Get to Know: Indianola
Indianola is a community known for opportunity, offering unique experiences, affordable living and a strong mix of employers. Home to Simpson College, where local employer partnerships support continuing education, this community south of Des Moines is also where you’ll find Lake Ahquabi, the Des Moines Metro Opera and the annual National Balloon Classic hot air balloon festival.
Located on the Indianola Square, The Groggy Dog serves up craft beer and pub-style food, and the nearby Summerset Trail offers a scenic route connecting Carlisle to Indianola. Families enjoy spending time in parks throughout the community, including Pickard Park which features a disc golf course, campground and sports complex, Sesquicentennial Park, home to the city's iconic clock tower.
Indianola at a Glance
Indianola in one sentence: Just thirty minutes from the Des Moines metro, Indianola combines big-time events with small-town charm.
The top five best things about Indianola: Festivals! Indianola hosts two can’t-miss summer events that capture national attention: the National Balloon Classic, where more than 100 hot air balloons take to the sky, and the Des Moines Metro Opera American Summer Opera Festival, which stages scores of performances each season. Year-round offerings also make Indianola shine, including the town square filled with local shops and eateries, Simpson College, which consistently ranks among the top liberal arts institutions and abundant recreational opportunities at area parks, trails and natural spaces.
Hidden gems and unexpected finds in Indianola: Tour the National Balloon Museum and Ballooning Hall of Fame, where you can learn all about the history of hot air ballooning through a variety of fascinating exhibits.
Community traditions and annual events: Summer fun is calling at the Warren County Fair held annually in July, where you’ll find 4-H and FFA exhibits, delicious fair food, carnival rides, music and grandstand events.
Best ways to get connected: Meet others interested in the arts by getting involved with the Des Moines Metro Opera Guild or joining community theater at the Carousel Theatre of Indianola. Network with the Indianola Young Professionals, or find service opportunities with the Rotary, Lions or Kiwanis clubs. You’ll quickly feel welcomed by the tight-knit community.
Big things on the horizon for Indianola: Indianola continues to invest in education, with a voter-approved plan to update Indianola’s public high school, which is currently underway.
If you’re coming to check out Indianola, be sure to spend your day ... Start with a home-cooked breakfast (biscuits and gravy, anyone?) at the family-owned Crouse Café. Take a stroll through Buxton Park Arboretum, home to a variety of gardens, including a butterfly garden and children’s garden, along with public art. Just outside town, Lake Ahquabi State Park, offers six miles of scenic trails.
Grab lunch at Mishmash Bake Shop, located in the historic Indianola hotel building where sandwiches are served on made-from-scratch biscuits. Prefer a brew? Try one of the craft beers or hard ciders at West Hill Brewing Company on the square. Finish the day with dinner at Winn’s Pizza & Steakhouse, a longtime favorite in the community
Some of the ways Indianola advances inclusive strategies: Organizations like See Color – Be Change work to make Indianola a more inclusive place for all. Simpson College also supports cross-cultural awareness through programs like La Casa Unida Cultural Center, which hosts events and activities that highlight diverse cultures, cuisine and perspectives.
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