• What makes Des Moines a great travel destination?
    • Des Moines, the capital of Iowa, is home to a diverse selection of attractions, museums, and parks.
  • What cultural attractions can visitors explore in Des Moines?
    • View modern art at the Des Moines Art Center and take a tour of the Capitol building.
  • Where can visitors shop and enjoy outdoor activities in Des Moines?
    • Shop at the Downtown Farmers’ Market and take a stroll through the spectacular Pappajohn Sculpture Park on your trip.

Things to Do:

1. Des Moines Art Center

Des Moines Art Center
© Des Moines Art Center

2. The Capitol Tour

The Capitol Tour
© Courtesy of Katherine - Fotolia.com

3. Downtown Farmers' Market

Downtown Farmers' Market
© Courtesy of kasto - Fotolia.com

4. Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Pappajohn Sculpture Park
© Pappajohn Sculpture Park

5. Des Moines Performing Arts

Des Moines Performing Arts
© Courtesy of Nikita Savostikov - Fotolia.com

6. Salisbury House & Gardens

Salisbury House & Gardens
© Salisbury House & Gardens

7. World Food Prize Hall of Laureates

World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
© Courtesy of David Mohn - Fotolia.com

8. Blank Park Zoo

Blank Park Zoo
© Courtesy of EBFoto - Fotolia.com

9. East Village

East Village
© Courtesy of Miles - Fotolia.com

10. Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
© Courtesy of julia_mlozano - Fotolia.com

11. Better Homes and Gardens Test Garde

Better Homes and Gardens Test Garde
© Courtesy of shaiith - Fotolia.com

12. Tasty Tacos

Tasty Tacos
© Tasty Tacos

13. Fong's Pizza

Fong's Pizza
© Fong's Pizza

14. Science Center of Iowa

Science Center of Iowa
© Courtesy of Budimir Jevtic - Fotolia.com

15. Splash

Splash
© Splash

16. RoCA

RoCA
© RoCA

17. State Historical Museum

State Historical Museum
© State Historical Museum

18. Jordan House

Jordan House
© West Des Moines Historical Society

19. Jasper Winery

Jasper Winery
© Jasper Winery

20. Terrace Hill

Terrace Hill
© Terrace Hill

21. American Enterprise Art Park

American Enterprise Art Park
© andrés castro socolich EyeEm/stock.adobe.com

22. Easter Lake Park & Mark C. Ackelson Trail

Easter Lake Park & Mark C. Ackelson Trail
© ant/stock.adobe.com

23. Raccoon River Park

Raccoon River Park
© leungchopan/stock.adobe.com


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Top Activities
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming flowers. Des Lux Hotel – A stylish boutique hotel in downtown Des Moines. Visit the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden – Explore beautiful plant exhibits and garden trails.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and perfect for outdoor events. Surety Hotel – A modern and upscale stay near the best city attractions. Attend the Iowa State Fair – One of the largest state fairs in the U.S., featuring food, concerts, and livestock shows.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and stunning fall foliage. Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton – A historic and elegant hotel. Explore the Pappajohn Sculpture Park – Enjoy unique outdoor art in the heart of the city.
Winter (December-February) – Cold but festive with holiday lights and events. Hilton Des Moines Downtown – A convenient and cozy option for winter stays. Visit the Science Center of Iowa – A great indoor attraction for all ages.

More events and things to do

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