Things to do & places to visit in Des Moines, Iowa, United States

Today the capital city and cultural center of Iowa is revitalized. A versatile destination everyone will enjoy, Des Moines has an itinerary for almost every interest. Culture and art enthusiasts may want to roam through the Des Moines Art Center, spend the weekend museum-hopping or attend a Broadway-caliber performance at the Civic Center. Golfers can spend their time and energy teeing up at any of the area's fine championship courses. The Blank Park Zoo and the Iowa State Fairgrounds should be on the list for families. And gardeners will savor the fantastic blooms at the Botanical Center and the Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden. Mix it up a little and sample all this "big city with a small town heart" has to offer.

Des Moines city in Iowa, United States. Timezone: America/Chicago, current date and time: Friday, May 03, 2024, 3:52.

Top things to do (23)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Capitol Building (869 reviews)
- Beautiful and historic building
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Government Buildings

Our docent gave an excellent tour, took time to answer questions for our group of 4; she was very enthusiastic about the building and history. I highly recommend the tour; anyone not up for the winding staircase to the dome can skip that part at the end. It is definitely the most beautiful state house in the country! See more..
5.0 World Food Prize Hall of Laureates (80 reviews)
- A gem of museums that was unexpectedly wonderful!
Friday: Speciality Museums

The Norman E. Borlaug Hall of Laureates - home of The World Food Prize - is a public museum, educational facility and a place of inspiration for all. This magnificently restored Beaux Arts space celebrates the spirit of giving, emphasizing the importance of global food security. See more..
5.0 Des Moines Symphony (23 reviews)
- Amazing
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Symphonies

How does a city as small as Des Moines have a treasure like the Des Moines Symphony? It is truly incredible, and so few people know that so much talent and ability is here! The recent combination of Tony award winner, Audra McDonald, combined with the symphony made for a magical evening. I only wish more combinations like tonight's event would occur, and showcase our Symphony orchestra. See more..
4.5 Iowa State Fairgrounds (876 reviews)
- Fun night in Iowa
Friday: 7:00 AM - 1:00 AM Spent More than 3 hours Arenas & Stadiums

For 11 days in August, it’s a fairground, but for the other 354 days of the year, the Iowa State Fairgrounds is home to auto shows, livestock exhibitions, flea markets, antique shows, concerts, trade shows and more. See what’s happening this month at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. See more..
4.5 Pappajohn Sculpture Park (727 reviews)
- Pleasant Stop on Road Trip
Friday: 6:00 AM - 12:00 AM Spent 1-2 hours Parks

Open to visitors since September 2009, the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park features artwork by 22 of the world's most celebrated artists. The 4.4 Acre park, located within a major crossroads of the urban grid, creates a pedestrian friendly entranceway to downtown Des Moines. This accessible setting, coupled with the skilled landscape design and caliber of the art, makes it unlike any other sculpture park in the United States. The Pappajohns' contribution of 28 works for the park is the most significant donation of artwork ever made to the Des Moines Art Center. See more..
4.5 Downtown Farmers Market (417 reviews)
- Summer fun starts here
Friday: Flea & Street Markets

The downtown famers market is literally a smorgasbord of delightful temptations. There is something here for everyone. It's great for couples, families and even pet friendly. The long lines at some vendors is a tip that something really good is happening there! See more..
4.5 Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden (369 reviews)
- Thursday, December 8th visit.
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Gardens

Reputed for its huge collection of the Midwest's ornamental and native plants, this 14-acre center bordering the Des Moines River features a domed conservatory that houses over 1000 varieties of exotic plants from throughout the world. The center also has an impressive herb garden, tropical and desert plants, and one of the best bonsai collections in the U.S. See more..
4.5 Gray's Lake Park (326 reviews)
- Great family recreation
Friday: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Parks

Gray's lake has so much to do! walking trails, fishing, and paddle boating are just a few options for the whole family. With the new underpass walk trail opening up to Waterworks Park, this is the place to enjoy the outdoors in the greater Des Moines Area. "Like" their Facebook page for details on night events at Gray's lake. See more..
4.5 Des Moines Art Center (308 reviews)
- World Class!
Friday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Art Museums

This internationally acclaimed museum houses impressive works by artists of the 19th and 20th centuries, including Edward Hopper, Georgia O'Keefe and Henri Matisse. The center, which also offers art classes, consists of three buildings, each designed by a celebrated architect: Eliel Saarinen, I.M. Pei and Richard Meier. See more..
4.5 Principal Park (237 reviews)
- Great baseball park
Arenas & Stadiums

We loved our experience at the park. Super clean and fun family atmosphere. Prices for tickets and food very affordable. $10 25 oz beers and $5 colossal dogs can't be beat in today's era of high prices at a game. Fans were super friendly, definitely take in a game if you're a fan. See more..
4.5 Des Moines Civic Center (203 reviews)
- Jesus Christ Superstar is WOW!
Friday: Civic Centres

What an amazing, moving, wow experience! Acting, singing, dancing and of course music were all awesome! Kudos to Des Performing Arts for bringing this show. Civic Center staff deserve recognition as well for communication prior to show, security at door, efficient, friendly staff. Thank you for an all around great experience. See more..
4.5 State Historical Museum (192 reviews)
- Thursday, December 8th visit.
Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM History Museums

My wife and I visited around 2:30 pm. Both of us have never visited, and I would be hard pressed to say I ever even thought of visiting. I am so glad we stopped by. We parked in the capitol complex parking structure, the entrance off of E Grand ave. It is free to park there. Then you need to walk way around the building to get in the front entrance. We were greeted by 2 men working the reception desk. They were wonderful! It is free to visit! We started our visit on the 1st level, with the Mammoth display. Then moving on to the equally impressive 2nd floor. There are restrooms on each level. What a fun visit. Plenty to see and read. And it was far better than I had imagined. It is very well done. I would absolutely stop by again. See more..
4.5 East Village (173 reviews)
- Convenient location, walkable
Neighborhoods

Des Moines' cutting edge, hip neighborhood. See more..
4.5 Salisbury House (156 reviews)
- Historic English-style mansion
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Art Museums • History Museums

The King's House in Salisbury, England, was the inspiration for this Tudor mansion. See more..
4.5 West End Architectural Salvage (69 reviews)
- Unique store
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Antique Shops

Throughly enjoyed visiting this store. It is over 50,000 square feet of beautiful and unique items from old homes, schools and turn-of-the-century churches. If in the Des Moines area, definitely worth stopping in. It’s like wondering through a museum where everything is for sale. See more..
4.5 Confluence Brewing Company (60 reviews)
- Try the chocolate coconut beer
Friday: 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM Breweries

Went with my sons (16 & 11). They had root beer. Locally made. Loved it. I tried a flight of 4 beers. It’s off the beaten path from Des Moines, but totally worth a visit. Clean facility & happy staff. See more..
4.5 Clive Greenbelt Trail (53 reviews)
- Excellent trail through the Clive suburb
Biking Trails • Jogging Paths & Tracks

We frequently ride the Clive Greenbelt Trail and stop for a quick meal along the way. It connects to the Walnut Creek Trail in West Des Moines which in turn connects to the trail network in Des Moines. The trails are well maintained with excellent signage. There are many small eating places along the way. See more..
4.5 Terrace Hill (53 reviews)
- Spectacular house
Friday: 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM Historic Sites • Government Buildings

Historic Governor's mansion. See more..
4.5 Hoyt Sherman Place (51 reviews)
- Gem Hotspot
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Theaters

First time visiting, attended a sold out concert - no bad seats, seemed to us. Seats are a bit tight - old school auditorium style - but comfy padding. Staff were courteous and helpful. See more..
4.5 Brass Armadillo Antique Mall (48 reviews)
- Love this place
Friday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Antique Shops • Flea & Street Markets • Shopping Malls

With more than 450 antique and collectible dealers under one roof, we have something for everyone. You can furnish every room in the house, or simply add to your collection when you shop at the Des Moines, IA Brass Armadillo Antique Mall. See more..
4.5 Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden (48 reviews)
- Striking!
Gardens

Right in the heart of the city is a half-block long blaze of beauty - Better Homes and Gardens' testing ground for various landscape designs that the company documents and photographs. The area is one large area made of many mini-backyards, complete with annuals, perennials, bulbs and typical backyard structures like fences and gates. See more..
4.5 Iowa Hall of Pride (30 reviews)
- Impressive!
Friday: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM Speciality Museums
The Iowa Hall of Pride is a great place to take your family. The facility is modern with many hands on actives and displays. We stopped before a high school basketball game and wished we would have allotted more time to spend at this facility. The director, Jack is a wonderful host! See more..
4.5 Peace Tree Brewing Company - Des Moines Branch (27 reviews)
- Best Root Beer EVER
Friday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM Breweries

Peace Tree's Des Moines Branch Taproom in the historic East Village of Des Moines. With 24 taps, the Peace Tree Des Moines Branch is home to our diverse selection of ever-rotating, independent, craft beers. We aim to be a community center for great conversation, ideas, arts and culture. Whether its to try our beers, pair them with our local cheese & meat plates, be at one of our events, sporting activities, live music or trivia, we hope to see you soon! See more..
4.5 Saylorville Trail (26 reviews)
- A great place to take a long walk
Biking Trails

I hiked the Neal Smith trail near Saylorville Lake on 2 different days when I was in the Des Moines area for work. The trail is paved and meanders through the woods and across open fields. The sections I hiked had some small hills and the scenery was pleasant. I didn't see any wildlife but I was there in the afternoon. I did see and hear lots of birds and enjoyed the fresh air and exercise. This would be an excellent trail to take a bike ride. See more..
4.0 Blank Park Zoo (637 reviews)
- Surprising gem
Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Zoos

Imagine a place where you can have a wild family adventure viewing rhinos or feeding a giraffe while also helping preserve animals for future generations. A portion of the proceeds from your visit to Blank Park Zoo is used to protect animal populations throughout the world. Blank Park Zoo is approximately 30 acres and features an indoor rain forest Discovery Center, Jamaa Kwa Africa, Australia Adventure, Kids Kingdom, Great Cats Complex, a Sea Lion and Seal pool and more. See more..
4.0 Science Center of Iowa (259 reviews)
- Lots to see and do
Science Museums

We got into this museum for free using our annual membership card from another state. Made that purchase seem like a bargain now that I know that there are a few museums that honor the membership in just about every major city. That being said we got there two hours before closing and regretted it. My lil one could have stayed there the whole day. Having been to quite a few of these kinds of museums what made this place stand out is they had someone doing a pretty top notch experiment just about every half hour. My lil one now says she wants to be a scientist. Even if you skip the experiment demonstrations there is lots of things for kids to do. Probably needed half a day to really experience it all. See more..
4.0 Wells Fargo Arena (117 reviews)
- Fun Game, sad sound for the concert.
Spent 2-3 hours Arenas & Stadiums

We came to see a hockey game and see the Eli Young Band play afterward. Parking was great, $5 for a garage not to far of a walk from the arena. The Game was fun, the atmosphere was good but the chicken fingers sucked, the fries sucked. They let us move closer to the band after the game, we couldn’t understand what the band was saying or singing. So unless you knew the songs you had no idea! We expected better sound like we had during the game! ☹️ I was super disappointed by that! See more..
4.0 Court Avenue (114 reviews)
- Court Ave Restaraunt and Brewery
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Court Ave was fairly busy for a rainy Tuesday afternoon. Many restaurants and shops are located along Court Ave. I went to the brew pub (located in and old building which housed a saddlery & now renovated) I was completely satisfied with the service, the menu and the price. Lots of craft beers made by the brewery were available along with a full bar and wine options. Food was wonderful & portions were large enough to share and still feel satisfied. The pretzel dippers (4) were huge and came with a trio of dipping sauces (hard to pick a favorite I liked them all) Jambalaya was spicy. I had traditional ( mild & hot were the other choices) was glad I didn't order the hot. Waitress was pleasant and helpful. There were street side tables and a nice bar as well. See more..
4.0 Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens (66 reviews)
- Peaceful oasis in the city
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues • Gardens

Right next to the river, these gardens are well designed and tranquil. Near the Botanical Center, it's certainly worth stopping as it is along the only road to the center. Des Moines is fortunate to have such gardens. See more..
4.0 Des Moines River Trail (34 reviews)
- Nice walk with great views
Hiking Trails

We walked along the Des Moines river taking in the views of the rivers dams from the viewing areas on the way then when the Des Moines river splits into two you follow the other river called the Racoon river back up the same direction for about a two mile up a proper walkway and cycle track. This leading to Grey's Lake park. Which was a quite park and picnic area wher there was a car park and portaloo toilets. See more..