Top 10 Things to do in Altoona, United States

November 21, 2017 Deane Carmody

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

3200 Adventureland Dr, Altoona, IA 50009-1697 +1 800-532-1286
Excellent
43%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 567 reviews

Adventureland

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

101 Main St NE, Bondurant, IA 50035-7722 +1 515-777-1443
Excellent
48%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 15 reviews

Reclaimed Rails Brewing Company

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

1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319-1001 +1 515-281-5591
Excellent
78%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 680 reviews

Capitol Building

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

1325 Copper Creek Dr, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327-7083 +1 515-266-2676
Excellent
60%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 10 reviews

Copper Creek 9

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

2227 Adventureland Dr, Altoona, IA 50009-9402 +1 515-967-2236
Excellent
58%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 43 reviews

Cinemark Altoona and XD

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

237 NE 80th St, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327-8036 +1 515-967-9575
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 4 reviews

Toad Valley Golf Course

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

555 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50314 +1 515-286-4928
Excellent
78%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 327 reviews

Downtown Farmers Market

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

1 Prairie Meadows Dr, Altoona, IA 50009-2115 +1 800-325-9015
Excellent
29%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
7%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 221 reviews

Prairie Meadows

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

3000 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317-2494 +1 800-545-3247
Excellent
71%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 757 reviews

Iowa State Fairgrounds

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

8700 NE 46th Ave, Altoona, IA 50009-9524 +1 515-967-2932
Excellent
33%
Good
67%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3 reviews

Terrace Hills Golf Course

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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