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
• Explore the 4-mile long downtown skywalk system

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
• Eating dinner at Park Street Kitchen & Bar

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.

Nighttime activities near Des Moines include:

• Order a late night meal at Jethro’s
• Find dessert before dinner at Crème Cupcake
• Get the party started at Hessen Haus
• Check out the beer genius at El Bait Shop
• Grab an Iowa craft beer at The Iowa Taproom

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

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