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CHEATSheet: Adel
TRAVELLinks
TRIED AND TRUE
LOCAL FAVORITES
HISTORY
Adel is an excellent place to pick up the Raccoon River Valley
Recreation Trail, a 56-mile path that stretches from the Des Moines suburb of Clive all the way to Jefferson. The scenic route will take you through beautiful farmland and quaint rural communities including Redfield, Linden, Panora, Yale, Herndon and Cooper. The trail also connects to the expansive metro trails in Iowa’s capital city of Des Moines. Along your way you’ll find the food, beverages, entertainment, scenery and ambience that makes every visit a memorable one. Unwind after your ride with an ice cream cone at the Adel Dairy Shop, a tradition among cyclists.
MUSEUM
GREAT
EVENTS
MUSEUM
The Adel Historical Musem,
1129 Main Street, has had an interesting life since it was built in 1857. It served as the community's first two-story brick schoolhouse until 1870 and is remembered by old-timers as a popular boarding house years ago. The building alsp is home to the local Main Street and Chamber offices and is a good location to find out information about Adel. You can contact the chamber at 515-993-5472 for more information.
TO DO
undiscovered gem among town squares in Iowa. Quilters flock to the Adel Quilting and Dry Goods Company to stock up on supplies. The Atherton House, with its selection of handmade crafts, is another popular stop. Guys seem to enjoy Brick Street Muscle, which features a big selection of classic cars. The adjacent gift shop is a good place to find die-cast collectibles. And Destination 33 offers new surprises with each visit, including a fine selection of artwork and crafts from artisans in Iowa and across the country.
Although its reputation as a shopping destination is growing, Adel remains an
County fairs may be another dying tradition, but not in Adel, where the Dallas County Fair, held during the second week in July, draws impressive crowds, including lots of Des Moines visitors who visit to get in touch with their agricultural roots. The fair includes an array of grandstand acts, free entertainment, a midway, and agricultural competitions.
Many would argue that the Dallas County Courthouse, built in Adel in 1902, is the most beautiful building of its kind in the state. Locals are proud of the building and
like to show it off to visitors, and for good reason. The stately building, which
One of the biggest summer celebrations in central Iowa is Adel’s annual Sweet Corn Festival on the second Saturday in August. This old-time festival features free sweet corn which is shucked by hand and served in huge volumes to hungry visitors. But people also enjoy the craft shows, carnival, beer garden and life entertainment.
has undergone significant renovation and maintenance, evokes the style of a French chateau; details built into the structure are like hidden treasures. The building, on the town square, is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is closed on major holidays. Call 515-993-4751 for information.
