Known for its beautiful State Capitol Building and as the host of the annual Iowa State Fair, Des Moines is also home to popular hiking trails, a zoo and a huge botanical garden.Many of the city’s attractions are in the East Village, a historic area on the east side of the Des Moines River. Start out at the State Capitol Building, a grand three-story 19th-century building. Its dome is gilded with thin sheets of gold and its peak is 275-feet (84 meters) high. You’ll need to phone ahead to book the free guided tour find contact details on the Iowa Legislature website.Just a 10 minute-walk from the capitol is the the State of Iowa Historical Museum, which has free admission, parking and family-friendly activities. Much of Iowa’s history is documented at the museum, from the earliest days of the Native Americans through to the pioneers and, more recently, military troops. See vintage aircraft, fossils, a simulated coal mine and the complete skeleton of a 12-foot mammoth, believed to have died 15,000 years ago.Head to the riverside to find the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. Here, you can see more than 15,000 plants, one of the largest collections in the Midwest. There is a fee for entry but check the website as the garden offers a number of free days each year. At the Blank Park Zoo, enjoy more than 49 acres (20 hectares) dedicated to 104 animal species including red pandas, lions and giraffes.Don’t leave Des Moines without exploring the East Village shopping and dining scene. You’ll find plenty of bars, specialty stores and cute cafés.Getting around Des Moines is easy. The free D-Line Trolley will take you to major downtown attractions. Use the Des Moines Skyway System, more than 4 miles (6 kilometers) of enclosed walkways, to get around on foot. To cover a greater area, subscribe to the bike-sharing facility, B-cycle. If you are driving, there is user-pay parking in the downtown area, with free street parking on weekends.
Des Moines, IA
Where to stay in Des Moines
Downtown Des Moines
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.
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.
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.
Greater South Side
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 Gray’s Lake Park and Lauridsen Amphitheater.
Beaverdale
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Beaverdale and surrounding area, you can visit Merle Hay Mall and Knapp Center.
Waveland Park
While visiting Waveland Park, you might make a stop by sights like Waveland Municipal Golf Course and Des Moines Community Playhouse.
Reviewed on Apr 28, 2024
Reviewed on Apr 28, 2024
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Reviewed on Apr 26, 2024
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Reviewed on Mar 8, 2024
Getting around Des Moines
Downtown Des Moines is compact enough for you to walk around, and there’s no need to be worried about the cold winter temperatures; a network of heated skywalks allow you to walk above the city in comfort. When the weather warms up, take advantage of the B-cycle public bike-share program. Renting a car is an option throughout the year, although you should be wary of icy roads in the winter. Visit the Des Monies Area Regional Transport Authority website.Browse Des Moines rental cars.
Best time to visit
You’ll find plenty to do in Des Moines throughout the year, but you’ll find the most pleasant weather in the spring and fall. In May, for example, average high temperatures reach the low 70s F (low 20s C), which is perfect for touring attractions like the Capitol Building and the city’s gardens. Winters get very cold, but locals turn it to their advantage. Join them ice skating on Brenton Plaza, for example.
Popular places to visit
Adventureland
Bring the family to Adventureland and enjoy this exciting amusement park in Altoona. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.
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.
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.
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.
Des Moines Art Center
Spend time admiring the architectural lines of this art and education center before heading inside to view its outstanding collection.
Living History Farms
You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Living History Farms during your trip to Urbandale. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.
Reviews of Des Moines
4/5 - Good
Busy lol
5/5 - Excellent
Irene was so nice over the phone and in person,I ended up coming now because my mom died, Irene and the rest of the staff was excellent !
5/5 - Excellent
We loved Des Moines, but where we stayed was sub par at best.
5/5 - Excellent
big city but not overwelming
5/5 - Excellent
Very nice people!! friendly, helpful and overall a very pleasant experience.
3/5 - Okay
Was in town for family wedding
Read travel guides and advice on visiting Des Moines
Ultimate Iowa State Fair Travel Guide
Other places like Des Moines
- Adventureland
- Jordan Creek Town Center
- Drake University
- Iowa State Fairgrounds
- Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino
- Wells Fargo Arena
- Hy Vee Hall
- Iowa Events Center
- Principal Park
- Blank Park Zoo
- Iowa State Capitol Building
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
- Hoyt Sherman Place
- Des Moines Civic Center
- Outlets of Des Moines
- Des Moines Art Center
- Val Air Ballroom
- Living History Farms
- Saylorville Lake
- Des Moines Area Community College
- West Glen Town Center
- Merle Hay Mall
- Science Center of Iowa
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- 801 Grand
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- Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park
- Gray’s Lake Park
- Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center
- Lauridsen Amphitheater
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