The City of Des Moines has been highlighted by Fodor’s Travel as part of one of the “10 Most Unique Travel Experiences Across the United States,” placing the Waterland city on Washington’s UFO Mysteries Trail.
The designation connects Des Moines to a series of destinations tied to the iconic 1947 “Maury Island Incident,” one of the Pacific Northwest’s most debated historical events.
The trail centers on reports from June 1947, when local log scavenger Harold Dahl said he witnessed six UFOs hovering above Puget Sound near Maury Island. Declassified FBI documents state that one of the objects released debris that fell onto his boat, causing damage and reportedly injuring his son and killing his dog.
Today, the incident continues to draw interest from visitors, researchers, historians, UFOlogists, film buffs and others, with the UFO Mysteries Trail highlighting locations across the region linked to sightings, folklore and Cold War era intrigue.
The recognition also comes ahead of the annual Men in Black Birthday Bash Festival, set for June 20-21 this year, which celebrates the story with a mix of science fiction themes and community events. The city said the festival has grown in popularity and attracts visitors from across the region.
“It’s a fantastic piece of news. Fodor’s describing MIBBB Fest as quirky, for ‘sci-fi fanatics to history buffs and conspiracy theory enthusiasts’ – I think they got it right! And including MIBBB Fest in a story about the top 10 ‘coolest, greatest, and often unsung hits this country has to offer,’ it’s a bit mind-blowing,” said MIBBB Fest co-founder Steve Edmiston.
Visitors can also explore related landmarks, including the Maury Island Incident mural near 7th Ave South and South 223rd Street, or view the award-winning short film online here.
The Maury Island Incident mural and mysterious obelisk near 7th Ave South and South 223rd Street awaits you…
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