I stopped in here because a friend recommended it. It's a small library that makes up for it's size…read moreand age with the enthusiastic and helpful librarians. They offer tons of classes and resources, enough to match the bigger libraries in the metro. The librarians are helpful, knowledgeable and ardent supporters of this little library.

The grimes library is not big or fancy but they have a great selection of books and the staff are…read moreextremely helpful and accomodating. This library also has a multitude of community programs for toddlers - adults. Definately check out their programs. My 9 year old signed up to read to a therapy dog and it was an amazing experience. The therapy dog and owner were sweetest as can be! My son loved reading to the dog and I loved that he was excited to read. While there the staff also helped us find some sport books for my son and were just really great about chatting and answering questions. This is going to be a go to place for us when looking for something to do.

Great selection of books, movies and dvds to look through. Helpful staff and great hours.read more

i have grown up in indianola iowa and have always loved this library. it's kind and welcoming sense…read morewhen you walk through the doors is wonderful. they do so many events for kids and are so inclusive. would definitely recommend for something to do!

We enjoy participating in the many different kids' activities sponsored by the Indianola Public…read moreLibrary--from "talk like a pirate" story time, to the fire week presentation complete with fire trucks, to the Dr. Seuss celebration, and more. The recently remodeled children's section is a great benefit to the library. My son enjoys taking home the themed book bags, which include an assortment of books on topics like construction equipment, fire trucks, etc. The bjg play table with Duplos is always a hit and much appreciated on a rainy day. This is a cozy library with plenty to offer families, and people of all ages. The drive-up dropbox for books (available 24/7!) is super convenient. If you can't find the particular book you want in the library, chances are you can get it down the street at Simpson College as the catalogues are linked and your library card is good there.

I've been going here since I've retired and it's a great place for seniors. I would recommend…read morejoining if you have interest in social activities with other adults they have some wonderful pool tables a small computer room and a large multi-purpose room which has activities like bridge in other card games plus a wonderful nutritious daily lunch. They also have a craft room and do crafts and they also have a small workout area. they also have a small TV and movie watching area. They also have some exercise classes designed for seniors and some services for Seniors like tax help. They have a really nice caring stsff and lots of choices for people who want to remain active in their senior years. The centers large multi-purpose room for some community meetings in evening I know that the Audubon society meets there the local Sierra club meets there, and several other community groups meet there. If you live in the Beaverdale area or the nearby Merle Hay area is very convenient to come to and has bus transportation in the front. It's also right next to the Franklin library which is a plus.

Came here for school once. There isn't a lot to look at if you're not spending a good deal of time…read morehere with a group. It's not really a normal "museum" experience, but still neat that it is still standing.

WOW! The Law Library looks straight out of a fairytale. I swear it looks like the inspiration for…read moreBelle's library in Beauty and the Beast. The gorgeous murals and senate chambers were also impressive. We stopped here on a whim during a recent road trip and were pleasantly surprised by its grandeur and beauty. They offered a free tour, but we opted for a self guided tour instead so we could go on our own pace. We came on a Friday afternoon and someone who worked there told us it's the best day to visit since the place is so busy Mon-Thurs when legislators are in session, that it's often difficult to find a parking spot. But on this quiet Friday morning, we parked in the front row and had no line in front of us as we went through the security metal detector.

My visits to state capitols are few and far between, but after visiting the Iowa State Capitol, I…read morewant to make a point of visiting more whenever I travel to other states. My son started attending law school in Des Moines and so I was trying to see what the city has to offer. Visiting the capitol building was one of the things that kept popping up on things to do. We decided to check it out on a Saturday and luckily they do guided tours which I highly recommend. Completed in 1886, they have done a remarkable job preserving this place and showcasing it's beauty. It sits on top of a hill and offers great views of the city from every side. One of the first things you notice from the outside is the gold dome. The ornate outside facade carries inside where it is just as beautiful. You'll notice intricate wood decor as well as marble, gold and other beautiful materials. You can visit the historic supreme court chambers and see all the offices of state officials. The law library is by far my favorite part of the building. I felt like I was in some movie like Harry Potter or something. You have to see it in person to really comprehend the beauty. The wood and gold along with the spiraling staircases and law books stacked to the high ceiling was cool to see. If you aren't afraid of heights, you can take a long winding staircase at the top of the dome. We were one of the last tours so we didn't really get to really take our time and soak in all this place has to offer. I will most definitely come back next time I am in town visiting the kiddo. It was absolutely something I did not expect to see deep in the Midwest.

Beautiful outdoor park that you spend a good 30+ minutes walking around to admire the art. It was a…read moregreat place to walk through between locations on a hot Saturday.

Whenever I travel I make it a habit to visit sculpture parks and public art installations…read morethroughout the area I'm in. Overall I really enjoy our local parks here in the Des Moines metro including the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park. I think it ranks right up there with parks in some of the major metropolitan areas throughout the United States. That being said... I have to take issue with one piece... Gymnast III. Can we stop pretending that it doesn't look like what it really looks like? Lol It's described as it "captures the basic strength of a bending and stretching athlete..." I was on a school trip with my young daughter when the guide steered our kids away from a nearby nude female bust that used to stand near the Gymnast III statue. We passed by that statue...and headed right over to this one. I whispered to one of the other chaperones... "Really? Away from that one to this one...?" She quietly asked me what I meant. I told her "Just wait... As we walk around it... Let me know when you see it." A few seconds later she grabbed my arm tightly... "Oh my God!" she said in a hushed voice. But with enough emphasis I knew she was seeing it too... We both had a good laugh as the tour guide went on with her explanation of the piece to the children in the group. Both hoping none of the kids would see "it"... I didn't need those questions that day. I'm all about art. And I'm a big fan of the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park. It's a bright spot in the middle of downtown! But I can't help but feel like this piece is part of a HUGE inside joke... I wonder if the sculptor (William Tucker) said... I'm going to create this huge bronze phallic piece! I'm not going to call it what it is though. I'm going to call it Gymnast III and attach a PC interpretation explaining it... And sell it for A LOT of money! Then after the money is in the account...I'm going to sit back and laugh my butt off... Because I know what it really is!" And maybe it's not. Could just be my imagination or my inner 13 year old... BUT from the side it sure looks like one... Tucker also described some of his works as a "prolonged anatomy lesson." Again...really? I think he knew what it looked like too. Lol A popular spot for tourists and photographers. A showpiece many festivals are centered around. Opened in 2009 the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park sits on 4.4 acres. It contains around 30 installations. The parking around it is metered. You will find the Gymnast III statue on the North side of the park. About halfway down right along Grand Ave. Circle around it... Look at it from every angle. Take it all in... And then you tell me what you think...!

I heard about Imagination Playschool through the mommy grapevine. I took my daughter there this…read moremorning. I was pleasantly surprised to see how close it is to The Grateful Chef. That's where we stopped for lunch :) Imagination Playschool is Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9A-2P November through March. The cost is $1.50 for children 1 year and up. They have lots of room to run and play. Also cars, bikes, and trikes. There's a little play house and a swing set. For such a reasonable price it's a great place to let the kiddos run, play, and burn off energy during the colder months. I noticed there is a weight room and some workout equipment at this community center also. There is also a nice playground out front, basketball court, and a little kiddie pool/ splash pad.