Things to do in Des Moines

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Des Moines

Types of activities

Where to stay

Des Moines Travel Guide

Des Moines showing a bridge, a city and a sunset

Des Moines Art Center which includes interior views and art

Des Moines Art Center showing outdoor eating and outdoor art as well as a small group of people

Iowa State Capitol Building which includes a garden and heritage architecture

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What to do in Des Moines

Popular places to visit

Adventureland

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

Principal Park

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

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.

Living History Farms

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Living History Farms during your trip to Urbandale. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals.

Des Moines Botanical Center which includes interior views and a park

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.

Des Moines Art Center

Spend time admiring the architectural lines of this art and education center before heading inside to view its outstanding collection.

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.

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.

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 acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event.

Areas of Des Moines

State Historical Society of Iowa Museum which includes a high rise building, landscape views and a city

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.

Historic East Village

Find beautiful government buildings, cultural attractions and a garden oasis in this older section of the city extending along a pretty riverfront.

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.

Drake

If you're spending some time in Drake, Knapp Center and Des Moines Community Playhouse are top sights worth seeing.

Grays Lake which includes a lake or waterhole

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 Air Lanes Bowling Center and Gray’s Lake Park.

Southwestern Hills

While Southwestern Hills might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Air Lanes Bowling Center and Gray’s Lake Park.

West Des Moines

Indianola

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.