Things to do in Des Moines

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Des Moines Travel Guide

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What to do in Des Moines

Popular places to visit

Aerial View of the Iowa State Fair in the Des Moines Metro Area

Iowa State Fairgrounds

Enjoy an outing to Iowa State Fairgrounds during your stay in Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event.

Jordan Creek Town Center

You can enjoy retail therapy at Jordan Creek Town Center during your visit to West Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music or attend a sporting event.

Iowa Events Center

Learn about the events happening at Iowa Events Center 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.

Principal Park

Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and acclaimed theater scene.

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.

Adventureland

Bring the family to Adventureland and enjoy this exciting amusement park in Altoona. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals.

Casey's Center

Catch an event at Casey's Center during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.

Drake University

Enjoy the collegiate vibe when you visit Drake University, during your travels in Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music or attend a sporting event.

Where to stay in Des Moines

Find the best Des Moines areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most.

Historic East Village

Historic East Village is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Wooly's and Iowa State Capitol Building while you're in town.

Downtown Des Moines

The abundant dining options and live music are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Des Moines. A stop by 801 Grand or Des Moines Civic Center might round out your trip.

Western Gateway

While visiting Western Gateway, you might make a stop by sights like John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park and Temple Theater.

Waveland Park

While visiting Waveland Park, you might make a stop by sights like Des Moines Community Playhouse and Waveland Municipal Golf Course.

Beaverdale

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Beaverdale and surrounding area, you can visit Merle Hay Mall and Knapp Center.

West Des Moines

Indianola

Old Railroad Station framing view of Des Moines skyline, capital of Iowa

Norwalk

Frequently asked questions

Is Des Moines worth visiting?

Famous for its culture and festivals, discovering awesome things to do in Des Moines is easy. Don't forget to add Adventureland to your trip itinerary while here.

How do I spend a day in Des Moines?

After you've checked off key attractions like Adventureland and Blank Park Zoo, spend some time discovering Des Moines's shopping and food scene.

What is the top tourist attraction in Des Moines?

Don't go home without visiting Adventureland, rated the top tourist attraction in Des Moines.

Is three days enough to stay in Des Moines?

You can easily tick off leading sights like Blank Park Zoo, Easter Lake Park and The Temple for Performing Arts with a three-day escape to Des Moines. On average, most travelers book two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stay a bit longer and check out West Des Moines.

Is Des Moines a walkable city?

It all comes down to what you plan to see and do in Des Moines. Several key sights, including The Temple for Performing Arts and Iowa Hall of Pride, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Des Moines's neighborhoods, Downtown Des Moines is 0.64 kilometers away from downtown, while Greater South Side is 3 kilometers away from the center and also within walking distance.

What are some activities to do in Des Moines with kids?

Whether you're traveling with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, a schedule filled with fun activities takes your trip to the next level. Browse our ideas for what to do in Des Moines with kids.

What to do in Des Moines for adults?

There are plenty of things to do in Des Moines, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Casey's Center or Knapp Center.

Are there free things to do in Des Moines?

One of the top ways to find free things to do in Des Moines is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on cool neighborhoods, parks and other hotspots you can enjoy without reaching into your pocket. Easter Lake Park is one sight that doesn't charge an admission fee.