Top Attractions
WARREN COUNTY BEST NATIONAL EVENTS
NATIONAL BALLOON CLASSIC
Warren County is the Hot Air Balloon capital of the Midwest! The 9-day National Balloon Classic attracts balloonists from around the country and fills the sky with 100+ balloons. The National Balloon Museum displays 200 years of hot air balloon history.
DES MOINES METRO OPERA
We're also home to the award-winning and renowned Des Moines Metro Opera. "...among the oldest and most enterprising summer opera fests in the nation." - Chicago Tribune
THE GREAT OUTDOORS - WE GOT SPACE TO WANDER
PARKS, TRAILS AND LAKES
Come have an adventure in Warren County, where there's plenty of room to roam. There are a lot of outdoor gems here, but a few of the favorites are:
Lake Ahquabi State Park - Swimming, Boating, Fishing, Camping, Hiking. 115 Acre Reservoir.
Annett Nature Center - Nature Center, Observation Tower, Grass Trails, Prairie, 6-acre Pond, Butterfly garden. 160 Acre park.
Great Western Trail - 16.5 miles of multi-use trail from Des Moines to Martensdale.
OUR BIGGEST LOCAL EVENTS
INDIANOLA SUMMER ART FESTIVAL
The Indianola Summer Arts Festival is held in conjunction with The National Balloon Classic, Warren County Fair, and Indianola Hometown Pride Celebrate Warren County Parade! The two-day Art Festival will take place in Indianola’s historic Buxton Park. Held rain or shine!
The festival draws over 30 artists! Visitors can enjoy live entertainment including singers, flutists, and pianists, yard games, food trucks, and other activities!
WARREN COUNTY FAIR
The first Warren County Fair was held October 1-2, 1855 in the southeast part of Indianola. The following year, the fair was held on 20 acres of ground that was purchased by the Warren County Agricultural Society for $320. The fairgrounds look much different today, but it is still held at this same location. Today the fair combines youth and open-class exhibits with delicious fair food, carnival rides, music, and grandstand events for an annual event that is “kind of a big deal!
