Things to do in Des Moines, Iowa
- Des Moines is home to the world's largest insurance industry concentration per capita, often referred to as the insurance capital of the United States.
- The city layout includes an extensive climate-controlled skywalk system that connects over four miles of downtown buildings, allowing for year-round indoor transit.
- The Des Moines Register's 'Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa' (RAGBRAI) frequently utilizes the city as a major milestone, reflecting the state's deep cycling culture.
- The city sits on the site of a former U.S. Army fort established in 1843 to maintain peace between the Sauk and Meskwaki tribes and encroaching settlers.
- Des Moines maintains one of the largest concentrations of public art in the U.S. per capita, largely driven by the Pappajohn Sculpture Park project.
About Des Moines, Iowa
Des Moines serves as the political and financial heart of Iowa, distinguished by its prominent gilded-domed capitol and a city-wide commitment to public art and greenery. Visitors can traverse the urban landscape to experience the expansive art installations at the Pappajohn Sculpture Park or retreat to the lush environment of the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. The city balances civic history with outdoor recreation, exemplified by expansive spaces like Gray's Lake Park and the immersive educational exhibits at the Science Center of Iowa. As a regional economic hub, it integrates industrial heritage with a growing modern aesthetic near the confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers.
Highlights of Des Moines, Iowa
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Museums
Walk through 4.4 acres of landscaped grounds featuring over 30 monumental sculptures by internationally acclaimed artists.
Parks
Explore the geodesic dome housing a diverse collection of exotic plants and a dedicated water garden.
Parks
Take advantage of the two-mile paved loop trail that offers iconic views of the state capitol building across the water.
Zoos
Visit the conservation-focused exhibits to see diverse wildlife in habitats designed to simulate their natural environments.
Museums
Engage with hands-on STEM exhibits and an interactive planetarium designed for all ages.
Museums
Tour the 1920s Tudor-style mansion featuring original furnishings and rare architectural woodwork.
Venues
Experience live performances in a historic venue that preserves its original 1920s decorative ceiling and theater aesthetics.
Top things to do in Des Moines, Iowa
The 146 highest-rated places in Des Moines, Iowa, ranked by travellers.
1
Amusement parks
Adventureland Park is a seasonal amusement complex located in Altoona, Iowa, featuring over 100 rides, shows, and attrac...
2
Zoos
Blank Park Zoo is Iowa's only accredited zoo, situated on 49 acres in Des Moines. It features both indoor and outdoor ex...
3
Museums
The Pappajohn Sculpture Park is a 4.4-acre outdoor exhibition space situated in the Western Gateway Park of downtown Des...
4
Parks
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is anchored by a distinctive geodesic dome conservatory, designed by architect L...
5
Parks
Ledges State Park is defined by its dramatic 100-foot sandstone bluffs overlooking the Des Moines River valley. The park...
6
Parks
Raccoon River Park is a 631-acre multi-use recreational area centered around Blue Heron Lake. The park features a sandy...
7
Parks
Gray's Lake Park is a 166-acre urban park centered around a former gravel quarry now functioning as a 100-acre lake. The...
8
Venues
Hoyt Sherman Place is a historic 1877 mansion in Des Moines that functions as a multi-purpose performing arts venue and...
9
Museums
The John Wayne Birthplace Museum is the only museum in the world exclusively dedicated to the life and career of the leg...
10
Parks
Water Works Park spans 1,500 acres along the Raccoon River, making it one of the largest urban parks in the United State...
11
Parks
Reiman Gardens is a 17-acre botanical complex located on the campus of Iowa State University. The site features the Chri...
12
Parks
Union Park is a historic 15-acre municipal park located in the Highland Park neighborhood of Des Moines. The park is mos...
13
Parks
Big Creek State Park is centered around a 814-acre lake designed primarily for water-based recreation in Polk City, Iowa...
14
Museums
Living History Farms is a 500-acre open-air museum that depicts the evolution of Iowa agriculture over 300 years. The si...
15
Parks
Jester Park is a 1,661-acre recreational area located on the western shore of Saylorville Lake in Granger, Iowa. The par...
16
Parks
Lake Ahquabi State Park is a 770-acre recreation area featuring a 115-acre artificial lake constructed by the Civilian C...
17
Parks
Ewing Park is a 291-acre municipal facility in Des Moines known for hosting one of the city's premier disc golf courses....
18
Parks
Ankeny Miracle Park is a specialized, fully inclusive outdoor recreation facility designed specifically for children and...
19
Parks
Brookside Park is a premier 70-acre municipal recreation space in Ames, Iowa, featuring extensive sports facilities and...
20
Amusement parks
Sky Zone Des Moines is an indoor active entertainment facility featuring wall-to-wall trampoline courts, dodgeball arena...
21
Parks
Walnut Woods State Park is a 260-acre nature reserve situated along the Raccoon River in West Des Moines, Iowa. It prese...
22
Parks
Yellow Banks Park is a 555-acre public area situated on a high bluff overlooking the Des Moines River in Pleasant Hill,...
23
Parks
Copper Creek Lake Park is a municipal green space in Pleasant Hill, Iowa, centered around a man-made lake. The park feat...
24
Historical places
The Holliwell Covered Bridge is the longest of the six remaining historic covered bridges in Madison County, Iowa. Built...
25
Parks
Grandview Park is a 136-acre regional park situated in East Des Moines known for its rolling hills and diverse topograph...
26
Museums
Salisbury House & Gardens is a 1920s English Tudor-style manor modeled after the King’s House in Salisbury, England. Bui...
27
Venues
Drake Stadium is a historic athletic venue located on the Drake University campus in Des Moines, Iowa. It serves as the...
28
Parks
Greenwood-Ashworth Park is a 136-acre expanse in Des Moines that connects the Greenwood Park grounds with the adjacent A...
29
Zoos
Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge is a protected 6,000-acre tallgrass prairie and oak savanna restoration project loca...
30
Parks
Fort Des Moines Park is a 337-acre multi-use recreational area managed by Polk County Conservation. It features a divers...
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Des Moines, Iowa on the map
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Plan your visit to Des Moines, Iowa
Late spring to early autumn, specifically May through September, when the city's extensive park systems and outdoor botanical attractions are in peak bloom and the weather is most conducive to outdoor exploration.
2-3 days, which provides sufficient time to tour the downtown museum district, explore the major riverfront parks, and visit the prominent zoological and botanical sites.
A personal vehicle is the primary mode of transit for reaching suburban attractions, though the downtown core is accessible via the DART bus system and the extensive skywalk network.
Stay in the downtown area for immediate access to the skywalks and cultural centers, or the East Village for a mix of historic architecture and independent boutiques.
Mid-range; Des Moines is generally more affordable than major coastal U.S. cities, with moderately priced dining and lodging options.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 146 curated attractions in and around Des Moines, Iowa, ranked by traveller ratings.
Adventureland Park is the highest-rated place to visit in Des Moines, Iowa right now.
The largest category is parks, with 87 places to explore.
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