Location: Altoona
Top Things to do in Altoona
Top 10 Things to do in Altoona, United States
Altoona is a city in Polk County, Iowa, United States and is a part of the Des Moines–West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 14,541 at the 2010 census.
Restaurants in Altoona
1. Adventureland
Overall Ratings
4 based on 567 reviews
Adventureland Amusement Park and Adventure Bay Waterpark contain over 100 rides, shows, and attractions including some of the country's most exciting roller coasters and thrill rides that can challenge the most avid amusement park enthusiasts. There are also plenty of rides for less adventurous guests including great water rides as well as a full compliment of children's rides spread throughout the park. But the entertainment doesn't stop with rides - Adventureland presents a full array of shows in the park - from thrilling circus acts and magic shows to live music and juggling - there's always something to suit everyone's taste. Simply the most fun you will have all year!
Reviewed By purplecicle - Schererville, In
An adventure for every personality
Coaster lovers, spinners, families, foodies, and loungers rejoice in a park you can all enjoy together.
Adrenaline junkies will head straight for the intimidating structure called the monster. This 2016 coaster is steep, fast, exhilarating, yet also smooth. The lap only harnesses make the ride free and fluid. Riders either laughed or screamed their way through the journey. The park has 4 additional coasters assuring something for all. The easy going indoor Underground ride can be enjoyed by all as it combines animatronics with a roller coaster ride even grandma can take on.
Spinners rejoice on the classics...carousel, scrambler, tilt-a-whirl....and on the inverted spins of the Ferris wheel and falling star. The surprising Light House spins quickly enough to create a nice g-force feeling making it a great crossover ride to be shared by spinners and extreme riders.
Got water? Adventure land has 2 ride options. The unique Saw Mill ride combines ride and slide as it transports family style tubes to the top of a yellow spiral. You've likely not seen anything else quite like this ride, making it a must. You won't get very wet, perhaps a small splash, which means the Saw Mill can be enjoyed in all weather. The classic river rapids, on the other hand, could soak its riders, but finding out who will get splashed the most is part of the fun.
Top food includes hand dipped corn dogs (even hand dipped veggie corn dogs), double cheeseburgers (for less than $5), homemade chocolate chip cookies and milk, and mini donuts. A beer and wine bar offers local tastings.
Loungers will find opportunities to take on a variety of shows or to lounge under the many shady trees in the park. Extensive water features add a nice touch to the scenery.
While each personality may complain that the park does not have enough of their specific thing, the beauty of this park is that everyone can enjoy it together. For a real good time, try something you would not usually ride :)
2. Reclaimed Rails Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By Anita M - Cedar Rapids, Iowa
We like to visit breweriesand get a taste for different beers that are brewed on the premises. This place definitely has some nice flavor of beers. We didn't eat there as I think they only offer frozen pizza They do offer free popcorn to munch on as you taste their beers. We definitely will stop again when in the area.
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. Copper Creek 9
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By Daniel B - Cedar Rapids
I was able to see the latest James Bond movie here on opening weekend. The theatres here are awesome: clean bathrooms, friendly staff, promotions galore(every Tuesday get a free 46 oz popcorn with a paid admission), gift cards and an email program as well. I was instructed by a staff member to order the kids deal: a 20 oz pop with small popcorn and a small bag of candy for five bucks! Unbelievable deal! Plenty of parking and wheelchair accessible. The movie screen is one that has the curtains slowly go up at the start of the shows, a throwback to how grand going to a movie really was. Nice touches like this makes this place a fun place to go to, in my opinion.
5. Cinemark Altoona and XD
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By Moorepet - Altoona
Be warned if you are sleepy when you come to the theater--you will fall asleep! I love the recliners. The larger theater rooms are fantastic (sound, comfort and visual). Even the smaller rooms are great on slow nights where most of the time I can get the room all to myself-- great for those sappy movies or when I have the kids. For the most part I do enjoy going to this theater. BUT one of my guilty pleasures of going to the theater-----POPCORN!!!! I am not a fan of their snack bar set up. The snack bar employees seem to be untrained? The snack bar most of the time is very messy--dirty floor, soda area and counter. The flow of the customers is a bit And the biggest thing---- the price structure is a bit more than other theaters and no refills--even with discount coupons it is more than other places. The employees often mess up my customer reward points and they do not get credit/points to my account.... BUT all in all-- I do like the theater part and will continue going--I will just avoid the snack area.
6. Toad Valley Golf Course
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Prepare yourself for an unparalleled golfing experience. Our course is a pleasure for golfers of any skill level to play. Toad Valley Golf Course will challenge you while providing a relaxing, picturesque backdrop. All in all, our goal is to provide you with a quality experience that includes exceptional service and a comfortable atmosphere. Blue: yards 6224 White: yards 5934 Gold: yards 5788
Reviewed By petes498 - Grimes, Iowa
If you are looking for fancy greens or fairways, go somewhere else. If you are looking for a nice course with big greens, decent fairways, and a good price, come to Toad. Their super twilight rate is amazing. 4 people fir unlimited golf and cart is $10 per person, 3 people 11, 2 people 12.50. If you happen to get their right when it starts and have no one in front, you can get 18 holes in before dark. A little bit of a drive if you live out west but well worth it. Staff us friendly and the clubhouse is well kept.
7. 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.
8. Prairie Meadows
Overall Ratings
4 based on 221 reviews
Prairie Meadows is the premier destination for gaming and entertainment in the Midwest. With more than 85,000 square feet of casino action, we have every game you'll want to play this side of Vegas. Whether you enjoy the latest slot machine or your favorite table games, Prairie Meadows has everything you need to get your game on. Win place or show,there's nothing like the heart-pounding thrill of live racing on our one-mile racetrack. Join us for live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing every April - October. It's pure excitement start to finish. Casino action, live horse racing, a variety of dining options and great entertainment are waiting for you at Prairie Meadows.
Reviewed By mbug772017
Nice little spot to drop by to watch some horseback racing. AJ's dining is in here as well. In addition there are a plethora of games if that is your thing. They also occasionally get in some pretty good concerts and comedians. The latest hotel...MoreThank you for visiting! It's great to hear you enjoy the horse racing, AJ's Steakhouse, and our entertainment options. We appreciate you taking to time to leave a review. See you next time!
9. Iowa State Fairgrounds
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 757 reviews
For 11 days in August, it’s a fairground, but for the other 354 days of the year, the Iowa State Fairgrounds is home to auto shows, livestock exhibitions, flea markets, antique shows, concerts, trade shows and more. See what’s happening this month at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
Reviewed By Kim H - Cortez
The iowa state fair management has decided to exclude horse competitions from Jacobson arena except from August to October. Funds were raised for the Jacobson facility to be a horse and livestock facility. Now after the namesake, Mr. Jacobson has passed, they are eliminating horse shows and competitions.
10. Terrace Hills Golf Course
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By JamersonRocks - West Des Moines, Iowa
Very well maintain facility, it's fair but challenging. Green can very tricky, but they are consistent thru out course. Lots of updating being done currently. Staff can handle large groups quite well, popular place for charity and corporate outings.
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