Downtown Des Moines
Popular places to visit
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.
John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Whimsical, entertaining and provocative can easily describe the artwork at this outdoor gallery that provides new meaning and life to sculptures.
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Pappajohn Sculpture Park during your travels in Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene and great live music.
State Historical Society of Iowa Museum
Learn about early settlement and battles as well as bicycle races and the movie industry in this museum in Iowa’s state capital.
Things to do
Explore Des Moines with a Unique Scavenger Hunt by Operation City Quest
Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Des Moines by Zombie Scavengers
Explore Des Moines with a Unique Scavenger Hunt by Operation City Quest
Top hotels in Downtown Des Moines
Reviewed on May 16, 2024
Reviewed on May 15, 2024
Reviewed on May 15, 2024
Reviewed on May 1, 2024
Reviewed on May 16, 2024
Reviewed on May 16, 2024
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Des Moines
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.
Historic East Village
Historic East Village is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Iowa State Capitol Building and Wooly's while you're in town.
Sherman Hill
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Sherman Hill and surrounding area, you can visit Hoyt Sherman Place and John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
Capitol Park
While Capitol Park isn't home to many top sights, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and Iowa State Capitol Building are some notable places to visit nearby.
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.
Chautauqua Park
While Chautauqua Park might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and Wells Fargo Arena.