Things to do in Des Moines

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Des Moines Travel Guide

Des Moines showing a bridge, a skyscraper and a sunset

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden featuring interior views and a garden

Des Moines Art Center featuring interior views and art

Des Moines Art Center showing outdoor art and outdoor eating as well as a small group of people

Iowa State Capitol Building which includes a park and heritage architecture

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What to do in Des Moines

Discover the most popular places to visit in Des Moines

Adventureland

4/5(201 reviews)

Bring the family to Adventureland and enjoy this exciting amusement park in Altoona. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.

Iowa State Capitol Building

4.5/5(194 reviews)

A city landmark, this interesting building showcases design and architectural features that created a grand impression in the late 1800s and still inspire today.

Principal Park

4.5/5(62 reviews)

Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.

Des Moines Botanical Center showing interior views and a park

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

4.5/5(115 reviews)

Experience the tropics in an indoor garden oasis nearly 100 years old alongside a meandering river in this Midwestern city.

Walk through farms and villages from different periods of time, incredible museum and park that takes guests through an interactive tour!

Living History Farms

4.5/5(63 reviews)

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Living History Farms during your trip to Urbandale. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals.

Des Moines Art Center

4.5/5(76 reviews)

Spend time admiring the architectural lines of this art and education center before heading inside to view its outstanding collection.

Jordan Creek Town Center

4.5/5(522 reviews)

You can enjoy retail therapy at Jordan Creek Town Center during your visit to West Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event.

Casey's Center

4.5/5(250 reviews)

Catch an event at Casey's Center during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and acclaimed theater scene.

Iowa State Fairgrounds

4.5/5(271 reviews)

Enjoy an outing to Iowa State Fairgrounds during your stay in Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music or attend a sporting event.

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Des Moines

State Historical Society of Iowa Museum which includes landscape views, a skyscraper and a city

Downtown Des Moines

4.5/5(711 area reviews)

Downtown Des Moines boasts corporate campuses, fine dining, and unique retail destinations. Explore the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, and enjoy easy access to DART transit and skywalk connections.

Historic East Village

Directly east of Downtown Des Moines, this nationally recognized historic district boasts the Iowa State Capitol complex, State of Iowa Historical Museum, and Des Moines Botanical Gardens. Explore eateries, boutique shops, and loft-style housing in its charming structures.

View into downtown from the Capitol Building.

#capitol #desmoines #city #downtown

Court District

Court District is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Science Center of Iowa and Principal Park while in the area.

Checked out the Mars Cafe in Des Moines, IA. Great spot with good seating, wifi, and a pretty good latte. Nice flavor to the espresso. A good spot for a light lunch wit good sandwiches.

If I have to be in Iowa it's nice to find a good coffee joint.

Drake

If you're spending some time in Drake, Des Moines Community Playhouse and Knapp Center are top sights worth seeing.

Grays Lake featuring a lake or waterhole

Greater South Side

4/5(189 area reviews)

While Greater South Side might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Air Lanes Bowling Center and Gray’s Lake Park.

Great Western Trail. Lovely and mostly flat. Connects to other trails in the greater DSM area. Ride it to work when the weather's good.

Southwestern Hills

While Southwestern Hills might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Air Lanes Bowling Center and Gray’s Lake Park.

Popular day trips from Des Moines

Urbandale

Altoona

Frequently asked questions

Is Des Moines worth visiting?

Famous for its culture and festivals, discovering awesome things to do in Des Moines is easy. Don't forget to add Adventureland to your trip itinerary while here.

How do I spend a day in Des Moines?

After you've checked off key attractions like Adventureland and Blank Park Zoo, spend some time discovering Des Moines's shopping and food scene.

What is the top tourist attraction in Des Moines?

Don't go home without visiting Adventureland, rated the top tourist attraction in Des Moines.

Is three days enough to stay in Des Moines?

You can easily tick off leading sights like Blank Park Zoo, Easter Lake Park and The Temple for Performing Arts with a three-day escape to Des Moines. On average, most travelers book two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stay a bit longer and check out West Des Moines.

Is Des Moines a walkable city?

It all comes down to what you plan to see and do in Des Moines. Several key sights, including The Temple for Performing Arts and Iowa Hall of Pride, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Des Moines's neighborhoods, Downtown Des Moines is 0.64 kilometers away from downtown, while Greater South Side is 3 kilometers away from the center and also within walking distance.

What are some activities to do in Des Moines with kids?

Whether you're traveling with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, a schedule filled with fun activities takes your trip to the next level. Browse our ideas for what to do in Des Moines with kids.

What to do in Des Moines for adults?

There are plenty of things to do in Des Moines, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Casey's Center or Knapp Center.

Are there free things to do in Des Moines?

One of the top ways to find free things to do in Des Moines is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on cool neighborhoods, parks and other hotspots you can enjoy without reaching into your pocket. Easter Lake Park is one sight that doesn't charge an admission fee.