45 Best Things to do in Des Moines!

Welcome to Des Moines, vibrant and bustling capital city of Iowa! Located amidst the rolling hills of the Midwest, Des Moines offers a delightful blend of urban sophistication and small-town charm. From its rich history and cultural attractions to its thriving culinary scene and outdoor adventures, we’ll showcase some top attractions, and best things to do in Des Moines during your visit to Iowa.

1. Historic Attractions

Iowa State Capitol

The Iowa State Capitol is where the state’s lawmakers meet and where the Iowa Senate, House of Representatives, and offices of key state leaders are located. Built in 1886, it stands out as the only state capitol in the U.S. that features five domes, with a large gold-covered dome in the middle. The building sits on a hill that offers a nice view of downtown Des Moines. There are statues and memorials around the Capitol, including one honoring Civil War soldiers and another of Abraham Lincoln with his son. Inside, visitors can see detailed artwork, old furniture, and displays that show Iowa’s history.

Living History Farms

Covering 500 acres, Living History Farms is an outdoor museum that showcases how farming and daily life changed over 300 years. Visitors can walk through different time periods, starting with a 1700 Ioway Indian Farm, then a log cabin from 1850, and a horse-powered farm from 1900. There is also a small town called Walnut Hill from 1875, with shops, a school, and a church. Staff dress in clothes from each time period and show how things like cooking, farming, and making tools. It was started in 1970 by Dr. William G. Murray, who wanted people to learn by seeing and doing, not just by reading signs.

Salisbury House & Gardens

The Salisbury House & Gardens is a historic museum home, built in the 1920s by Carl and Edith Weeks, who modeled it after a house in Salisbury, England. The house is made from stone and wood brought from different parts of the world, including Europe. Inside, it holds rare books, art, and furniture the family collected over the years. The rooms show how the family lived and give a look into life from nearly 100 years ago. One of the key features is the library, which has many old and rare books. Visitors can take guided tours, enjoy events and learning programs held at the site throughout the year.

Terrace Hill Historic Site

The Terrace Hill is a well-known historic home that has been the governor’s official residence since 1976. Built from 1866 to 1869 by Iowa’s first millionaire, Benjamin Franklin Allen, the home sits on a hill and offers a clear view of the city. This house was built in the late 1800s using the Second Empire architectural style, which was popular during that time. In 1884, it was bought by F.M. Hubbell, a local businessman, and later donated to the state by his family. People can take guided tours of the home to discover more about past governors role and how the house has been part of Iowa’s history.

Des Moines Historic District

The Des Moines Historic District includes several neighborhoods that show the city’s past through their design and stories. Places like Sherman Hill, East Village, and River Bend are known for their old homes, brick streets, and buildings that go back more than 100 years. Another area is Sherman Hill, one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, where homes reflect older styles such as Italianate and Queen Anne designs. East Village, once a warehouse area, now has shops and restaurants in buildings that have been restored, while River Bend has homes that reflect the growth of the city in the early 1900s.

Jordan House

The Jordan House is a historic home, built by James C. Jordan, one of the area’s first settlers. He started building the house in 1850, and over time, it became famous for its role in the Underground Railroad, where Jordan helped people escaping slavery find safety. The home now works as a museum and is also the main office for the West Des Moines Historical Society. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the Jordan family, and their connection to the fight against slavery. Inside, visitors can learn about the early history of West Des Moines, including how the railroad helped the town grow.

State Historical Building

The State Historical Building is a great place to learn about Iowa’s past through displays, events, and historic items. It holds over 80,000 objects and features stories about Iowa’s early settlers, the Civil War, local natural resources, and the role Iowans played in shaping laws. A newer exhibit called “Civics in Action” shows how government works and encourages people to be involved. There’s also a research room where visitors can study old newspapers, public records, or learn about family history. The museum offers free entry and runs programs for families, like hands-on activities and local events.

Heritage Carousel of Des Moines

The Heritage Carousel of Des Moines is a small ride for families located in Union Park and has been open since 1998. It looks like a carousel from the early 1900s and features 30 hand-painted animals plus two easy-access chariots for guests who may need extra space. The ride plays music from a band organ, which adds to its charm and old-time feel. The painted scenes on the top of the carousel show images from Des Moines, helping to share local history. The ride is near the Des Moines River and families often come here for birthday parties or school outings, and the ride can be rented for events.

2. Outdoor Adventures

Hiking & Nature Trails

Des Moines has many hiking and nature trails where people can enjoy walking, biking, or just spending time in nature. One popular spot is the Neal Smith Trail, which runs along the Des Moines River and passes through wooded areas, open fields, and parks. Another favorite is the Kruidenier Trail around Gray’s Lake. This loop is about 2 miles long and offers nice views of the water, with places to sit and relax. For those who like quiet forest walks, Brown’s Woods is a good choice. It has dirt paths that go through tall trees and small hills.

Sycamore Trail is another peaceful place, with a wide path that works well for walking or biking. It even has a spot where people can cool off in the water during warm days. Strasser Woods is a smaller trail, but it’s great for seeing wildflowers in spring. Walnut Creek Trail and the Clive Greenbelt Trail are also nearby and connect to other paths, making it easy to explore more of the area. Nearby trails are open most of the year, and anyone can use them for free. Many of them have signs, benches, and parking areas.

Kayaking and Boating

Des Moines has many places where people can enjoy kayaking and boating, especially during the warmer months. Gray’s Lake is a popular spot close to downtown, where visitors can rent kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and pedal boats. Easter Lake is another favorite, offering boat rentals and a beach area. It’s a nice place for a quiet paddle or a short trip on the water. Raccoon River Park has a lake with a boathouse where people can rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. Big Creek Lake has more space and rentals like Big Creek Marina offer for variety of boats, including fishing boats and pontoons.

Golfing Courses

In Des Moines, Waveland Golf Course has been around since 1901 and is known as one of the oldest public courses in the nation. It has 18 holes and sits on hilly land with trees, making it a fun place to play. Willow Creek Golf Course has three different courses, giving players a choice of layouts and levels of challenge. For those looking for a private club, Wakonda Club offers a full course, tennis courts, and a pool. It was built in the 1920s and recently updated to bring back its original design. Grandview Golf Course is another public option with 18 holes and a shorter layout, good for a quick round.

Jester Park

The Jester Park is a large outdoor space, covering over 1,600 acres and has trails, picnic spots, and places to camp. One of the main places to visit is the Jester Park Nature Center, where visitors can learn about animals, and the land with hands-on exhibits and programs. There is also an Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center that offers activities like archery, bouldering, and cross-country skiing in winter. It also has an equestrian center where people can take horseback riding lessons or go on trail rides. Camping is available with spots for tents, RVs, and cabins that can be rented ahead of time.

MacRae Park

Spanning about 51 acres, MacRae Park offers a peaceful space with plenty of trees, open green areas, and walking paths. A popular spot in the park is the EMC Overlook, where visitors can see the city skyline clearly, using viewing glasses and a display that compares tall buildings. The park has trails for walking and biking, a small pond with a bridge, and a natural playscape where kids can explore sand, water, and other outdoor things. The park also has a water play area, swings, and places to eat, with tables set up for picnics. Two shelters are available to rent for small group events or family outings.

Riverview Park

The Riverview Park is a peaceful 44 acres spot located in the Oak Park area, where families can enjoy time outdoors. Once home to an amusement park from 1915 to 1978, the area was turned into a public park starting in 2014, blending history with a new purpose. There’s also the Prairie Meadows Riviera Stage, where concerts and events bring the people together. Riverview Park connects to the Neal Smith Trail and is close to McHenry Park, which makes it a good spot for walking or biking. The park has signs sharing stories about the old amusement rides and events that once took place on the ground.

3. Iconic Landmarks

World Food Prize Hall of Laureates

The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates is a museum and learning center, honoring people who have worked to improve food around the world. It is named after Dr. Norman Borlaug was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970 because of his work to reduce hunger around the world. The exhibits teach visitors about farming, food security, and the people who have helped feed others. It also shares stories about science, education, and global efforts to end hunger. Inside, guests can see artwork, displays, and it hosts events like school tours and programs that help people learn about food and farming.

Pappajohn Sculpture Park

The Pappajohn Sculpture Park is an open-air museum honoring his efforts was opened in 2009 and spans nearly 4.4 acres. The park has more than 30 sculptures made by artists from around the world. These artworks were donated by John and Mary Pappajohn, who collected them over many years. Visitors can walk through the park and the sculptures are placed across grassy areas and paths, making it easy to explore. One sculpture, called “Seating for Eight,” is the only one people are allowed to sit on. The park also has signs and an audio tour that shares stories about the art and the artists.

Iowa Gold Star Military Museum

Opened in 1985, Iowa Gold Star Military Museum shares Iowa’s military story from the early 1800s to the present through uniforms, photos, medals, and artifacts. One of the first displays remembers people from Iowa who gave their lives in the military, starting with those in World War I. A full-size World War II fighter plane hangs from the ceiling, and more than 300 weapons are shown to help visitors understand how equipment has changed over time. Displays also highlight the Iowa National Guard and State Patrol, and life-size figures showing what life was like during the Civil War and other wars.

Des Moines Art Center

The Des Moines Art Center is a free museum that displays artwork such as paintings, sculptures, and modern pieces from both well-known and newer artists. It opened in 1948 and is located in Greenwood Park, with buildings designed by three different architects: Eliel Saarinen, I.M. Pei, and Richard Meier. The museum’s collection includes works by artists like Georgia O’Keeffe, Claude Monet, Edward Hopper, and Andy Warhol. The museum also has a school where people of all ages can take art classes. Its programs also include lecture talks, live workshops, and guided tours that open to the public.

Iowa State Fairgrounds

The Iowa State Fairgrounds is best known for hosting the Iowa State Fair every August, which brings in over a million visitors. Covers more than 300 acres and include barns, exhibit halls, a grandstand, and open areas for shows and food stands. During the fair, people come to see farm animals, try local food, watch concerts, and enjoy rides. Another popular attraction in the city is the butter cow — a life-sized cow made from real butter, which has been a part of Iowa’s fair tradition since 1911. Outside of fair time, the grounds are used for flea markets, car shows, livestock events, and trade shows.

Wells Fargo Arena

Opened in 2005, Wells Fargo Arena is a large indoor venue in Des Moines, and can hold around 17,000 people for concerts, sports games, and other shows. The arena is home to local teams like the Iowa Wild (hockey), Iowa Wolves (basketball), and Iowa Barnstormers (indoor football), and it’s also where people gather each year for state high school tournaments. Many famous performers have taken the stage here, including musicians and family shows like the Harlem Globetrotters. Visitors can enjoy the action from regular seats, suites, or loge boxes, and there’s also a whiskey bar called The Fort.

4. Family-Friendly Activities

Blank Park Zoo

The Blank Park Zoo is a family-friendly place in Des Moines, where visitors can see more than 1,500 animals from 100 species. Covering ab out 49 acres and is the only zoo in the state that is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The zoo started in 1966 and has grown over the years to include both indoor and outdoor exhibits. Some of the main areas include the Discovery Center, Australia Adventure, Great Cats Complex, and Kids’ Kingdom. Guests can enjoy special events like Zoo Brew, where adults can visit enjoy live music, and Wild Lights, which has large light displays in spring.

Science Center of Iowa

Opened in 1970, Science Center of Iowa is a hands-on museum that helps people of all ages learn about science in a fun way. Some popular areas include Bubble Bay, where people can make giant bubbles, and Brick-by-Brick, where guests can build with LEGO bricks and learn about famous buildings. There is also a section called What On Earth? that teaches about Iowa’s natural habitats and animals. Another area, When Things Get Moving, lets people try out simple machines and test how things work. It also has a planetarium and offers science shows, workshops, and events throughout the year.

Blue Zoo Aquarium Des Moines

The Blue Zoo Aquarium is an indoor place for families, where kids can see and touch sea animals. It gives kids a chance to see and touch sea animals like stingrays, starfish, and even some small sharks. There are also reptiles and birds that children can feed under staff supervision. The aquarium is designed with kids in mind, offering water play tables, climbing areas, and a pretend pirate ship to explore. It’s a hands-on place where learning happens through play, not just reading signs. School field trips and events are hosted, and there are signs throughout the exhibits that share facts about sea life.

Adventureland Park

Nearby Des Moines, Adventureland Park is a large amusement and water park, offering more than 100 rides and attractions for visitors. It includes roller coasters like the Tornado and the Monster, which are popular for thrill seekers, as well as gentler options such as a carousel and kiddie train for children. Adventureland Park features Adventure Bay, a fun water area that comes with the regular ticket and includes water slides, wave pool, a lazy river, and places to splash. Live entertainment like music performances and events like Halloween-themed nights in fall are hosted throughout the summer.

Des Moines Children’s Museum

Families can visit the Des Moines Children’s Museum inside Valley West Mall, where kids explore through plenty of hands-on activities and play. It was started by two local moms and offers many areas where children can pretend, build, and explore. Some favorite exhibits include a farm stand, a medical clinic, a train setup, and a large block wall for building. There’s also a light table, a soft climbing area, and a reading space. Programs like Museum Babies and Find Your Village give families a chance to connect with others. The museum focuses on open-ended play, where kids guide their own learning.

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

The Sky Zone Trampoline Park is an indoor space where kids, teens, and adults can jump, play, and stay active all year round. It features a variety of zones including freestyle jumping areas, foam pits for soft landings, and SkySlam courts where visitors can try slam-dunking on trampolines. There’s also a dodgeball area, a ninja-style obstacle course, a climbing wall, and a Challenge Zone for games that test balance and agility. Children have their own safe space in the Toddler Zone to play without the crowd. Events are easy to plan, and the space is clean and easy to move through, even when it’s busy.

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park

The Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park is a fun indoor place for families, and has lots of different play areas like trampolines, climbing walls, ropes courses, and a zipline. There’s also a Warrior Course and the Adventure Hub, where visitors can try several activities in one spot. Kids can enjoy The Bowl, a safe space made just for them, while others can test their skills on the Battle Beam or Wipeout game. Another spot is the Leap of Faith, where guests jump from a tall platform and try to grab onto a target. There’s a small café inside where people can grab snacks and drinks during their visit.

5. Natural Attractions

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Opened in 1979, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is a 12 acres public garden, featuring a large indoor dome called the conservatory, where people can walk among tropical plants and flowers that bloom year-round. Outside, there are many themed areas like the rose garden, bonsai courtyard, water garden, and pathways lined with colorful plants and trees. The Nature Center offers classes and activities for both kids and adults to learn more about gardening and plants. Music in the Garden is one of its most loved events, held on summer evenings with live performances in the outdoor areas.

Clare and Miles Mills Rose Garden

Started in 1930s, Clare and Miles Mills Rose Garden is known for its wide selection of rose plants, and features over 2,500 rose plants in more than 200 types, many of which bloom between summer and fall. The garden is one of the All-American Rose Selections Public Display Gardens, which means it includes roses chosen for their quality and beauty. In 2002, it was named after Clare and Miles Mills, a couple who helped take care of the space for many years and worked to keep the roses in good shape. Signs throughout the garden help visitors learn more about the types of roses growing there.

Brenton Arboretum

The Brenton Arboretum is a tree garden in Dallas Center, started in 1997 by the Brenton family on land that had been in their family for generations. Today, it covers over 141 acres, home to more than 2,600 trees and shrubs, with 175 kinds that grow naturally in Iowa. The land includes prairies, wetlands, and creeks, all connected by over 5 miles of trails. The arboretum also has a children’s natural play area, a small library, and informative signs along the trails that help people learn about the trees they see. It was designed by a landscape expert who also worked on the Morton Arboretum in Illinois.

Robert D. Ray Asian Garden

Covers 2 acres, Robert D. Ray Asian Garden was built to honor Asian American communities and celebrate diversity in Iowa. The garden has walking paths, seasonal plants, and water features that offer a break from city life. A large 37 foot-tall Chinese pavilion overlooks a small pond and is one of the garden’s main highlights. Visitors can walk across the Bridge for Prosperity, enter through the Gateway for Diversity, and follow the Path for Harmony, each symbolizing unity and shared values. The Character Garden has six carved stones with words like respect and caring written in English and Chinese.

Gray’s Lake Park

Covering about 166 acres, Gray’s Lake Park is a popular outdoor space, with a 96 acres of lake formed from an old section of the Raccoon River. It has a 1.9 mile paved loop trail known as the Kruidenier Trail, which includes a long pedestrian bridge that lights up at night and connects to other trails in the city, making it easy for walkers and bikers to explore the area. The park offers rentals for kayaks, paddleboards, and pedal boats during summer, and has a public boat ramp for those bringing their own. There’s a sandy beach area for swimming, a large playground, and open grassy fields for picnics.

Des Moines Water Works Park

The Des Moines Water Works Park is a huge public park near downtown, spreading across about 1,500 acres along the Raccoon River and offering visitors a mix of open green fields, wooded areas, and paved trails for walking and biking. The park includes picnic areas with tables and grills, making it a good place for family outings or casual gatherings. One of its most popular features is the Lauridsen Amphitheater, an outdoor stage used for concerts and special events during spring and summer. The park has wetlands and native plant areas, where visitors can learn about the local environment.

Walnut Woods State Park

The Walnut Woods State Park covers about 260 acres along the Raccoon River and is known for having the largest natural group of black walnut trees in North America. The park has over 2 miles of trails that passes through wooded areas and along the river, which are perfect for birdwatching, and even cross-country skiing in winter. More than 90 kinds of birds have been seen here, and there is a bird blind where people can watch them without being seen. The park has picnic areas with tables and a historic lodge built in the 1930s that can be rented for events like weddings or family gatherings.

Saylorville Lake

The Saylorville Lake is a large man-made lake, built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to help control flooding along the Des Moines River. It covers about 26,000 acres and stretches over 50 miles through the river valley. Around the lake, there are many places for outdoor fun like camping, boating, fishing, and biking. There are several campgrounds and picnic areas, including Cherry Glen, Prairie Flower, and Bob Shetler, each with boat ramps and places to relax. A 24 miles paved trail runs through the area, and in winter, people visit here to try snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in the landscape.

Big Creek State Park

The Big Creek State Park is a large outdoor area located near Polk City, created in the 1970s as part of a flood control effort. Covering over 3,500 acres and is best known for Big Creek Lake, a man-made lake where visitors can swim at one of Iowa’s biggest beach areas. In summer, visitors can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and pontoon boats to enjoy the water. There’s also a trail that connects to the Neal Smith Trail, making the park a good place for biking and walking. More than 20 shelters can be reserved for picnics and reunions, and a seasonal shop near the beach offers snacks and fishing supplies.

Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge

The Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge is a large natural area created in 1990 to bring back the tallgrass prairie and oak savanna that once covered most of Iowa. Today, it takes care of nearly 6,000 acres filled with animals and plants that call the land home. Visitors can see bison and elk roaming in a large fenced area, and the refuge has five walking trails, a bike trail, and a 5 miles guided auto tour that goes through the bison and elk area. The Prairie Learning Center display exhibits and a short film, while it also offers programs for visitors who want to learn more about nature and prairie life.

6. Day Trips & Excursions

Omaha, NB

Start a day trip from Des Moines and drive about 2 hours to reach Omaha in Nebraska, to explore a new city without going too far. Omaha has many places to visit, and one of the most popular is the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, where people can see animals, walk through indoor rainforests, and explore ocean exhibits. Another good stop is the Old Market, a historic area with brick streets, small shops, and places to eat. Families might enjoy Lauritzen Gardens, a peaceful spot with flowers and walking paths. Art lovers must stop by the Joslyn Art Museum, which has a wide displays of artworks.

Cedar Rapids

From Des Moines, a day trip to Cedar Rapids takes roughly 2 hours drive, so it’s easy to leave in the morning and back by evening. A favorite spot to check out is the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, where you’ll find artwork by Grant Wood and other well-known creators. Nearby, Brucemore is a historic home with gardens and tours that show what life was like in the early 1900s. The nearby Czech Village has small stores and a museum that shares the history of Czech and Slovak people in the area. If you like walking, the downtown area has paths along the Cedar River and places to sit and enjoy the views.

Amana Colonies

Planning a day trip to the Amana Colonies is an easy getaway, with the drive taking less than 2 hours from Des Moines. The Amana Colonies are made up of seven small villages in eastern Iowa that were started in the 1850s by German settlers. These villages still keep many of their old traditions, and visitors can see original buildings, handmade goods, and local food. One of the best ways to enjoy the area is by walking through the main village and stopping at shops that sell crafts, quilts, and gifts. The Amana Heritage Museum shares the story of the people who built the colonies and how they lived.

Kansas City, MO

From Des Moines, a day trip to Kansas City in Missouri takes nearly 3 hours, and is a fun way to explore a bigger city. One of the top places to visit is the National WWI Museum and Memorial, which shares stories from the war and has a tall tower with views of the city. Families often enjoy Science City at Union Station, where kids can play and learn through hands-on exhibits. If you like shopping, the Country Club Plaza has stores, restaurants, and fountains. For lunch or dinner, Kansas City is known for barbecue, and places like Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que and Gates Bar-B-Q are popular with visitors.

Stephens State Forest

Start a day trip to Stephens State Forest and drive roughly an hour from Des Moines, which covers more than 15,000 acres across several counties. It has over 50 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, with paths that range from easy to more challenging. The forest is split into different units, like Lucas, Whitebreast, and Woodburn, each with its own trails and parking areas. People who enjoy history can find old sites like a former coal mine and a Civilian Conservation Corps camp. Some trails are good for mountain biking in summer, and others are used for cross-country skiing in winter.

How to Reach Des Moines

Des Moines is simple to reach by air, road, or bus, making travel convenient for visitors from near and far. Most people arrive at Des Moines International Airport (DSM), which offers direct flights from many big cities across the country. Whether you’re coming from the East Coast like Boston or Philadelphia, and the West Coast like Seattle or Los Angeles, or anywhere in between like Denver or Dallas, you’ll find convenient flight options to suit your travel needs.

For those driving, Des Moines is located at the meeting point of Interstates 35 and 80, with well-marked roads and easy parking in most areas. If traveling by bus, companies like Greyhound and Jefferson Lines provide service to and from Des Moines. While there is no Amtrak train station in the city, nearby towns have stations that connect to other parts of the country. With several travel options, getting to Des Moines is smooth and stress-free for most visitors.

Local Transportation

Getting around Des Moines is easy with several local transportation options. The main public transit system is DART, which stands for Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority. The DART bus system helps people travel around Des Moines and nearby places such as Ankeny, West Des Moines, and Urbandale. There are 28 bus routes and over 1,600 stops, making it simple to reach most places in the area. DART buses run on set schedules, and riders can check times using the MyDART app or the DART website.

DART also offers a free downtown shuttle called the D-Line Trolley, which runs on weekdays and Saturdays, stopping at popular spots like the Iowa State Capitol and the East Village. Another free option is the Link Shuttle, which connects parking areas to downtown offices and shops. Taxis and ride-share services like Uber are also available throughout the city. Many areas in Des Moines are bike-friendly, with trails and bike lanes that connect parks, neighborhoods, and downtown.

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FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

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