Title: Things to Do in Des Moines in 2026 | Expedia.com [Des Moines Travel Guide](https://expedia.com/Des-Moines.dx601690)[Hotels in Des Moines](https://expedia.com/Des-Moines-Hotels.d601690.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Flights to Des Moines](https://expedia.com/Cheap-Flights-To-Des-Moines.d601690.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Car Rentals in Des Moines](https://expedia.com/Car-Rentals-In-Des-Moines.d601690.Car-Rental-Guide)[Des Moines Vacation Packages](https://expedia.com/Des-Moines.d601690.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Things to do in Des Moines ## Find and book activities, attractions and tours ## Discover Des Moines Types of activities Where to stay [Des Moines Travel Guide](https://expedia.com/Des-Moines.dx601690) ![Des Moines showing a bridge, a skyscraper and a sunset](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/601690/7c67a49b-56a0-4396-a946-15d53266daab.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Des Moines showing a bridge, a skyscraper and a sunset](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/601690/7c67a49b-56a0-4396-a946-15d53266daab.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden featuring interior views and a garden](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6075032/61ebf224-fa86-40d2-a84b-bd11223a9491.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Des Moines Art Center featuring interior views and art](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6075020/1b99b041-242c-49ed-a462-8803611b9631.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Des Moines Art Center showing outdoor art and outdoor eating as well as a small group of people](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6075020/55de02c7-bf24-4bf3-9155-0c75ae715f8d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Des Moines Attractions Victorian houses, outdoor sculpture, and tree-lined rivers set the stage in Iowa’s largest city, where you can find plenty of arts, culture, and nature in the relaxed setting of a classic Midwestern metropolis. The things to do in Des Moines reflect the city’s transformation from a frontier boom town into a modern crossroads, as stately museums share space with a working fairground, covered walkways link the convention centers and coffee shops, and attractions from studios to open-air galleries abound. --- --- ![](https://forever.travel-assets.com/flex/flexmanager/images/2026/02/06/expedia-sale-2026-desktop-us-ca.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1400&h=600&q=mediumHigh) ## The Annual Vacation Sale Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save. [Book now](https://expedia.com/deals?rfrr=ACTIVITIES_SPRING_PROMO_601690) ## Recommended things to do in Des Moines | Number of things to do | 3 | | ------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Cheapest thing to do on Expedia | [Astounding Art Walk in Des Moines Experience](/things-to-do/des-moines-art-walk-experience.a50771272.activity-details): $15 | | Top 5 things to do | [Des Moines Scavenger Hunt Interactive Walking Tour](/things-to-do/des-moines-scavenger-hunt-interactive-walking-tour.a51150212.activity-details)[Astounding Art Walk in Des Moines Experience](/things-to-do/des-moines-art-walk-experience.a50771272.activity-details)[An Epic Scavenger Hunt : Adventures in Des Moines](/things-to-do/des-moines-scavenger-hunt-adventures-in-downtown-des-moines.a50885946.activity-details) | | Under $25 | [Astounding Art Walk in Des Moines Experience](/things-to-do/des-moines-art-walk-experience.a50771272.activity-details)[An Epic Scavenger Hunt : Adventures in Des Moines](/things-to-do/des-moines-scavenger-hunt-adventures-in-downtown-des-moines.a50885946.activity-details) | | With kids | [Astounding Art Walk in Des Moines Experience](/things-to-do/des-moines-art-walk-experience.a50771272.activity-details)[An Epic Scavenger Hunt : Adventures in Des Moines](/things-to-do/des-moines-scavenger-hunt-adventures-in-downtown-des-moines.a50885946.activity-details) | ## What to do in Des Moines - For free - By area - With kids ### Free Things to Do in Des Moines There's no need to max out your credit card in Des Moines. The following won't cost a cent. **World Food Prize Hall of Laureates** \- Check if there are any special displays or guided tours on at this fascinating museum. **Sleepy Hollow Sports Park** \- Fun, fun, fun awaits you at this terrific place. **Drake University** \- This landmark is an interesting backdrop for that vacation profile pic. **Walnut Street Bridge** \- Visit this historic landmark and learn something about the area's cultural heritage. **Valley Junction** \- See for yourself why both visitors and locals love the charm and character of this place. **Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge** \- Well known among those who reside here, this site is worth stopping by. **John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park** \- Arrange a picnic date and enjoy a relaxing walk around the gorgeous plant life. ### Areas & Neighborhoods in Des Moines **Downtown Des Moines** Home to most of the skyscrapers in the state of Iowa, Downtown Des Moines is a lively collection of hotels and event centers surrounded by restaurants and a well-served entertainment district. An extensive skywalk system links most of the area’s central buildings, while park benches and period street lamps line the sidewalks between jazz clubs and restaurants at street level. **East Village** Across the river from the skyscrapers of downtown Des Moines, the East Village packs a vibrant collection of specialty shops, attractions, and favorite hangouts. An outdoor theater stands along the waterfront, and the Iowa State Capitol stands on a hilltop park overlooking downtown and the river. **Drake** One of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, Drake gets its name from the private college that’s anchored the area since 1881\. Peaceful tree-lined roads dominate the scenery, but the concentration of college kids has encouraged a healthy collection of cafes, coffee shops, and diners among the historic homes. ### What to See in Des Moines The Des Moines and Raccoon rivers meet at the edge of downtown, making for miles of greenways, forests, and fields running through the city. Pedestrian trails lead you along the riverfront and across the water, and you can relax in the shade at the Arie Den Boer Arboretum and admire the sculptures at Pappajohn Sculpture Park. There’s plenty of elegant architecture around, from the golden dome of the State Capitol to the unique Second Empire design of the governor’s mansion at Terrace Hill and the Tudor-style manor of Salisbury House. ### Sightseeing in Des Moines Des Moines offers a showcase of nature at both the Blank Park Zoo and the immense indoor conservatory at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. For a deeper look at the past, visit the State of Iowa Historical Museum, which features a 15,000-year-old mammoth skeleton. See what the country looked like in the wild old days, and check out exhibits on the state’s history through pioneer times and into the 20th century. Try your luck at the Quarter Horse racetrack of Prairie Meadows, a suburb of Des Moines, or check out the thrill rides and family attractions at Adventureland. Look back in time at Living History Farms, or make a stop at Jordan House, a Victorian mansion that served as a stop on the Underground Railroad. ### Things to Do in Des Moines with Kids You'll find loads of fun activities to do with the kids in and near Des Moines. Keep the crew happy with our [family friendly experiences](https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/en/search?rid=601690&rfrr=ATG.LP.BodyContent&categories=Family%20Friendly). --- Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Des Moines? [Search event tickets](https://www.expedia.com/event-tickets/) to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend! --- --- ### Discover the most popular places to visit in Des Moines ![#foodiefinds The best Avocado salad!](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/7697/fe78d7ee-0a03-4f79-8969-84173b479d67.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Jordan Creek Town Center 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. [](https://expedia.com/Jordan-Creek-Town-Center-Des-Moines.d6075052.Vacation-Attraction) ![Aerial View of the Iowa State Fair in the Des Moines Metro Area](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6075034/2051c68f-71ac-45d5-9669-f8a38d0018a8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Iowa State Fairgrounds Enjoy an outing to Iowa State Fairgrounds during your stay in Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event. [](https://expedia.com/Iowa-State-Fairgrounds-Des-Moines.d6075034.Vacation-Attraction) ![The City Of Des Moines](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6182643/5f25345e-4b87-46c8-a453-6ece959e8868.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Iowa Events Center Learn about the events happening at Iowa Events Center during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and acclaimed theater scene. [](https://expedia.com/Iowa-Events-Center-Downtown-Des-Moines.d6182643.Vacation-Attraction) ![Iowa State Capitol Building which includes a statue or sculpture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6075016/f301caa2-002c-4d78-bd31-24a2e8360fe6.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Iowa State Capitol Building A city landmark, this interesting building showcases design and architectural features that created a grand impression in the late 1800s and still inspire today. [](https://expedia.com/Iowa-State-Capitol-Building-Downtown-Des-Moines.d6075016.Vacation-Attraction) ![Brigde](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/1065/bf0fc404-b96d-4cee-84a6-d2fcd1a79508.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Principal Park Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theater scene. [](https://expedia.com/Principal-Park-Downtown-Des-Moines.d6075046.Vacation-Attraction) ![Des Moines Botanical Center showing interior views and a park](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6075032/cc0896fb-76c4-4824-9003-88ec120cc7e8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden Experience the tropics in an indoor garden oasis nearly 100 years old alongside a meandering river in this Midwestern city. [](https://expedia.com/Greater-Des-Moines-Botanical-Garden-Downtown-Des-Moines.d6075032.Vacation-Attraction) #### Casey's Center Catch an event at Casey's Center during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and acclaimed theater scene. [](https://expedia.com/Caseys-Center-Downtown-Des-Moines.d6075036.Vacation-Attraction) #### Adventureland Bring the family to Adventureland and enjoy this exciting amusement park in Altoona. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music. [](https://expedia.com/Adventureland-Des-Moines.d6075042.Vacation-Attraction) #### Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino Why not roll the dice with a visit to Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino during your time in Altoona? Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals. [](https://expedia.com/Prairie-Meadows-Racetrack-And-Casino-Des-Moines.d6186948.Vacation-Attraction) ### 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](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6075026/bb738539-0a8e-4cbb-ac84-e1faee874e8c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### 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. [](https://expedia.com/Des-Moines-Downtown-Des-Moines.dx6060027) ![View into downtown from the Capitol Building. #capitol #desmoines #city #downtown](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/1065/607b74cc-d813-4d23-bb1e-516dbcef5c66.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### 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. [](https://expedia.com/Des-Moines-Court-District.dx6170624) ![Historic East Village](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6170617/ebea9667-4252-4df6-8e4a-88c1c6460fd2.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### 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. [](https://expedia.com/Des-Moines-Historic-East-Village.dx6170617) ![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. ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/1065/a879cd73-5d8b-4dcd-9d96-b96d9663c9c8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Drake If you're spending some time in Drake, Knapp Center and Des Moines Community Playhouse are top sights worth seeing. [](https://expedia.com/Des-Moines-Drake.dx897427604785860608) ![😘😘](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/1065/3e5d90b6-eeea-4939-b9eb-b480156042a8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### 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. [](https://expedia.com/Des-Moines-Greater-South-Side.dx553248635976468957) ![Western Gateway sunrise aerial looking downtown over Pappajohn Sculpture Park and Krause Gateway Center.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/943633779787128832/6a18315e-1004-4aa8-9db4-df4436335dc5.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Western Gateway While visiting Western Gateway, you might make a stop by sights like John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park and Pappajohn Sculpture Park. [](https://expedia.com/Des-Moines-Western-Gateway.dx943633779787128832) [See our Where To Stay guide](https://expedia.com/Des-Moines.dx601690.Where-To-Stay?rfrr=TG.LP..Neighborhoods) --- Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check [things to do near me](https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do-near-me) to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be. --- ## Popular day trips from Des Moines ![Aerial View of the Des Moine Suburb of Ankeny, Iowa](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6404/2c7d3997-09b5-4b4a-800d-4bd89d5a911b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Ankeny ![Greenbelt Trail in Clive, Iowa](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6801/9206e5d4-9dde-44c7-9cf0-46704b2d0be7.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Clive ![Historical Farm in Urbandale Des Moines Iowa](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/7223/6a9df87d-a4b9-4559-8ba3-6e07e8ae1f85.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Urbandale ![West Des Moines featuring modern architecture, a lake or waterhole and night scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/7697/d2e31fe7-6853-4c80-9e22-2f78f24470cd.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### West Des Moines ![Tree tree stands out proudly against a bright blue sky with dramatic clouds. The trees is at the edge of a prairie area. ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/930969080588959744/180b52bc-a6b2-4a7f-bebe-43b2946284a4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Altoona ![Indianola, Iowa, , USA - July 29, 2023: National Balloon Classic Hot Air Balloon Festival](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/8189/663613e7-869b-4ae6-b430-f48992b7c1cb.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Indianola ![Saylorville Lake Landscape Iowa](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/55768/0a7ecd6d-1db9-4673-aecb-78db7c5b889c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Johnston ![Des Moines Skyline](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6060660/10f4a49b-532e-4955-89a5-893d97fef728.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Pleasant Hill ## Frequently asked questions ### Is Des Moines worth visiting? ### How do I spend a day in Des Moines? ### What is the top tourist attraction in Des Moines? ### Is three days enough to stay in Des Moines? ### Is Des Moines a walkable city? ### What are some activities to do in Des Moines with kids? > - [Astounding Art Walk in Des Moines Experience](https://expedia.com/things-to-do/des-moines-art-walk-experience.a50771272.activity-details) > - [An Epic Scavenger Hunt : Adventures in Des Moines](https://expedia.com/things-to-do/des-moines-scavenger-hunt-adventures-in-downtown-des-moines.a50885946.activity-details) ### What to do in Des Moines for adults? ### Are there free things to do in Des Moines?