• January 1, 2025 - Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Des Moines Art Center

Category: Affordable Local Attractions
© Des Moines Art Center

2. The Capitol Tour

Tours in the Area
© Courtesy of Katherine - Fotolia.com

3. Downtown Farmers' Market

Category: Shopping & Stuff
© Courtesy of kasto - Fotolia.com

4. Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Pappajohn Sculpture Park

5. Des Moines Performing Arts

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Courtesy of Nikita Savostikov - Fotolia.com

6. Salisbury House & Gardens

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Salisbury House & Gardens

7. World Food Prize Hall of Laureates

© Courtesy of David Mohn - Fotolia.com

8. Blank Park Zoo

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© Courtesy of EBFoto - Fotolia.com

9. East Village

© Courtesy of Miles - Fotolia.com

10. Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of julia_mlozano - Fotolia.com

11. Better Homes and Gardens Test Garde

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of shaiith - Fotolia.com

12. Tasty Tacos

© Tasty Tacos

13. Fong's Pizza

Category: Nearby Food & Drink
© Fong's Pizza

14. Science Center of Iowa

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© Courtesy of Budimir Jevtic - Fotolia.com

15. Splash

© Splash

16. RoCA

© RoCA

17. State Historical Museum

Category: Affordable Local Attractions
© State Historical Museum

18. Jordan House

© West Des Moines Historical Society

19. Jasper Winery

Category: Nearby Food & Drink
© Jasper Winery

20. Terrace Hill

© Terrace Hill

21. American Enterprise Art Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© andrĂ©s castro socolich EyeEm/stock.adobe.com

22. Easter Lake Park & Mark C. Ackelson Trail

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© ant/stock.adobe.com

23. Raccoon River Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© leungchopan/stock.adobe.com

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

Des Moines, the capital of Iowa, is home to a diverse selection of attractions, museums, and parks. View modern art at Des Moines Art Center, take a tour of the Capitol building, shop at the Downtown Farmers’ Market and take a stroll through the spectacular Pappajohn Sculpture Park on your trip.

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