like traveling back in time and so fun and informative. The Blacksmith was super informative and friendly.Really enjoyed listening to him explain what he does. All the other flks were wonderful too. Definitely worth the admission price. Dog friendly!!! Fantastic place.
3. Capitol Building
Overall Ratings
5 based on 680 reviews
Reviewed By ksyentes - Des Moines, Iowa
Worked at the Capitol during the Legislative season for a decade. During that time, the building was painstakingly restored to its original beauty. The Victorian detail which had been painted over was rediscovered and replicated. I never drive by, approach, or enter the Capitol building without immense appreciation for its beauty and stateliness. Be sure to take the official tour to learn the history, unique attributes, and especially the trip to the dome. Don't miss the fabulous law library, and take time to read the many quotes on walls throughout the building.
For historical/educational purposes, visit during the Legislative session (January-April). For Capitol beauty, music and panoramic sunsets, other times to enjoy the view are 1. Music Under the Stars (Sunday PM June-July), and 2. Yankee Doodle Pops near the 4th of July. I would rate Yankee Doodle Pops one of the Top Ten things to do in Iowa!
4. Sky Zone Trampoline Park Des Moines
Overall Ratings
4 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By cdjtmj1977 - Des Moines, Iowa
They need to have a special area that younger kids can play. Such as a play area. Bigger kids just dont pay attention to the smaller ones and they can get accidentally hurt because the older kids are just not aware of whats going on.
5. Valley Junction
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 171 reviews
Reviewed By chicago90Phoenix - phoenix
The best part of Valley Junction is you are supporting your local West Des Moines economy. These are hard working owners that are trying to make a difference. Very friendly indeed.
6. 515 Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By MMM_and_MPM - Bettendorf, Iowa
We were looking for a late night craft brew and food on a Saturday night. This was surprisingly difficult to do in Clive but we decided to go to 515 Brewery hoping to find food nearby. We arrived before last call and decided on the OJ IPA (American Pale Wheat, 5.5% APV) and a couple of snack trays that they cater in for customers. We enjoyed the Cheese Shop Tray and the Mediterranean Tray with tzatziki sauce, hummus, and baba ganoush with pita wedges. The staff was very accommodating though it was clear they were in process of closing down. On our way out we aromatically explored a display of hops used in brewing which was fun and informative. We heard enough about the brewery (open 3 years) and the beer which we thoroughly enjoyed that this is on our list for return visits.
7. Saylorville lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By Randy K - Des Moines, Iowa
The lake area offers camping with improved or primitive facilities. Great marina with food and music. There are several ramps one of which is steep (check your brakes).
Lake his large and long and has some hidden coves (careful with the children when approaching a hidden cove. Might see what is normal in Europe but scandalous in the U.S.). The lake is often patrolled by DNR (Department of Natural Resources) looking out for drunk boaters or unsafe activities.
You can fish.
There are sailboats, houseboats, and speedboats. As well as fishing boats and canoes or kayaks. Canoes or kayaks better check the weather as there can be some high waves and white caps.
8. Downtown Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 327 reviews
Reviewed By redmesastudio - Santa Fe, New Mexico
One of the nicest downtown settings for a farmers market. Located near the river and is the middle of everything. This market shows off the beauty of this midwest city and the vendors are excellent. There is also live entertainment and prepared food so you can snack and be entertained as you check out the vendor booths. All terrific Iowa produce and some excellent ethnic vendors as well.
9. M2B Raceway
Overall Ratings
4 based on 16 reviews
MB2 Raceway currently has four locations. The Sylmar location opened in January 2007, the Thousand Oaks location in September 2008, the Des Moines, IA location in April 2014 and Clovis, CA in May 2014. MB2 Raceway provides the Los Angeles, Ventura County, Fresno County and Des Moines, IA area with the only indoor karting facilities. We provide a high speed race simulation with a challenging road course that is fun for all skill levels. Once you have experienced MB2 Raceway you will know why indoor karting is the fastest-growing sport in the United States. Our high-performance electric European karts are capable of speeds of up to 45 mph. Combine that with being only a couple inches off the ground on our 1/4 mile road course and you're getting a racing experience that will get your heart pumping! We also have junior karts for kids, and you only need to be 48" tall to race. We welcome everyone, from walk-in racers who want to race family, friends and other customers, to private groups both small and large. MB2 Raceway caters to corporate events, team building programs, birthday and bachelor parties, new product launches, training seminars, meetings and other special occasions. After every race, each racer receives a score sheet that breaks down each racers performance. Our state of the art timing system allows competitors to view lap times and race position in real-time during each and every race on a giant projection screen. Racers are also able to go online to check past race results and lap times or check the top times of the day, week, or year. MB2 Raceway also offers a wide variety of race formats. A standard race at MB2 lasts about 10 minutes. We also offer group event packages that come in two, three, and four-race formats known as our Mini Grand Prix, Grand Prix, and Super Grand Prix. We can also work with you and your group to come up with a Tournament or race format that will best fit your groups needs. MB2 Raceway is known for having the best parties in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Our parties range from simple racing events with snacks to complete facility rentals with access to our VIP party room, DJs, casino tables and more. Whether you are having a birthday party, bachelor party, team party, retirement party, or any other celebration, if you are looking for a party for someone from 6 to 60 that is unforgettable, MB2 Raceway is the place!. MB2 Raceway also provides an amazing venue for corporate events. MB2 is the perfect solution for companies looking to inspire their employees and colleagues with a high-performance, exhilarating, and unforgettable experience. In addition to providing all of the standard event amenities, from audio visual equipment to a complete catering selection, MB2 Raceway delivers exciting and bond-building racing challenges that make any event a tremendous success.
Reviewed By adoszzil - Des Moines, Iowa
I bought this as a part of a groupon, seemed like something fun to do for a date night but it was less than stellar. We went on a Friday night and it looked like they were hosting a child's birthday party; They had kids all over the place running and screaming. When you first arrive they you check-in on a computer screen and they give you your "ticket" for the race. You have to wait for all the people infront of you (we waited about 30-35 min). The race lasts about 5 minutes and has so many turns that you don't even end up getting to go very fast. I was stuck behind a younger-woman who must've been terrified because we were going super slow and whenever I had the opportunity to pass, she'd move to the center blocking me. It would've been better if we were allowed more laps or if i were even allowed to race somewhere near my date. I wouldn't go back unless it were free to be honest.
10. Buccaneer Arena
Overall Ratings
4 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By lckstr99 - Urbandale, Iowa
I have taken my kids to a couple of games at Buccaneer Arena. The hockey is always fast paced and fun to watch. It is one of the most reasonable sporting events for the family to attend. The tickets are fairly priced and the food and drink is very reasonable. I always try to get seats close to the glass, so I do not need to worry about errant pucks.
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