Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez

1 week ago | desmoinesregister.com | Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez

Iowa's list of beaches not recommended for swimming is piling up, going from one to nine in just one week, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Wondering how can you check up on water monitoring, beach classifications and know what locations are open or closed? Iowa Department of Natural Resources tracks it all and updates the public weekly on its website and using a phone hotline at 515-725-3434.

1 week ago | desmoinesregister.com | Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez |Keith Uhlig

It's summer in Iowa, and that means many Iowans are spending as much time outside as possible. But, nothing is perfect, and the warm-weather pleasures of picturesque sunsets, refreshing lake swims and quiet woodsy hikes sometimes come hand-in-hand with wildlife that can bite us, insects that can sting and sicken us and plants that can poison us.

1 week ago | desmoinesregister.com | Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez

Burlesque is coming to Iowa in a new and exciting way — right in the heart of downtown Davenport. On Saturday, June 21, American Pickers star Danielle Colby will lift the velvet curtains at the Ecdysiast Arts Museum. The museum aims to be a cultural destination devoted to preserving and honoring the history of burlesque, according to a news release. “This is more than just a museum — it’s the realization of a dream, rooted in my love for burlesque and in the city I call home,” Colby said.

1 week ago | desmoinesregister.com | Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez

Iowa's shark population just grew by two — and you don't even need a boat to see them. Snoopy and Pluto, Blank Park Zoo's newest bamboo sharks, have been added to the big reef aquarium in the Discovery Center and are now available for viewing. “While these sharks may be small, their addition brings big opportunities for education and conservation,” said Blank Park Zoo President and CEO Anne Shimerdla in a news release.

2 weeks ago | desmoinesregister.com | Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez

If you're looking to enjoy the outdoors and some live music this summer, central Iowa has plenty of offerings — and many are free. Here are some of the concert series taking place this summer:Ames Municipal BandOne of Ames' oldest organizations, the Ames Municipal Band, is now in its 101st season. The band plays free hour-long concerts every Thursday at Bandshell Park through July. The free concerts begin at 8 p.m. at Bandshell Park. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.