Things to do in Des Moines

Activities, attractions and tours

Des Moines showing a bridge, a river or creek and a city
Des Moines showing a bridge, a river or creek and a city
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden featuring interior views and a garden
Des Moines Art Center featuring interior views and art
Des Moines Art Center which includes outdoor art and outdoor eating as well as a small group of people
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What to do in Des Moines

Popular places to visit

#foodiefinds The best Avocado salad!

Jordan Creek Town Center

You can do some window-shopping at Jordan Creek Town Center during your visit to West Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.

Jordan Creek Town Center
Aerial View of the Iowa State Fair in the Des Moines Metro Area

Iowa State Fairgrounds

5/5(1 review)

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

Iowa State Fairgrounds
The City Of Des Moines

Iowa Events Center

Learn about the events happening in Iowa Events Center during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and acclaimed theatre scene.

Iowa Events Center
Iowa State Capitol Building featuring a statue or sculpture

Iowa State Capitol Building

5/5(1 review)

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

Iowa State Capitol Building
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Principal Park

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

Principal Park
Des Moines Botanical Center which includes interior views and a garden

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

5/5(1 review)

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

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Casey's Center

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

Casey's Center

Adventureland

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

Adventureland

Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino

3/5(1 review)

Why not roll the dice with a visit to Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino during your travels in Altoona? Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals.

Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino

Areas of Des Moines

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

Downtown Des Moines

4/5(1 area review)

The abundant dining options and live music are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Des Moines. A stop by 801 Grand or Des Moines Civic Center might round out your trip.

Downtown Des Moines
View into downtown from the Capitol Building. #capitol #desmoines #city #downtown

Court District

Travellers come to Court District for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Science Center of Iowa and Principal Park while you're in town.

Court District
Historic East Village

Historic East Village

Find beautiful government buildings, cultural attractions and a garden oasis in this older section of the city extending along a pretty riverfront.

Historic East Village
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

While visiting Drake, you might make a stop by sights like Knapp Center and Des Moines Community Playhouse.

Drake
😘😘

Greater South Side

While there might not be top attractions in Greater South Side, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Air Lanes Bowling Center and Gray’s Lake Park.

Greater South Side
Western Gateway sunrise aerial looking downtown over Pappajohn Sculpture Park and Krause Gateway Center.

Western Gateway

While visiting Western Gateway, you might make a stop by sights like John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park and Pappajohn Sculpture Park.

Western Gateway
Aerial View of the Des Moine Suburb of Ankeny, Iowa

Ankeny

Old Railroad Station framing view of Des Moines skyline, capital of Iowa

Norwalk

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 travellers 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 neighbourhoods, Downtown Des Moines is 0.64 kilometres away from downtown, while Greater South Side is 3 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Des Moines with kids?
Whether you're travelling 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 Centre or Knapp Centre.
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 neighbourhoods, 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.

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