Some states boast roadside attractions like the world’s largest ball of twine. Something much more interesting, beautiful and fragrant is now dazzling central Iowans’ senses. L-D McMullen, director of the Des Moines Water Works, says the capitol city’s spectacular array of crab apple trees is the third-largest in the world — and it’s showtime. McMullen says there are more than 300 varieties of crab apple trees with more than 12-hundred trees total in the park. He says now’s the time to see and smell them as the bright blooming red, yellow and pink flowers are in full glory. This peak blooming period usually lasts about ten days. He says the park and arboretum were established in 1930 by forward-thinking city leaders. Underneath the park is the system that supplies about one third of the water to the area, and the superintendant of grounds decided to plant the trees to make the above ground area a nice place for the public.Water Works Park is open from 6 AM to 10 PM seven days a week. There’s no admission charge.
