TOURS AND EXCURSIONS
“You will be Amazed Tour”
World Food Prize Guided Tour and West End Architectural Salvage
- Cost: $40
- Thursday, February 12, 2026
- 12:45 PM - 4:00 PM
- Meet at 12:45 p.m. at a location near the Community Choice Convention Center to depart via motorcoach.
- Meeting point specifics will be communicated closer to the conference date.
Tour Length:
The tour is three hours and 15 minutes.
Our first stop is the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates. The World Food Prize is an international award that recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions in improving the world’s food supply through agriculture, science, technology, economics, and nutrition. As a special tribute to Dr. Norman Borlaug, Nobel Peace Prize winner and World Food Prize founder, the World Food Prize Foundation restored the century-old Des Moines Public Library Building as the Dr. Norman E. Borlaug World Food Prize Hall of Laureates. It is a public museum, educational facility, and a place to explore awe-inspiring stories of some of Iowa’s greatest heroes and the achievements of world-renowned scientists and leaders who are helping to feed the world.
Our second stop is West End Architectural Salvage, an adventure in architectural treasures, which serves as a salvage, restoration, custom furniture, event space and coffee shop! Every corner, every floor, and every new space is filled with discovery and inspiration. Shop, wander, explore, and take a trip down memory lane by touring all four levels of this unique space. Grab a drink from the coffee shop and enjoy the vintage vibes of the building and unique items on offer!
ACCESSIBILITY: The Hall of Laureates has accessible entrances on both the east and west sides of the building, and an elevator to all public floors. There is seating available in most rooms which visitors are welcome to use. West End Architectural Salvage is ADA accessible. Of note: West End may not be an ideal location/experience for the visually impaired due to a great emphasis on aesthetics. Wheelchairs or mobility aids are NOT available at either location.
“Sobriety is a Journey, not a Destination Tour”
Guided Tours of the Iowa State Capitol and the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
- Cost: $50
- Saturday, February 14, 2026
- 7:45 AM - 11:45 AM
- Meet at 7:45 a.m. at a location near the Community Choice Convention Center to depart via motorcoach.
- Meeting point specifics will be communicated closer to the conference date.
Tour Length:
The tour is four hours.
The first stop in our tour is Iowa’s magnificent state capitol building. Its golden dome has stood as a shining symbol of government and politics since its completion in 1886. Each year, the capitol welcomes over 75,000 visitors from across the world. The tour covers the main portions of the building, including the legislative chambers, old Supreme Court chamber and the law library.
Our second stop explores the beauty of the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, where lush landscapes and vibrant flora create an escape during the winter season. Reputed for its huge collection of midwest ornamental and native plants, the garden features a domed conservatory that houses more than 1,000 varieties of exotic plants from throughout the world. The center also has an impressive herb garden, tropical and desert plants and a historic bonsai collection that includes one of the oldest bonsai trees in the United States. Whether you're a plant enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, this guided tour offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature's wonders.
ACCESSIBILITY:
There’s a ground floor handicapped-accessible entrance and multiple elevators throughout the Capitol building. The facility is wheelchair accessible. The Capitol dome tour is NOT accessible for most, anyone who is less than very able bodied or has any fear of heights should not take the tour of the dome.
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is an ADA-compliant facility. It has a limited number of wheelchairs available on a first-come, first-served basis. They are free to borrow and located just inside the entryway. The Garden features wide paths and sidewalks, accessible doors, additional restroom and an elevator to provide all guests access to the conservatory balcony.
“Rule 62: Don’t Take Yourself So Damn Seriously Tour”
Outlets of Des Moines and/or Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino
- Cost: $30
- Saturday, February 14, 2026
- 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Meet at Noon at a location near the Community Choice Convention Center to depart via motorcoach.
- Meeting point specifics will be communicated closer to the conference date.
Tour Length:
The tour is four hours.
Shop ‘til you drop or test your luck! This tour offers the best of both worlds, allowing you to enjoy one or both destinations. Begin your journey at the Outlets of Des Moines, where top brands and great deals await on everything from fashion to home goods. Alternatively, head to Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino for a chance to win big or savor a meal at one of their many dining spots. The motorcoach will shuttle between locations at the halfway point, giving you the option to switch up your experience. Note: The Outlets of Des Moines is an open-air venue, so be sure to dress for the weather.
ACCESSIBILITY:
Both the Outlets of Des Moines and Prairie Meadows are ADA accessible. Complimentary wheelchairs are available at the Customer Service desk in the Outlet’s Food Pavilion. At Prairie Meadows, wheelchairs are available on a first-come-first-served basis at the security desk near the main entrance. Chair users must leave a photo ID with security personnel to ensure chair return.