There’s a reason Des Moines is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Midwest. With more than 850 restaurants to choose from, traveling foodies will find plenty to enjoy. Outdoors enthusiasts have parks and day trips around Greater Des Moines too. Accessible to lifestyle, Des Moines offers a diverse selection of places to visit and things to do. Continue reading for top-rated Des Moines activities, tourist attractions, and more.
As the capital of Iowa, there’s plenty to keep people entertained in Des Moines. The city has taken many steps in the last few decades to emerge as a vibrant cultural landscape with sculpture parks, botanical gardens, and a thriving shopping and dining district.
The best activities near Des Moines include:
Visiting the gold-domed Iowa State Capitol at the edge of downtown Des Moines
Sprawling out in Jester Park
Exploring Gray’s Lake Park, featuring a 1.9-mile walking path around the lake
Seeing a show at Des Moines Performing Arts
Learning more about Iowa history at State Historical Museum
There’s plenty to explore when visiting Des Moines. Whether it is touring impressive art collections or catching a baseball game under the lights, this friendly city is easy to explore.
Popular attractions near Des Moines include:
Seeing the statues at Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Explore the nature reserve with trails, camping, and fishing at Walnut Woods State Park
Experience the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates, honoring global achievements in science, agriculture, and humanitarianism
Built more than 100 years ago, the Carnegie Library Museum is on the National Register of Historic Places
Des Moines has many interesting things you can do as soon as you touch down in the city. If you’re lucky, you’ll even arrive on the day of a Des Moines event.
Exciting activities near Des Moines include:
Exploring Water Works Park, a daytime spot with jogging areas, cycling trails, fishing spots, and a picnic area
Trying one of more than 850 restaurants in Des Moines
Visiting The Iowa State Fairgrounds, which has food, sun, and fun for the whole family
Finding French-inspired brunch nestled in the Beaverdale neighborhood at Le Jardin
With more than 50 bars in Downtown Des Moines it's easy to kick back with friends. Find a favorite hotspot or live music venue to kick it with the locals.
Let your inner child out. Des Moines is full of kid-approved adventures. Find interactive exhibits, hands-on learning opportunities, and dessert lounges the whole family will enjoy.
Family-friendly things to do near Des Moines include:
Visiting Blank Park Zoo, which houses indoor and outdoor animal exhibits
Exploring the Great Des Moines Botanical Gardens, with a combination of horticultural exhibits and art galleries
Seeing the 500-acre museum site called Living History Farms
Ewing Park has extensive green spaces, an 18-hole disc golf course, and a playground for the kids
Stop by Chocolaterie Stam where fine European chocolate and gelato melt in your mouth
Though Greater Des Moines is abundant in outdoor activities, its museums, galleries, and thriving food scene ensure there’s plenty of reasons to stay indoors.
Things to do indoors near Des Moines include:
Taking a guided tour through the Historic Swanson House and Clive Depot
The Iowa Gold Star Military Museum displays artifacts and tells the story of Iowa veterans from the Mexican War of 1846
Moberg Gallery is a contemporary gallery representing fine Midwest paintings, metalworks, glass, and more
Exploring seasonal menus at renowned restaurants like Alba
Taking a break and jamming at the music venue, Hoyt Sherman Place
Sports and Outdoor Activities in Des MoinesView All
Greater Des Moines is filled with lakes, hiking trails, and historic neighborhoods to explore. Earn your dinners with a workout or find your next Instagram photo op while exploring Des Moines’ natural beauty.
Outdoor attractions in Des Moines include:
Explore the expansive Neal Smith Trail
Catch the picturesque High Trestle Trail over the Des Moines River near Ankeny
venturing the Clive Greenbelt Trail
Go fishing at Big Creek State Park
Go the distance and cycle through downtown Des Moines