You’ll find Altoona just off the beaten path, about five miles east of Des Moines.Founded in 1868, our city has a rich history of growth, reinvention and good, friendly folk. Today, more than four million people visit Altoona each year to shop, play, dine and stay. We’ve been called the “entertainment capital of Iowa,” which we think pretty much sums it up.People of all ages visit Altoona for our shops, casino, crazy-good restaurants, outdoor fun, nightlife, concerts, and big events—like the annual Jolly Holiday Lights, a winter extravaganza that attracts visitors from around the state. But there’s more to Altoona than meets the eye.When we say we’re “off the beaten path,” we mean it in more ways than one. Altoona’s quirky, charming, relaxed. It’s different, and that’s why we love it. Maybe it’s just us, but we think there’s something magical about our town. You’ll have to come see it for yourself.