About Indianola, Iowa

Indianola, Iowa, sits just 17 miles south of Des Moines and blends small‑town warmth with standout cultural attractions. As the Warren County seat, it’s best known for the National Balloon Classic, the summer festival that fills the sky with hot‑air balloons. That tradition lives on year‑round at the National Balloon Museum, which highlights more than two centuries of ballooning history. The local business community is energized by the Indianola Chamber of Commerce, which supports growth through its Experience Indianola initiative and events like the Friday Night Live concert series.

Education and the arts play a major role here, thanks in part to Simpson College, a historic liberal arts campus founded in 1860. Each summer, the Des Moines Metro Opera turns the community into a destination for world‑class performances. Outdoor enthusiasts have plenty to enjoy as well, with Lake Ahquabi State Park and the 11‑mile Summerset Trail offering easy escapes into Central Iowa’s wetlands and woodlands.

At the center of town is the Historic Indianola Town Square, with shops, restaurants, and local businesses. Whether you’re in town for the Warren County Fair or unwinding with a weekend at Summerset Winery, Indianola delivers a welcoming mix of history and community.