Indianola

Visitors are invited to come to Summerset Winery to discover beautiful scenery and delectable home-grown Iowa wines. The winery was one of the first to be established in Iowa using a selection of experimental grape varieties which were planted in 1989. Wines on offer include a range of white, pink and red wines made from various varietals which have proved to be able to withstand the harsh Iowa winters. The winery and tasting room is housed in a modern barn-style building which also has a large banquet room for weddings and events. During the warm summer months visitors are encouraged to come and picnic on the lawns and enjoy live music while you sip your favorite wines.

Summerset Winery, 15101 Fairfax St, Indianola, IA 50125, Phone: 515-961-3545

Conveniently located just 6 miles south of Indianola, Lake Ahquabi State Park is a popular outdoor recreational facility which was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. At the heart of the park lies a man-made reservoir which offers excellent fishing and other water activities. Families can have fun on the lake-side beach and there are two boat ramps. You can rent all the equipment your need for a fun day on the lake from the on-site concession. Besides water sports, visitors can enjoy walking/hiking along a gravel perimeter trail. If you would like to linger a little longer you can pitch a tent or park your RV in the modern serviced campground.

Lake Ahquabi State Park, 16510 118th Avenue, Indianola, IA 50125, Phone: 515-961-7101

Attending a performance of the Des Moines Metro Opera is a cultural highlight of any visit to Indianola. Presenting a summer festival of opera and producing over 100 riveting performances each year, the Des Moines Metro Opera (DMMO) is a cultural main-stay in the city. Performances are held from May to July each year at the Blank Center for the Performing Arts. Dedicated to bringing opera to the man in the street, DMMO stages a wide range of classic and contemporary performances using a wonderful cast of talented performers from all over the US. Not content with providing wonderful entertainment, the DMMO also nurtures future generations of performers through various training programs.

Des Moines Metro Opera, 513 N. D Street, Indianola, IA 50125, Phone: 515-961-6221

Your Indianola vacation or getaway weekend could be the ideal opportunity to try a fun new activity. Visitors who would like to learn how to paddle or need some new paddling equipment will find that Canoe Sport Outfitters are experts in the field. The outfitter offers a variety of classes where you can get hands-on instruction in canoeing, kayaking and SUP. Once you have had some lessons you will be ready to join one of their guided floats or tours. Lessons are all held at the near-by Lake Ahquabi State Park. Guided excursions include Sunset and Full Moon Floats, Red Rock Tours and much more.

Canoe Sport Outfitters, 203 West Salem Avenue, Indianola, IA 50125, Phone: 515-961-6117

After a busy day of exploring Indianola you will be ready to round off your day with a great meal. The Brickhouse Tavern is a popular local eatery which serves some of the best Italian-inspired tavern food in the area. Regulars rave about their tasty pizzas and pastas as well as their onion rings and breaded mushrooms. Just about everything on the menu is home-made with quality ingredients, including their pizza bases – gluten free options are available. The tavern offers some interesting specialty cocktails and wines and beer enthusiasts can look forward to sampling some local craft brews. There is an outdoor seating area ideal for languid summer nights.

The Brickhouse Tavern, 107 N. Buxton St, Indianola, IA 50125, Phone: 515-962-5025