Things to do in Des Moines
Late spring and early fall bring mild days, green riverwalks, and patio weather without summer humidity. Mid-August is peak fair season, while winters are cold and snowy but easy to navigate via the downtown skywalk.
Best months: May, June, September, October
What is worth your time in Des Moines
Iowa State CapitolDo not miss
Iowa's grandest building crowns a hill east of downtown with a gilded 23-karat gold dome, marble staircases, and free guided tours.
Landmark · 1.5 hr4.8
Gray's Lake ParkDo not miss
A loop trail and the lighted Kruidenier pedestrian bridge circle a downtown lake with skyline views and paddle rentals.
Park · 1.5 hr4.7
Greater Des Moines Botanical GardenDo not miss
A geodesic conservatory of tropical plants plus riverside outdoor gardens, a green escape any season of the year.
Park · 1.5 hr4.7
Salisbury House and GardensDo not miss
A 42-room Tudor-Gothic mansion of imported English timbers and stone, filled with art, manuscripts, and antiques.
Historic Site · 2 hr4.7
Des Moines Art CenterDo not miss
A free modern and contemporary art museum housed in landmark wings by Eliel Saarinen, I.M. Pei, and Richard Meier.
Museum · 2.3 hr4.6
John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture ParkDo not miss
A free downtown park studded with monumental works by Plensa, Bourgeois, and Kapoor across an open lawn.
Park · 1.1 hr4.6
Principal RiverwalkDo not miss
A landscaped loop along both banks of the Des Moines River links downtown to a hub plaza, fountains, and an ice ribbon.
Scenic Route · 1.4 hr4.6
Blank Park ZooDo not miss
Iowa's only accredited zoo, with African plains, a walk-through aviary, and a budgie feeding aviary on the south side.
Activity · 2.8 hr4.5
Science Center of IowaDo not miss
Hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and a giant-screen theater make this downtown center a favorite for families.
Museum · 2.8 hr4.4
East VillageDo not miss
A walkable, design-forward district below the Capitol packed with indie boutiques, coffee bars, murals, and restaurants.
Neighborhood · 2.3 hr
Confluence Brewing Company
A laid-back local brewery taproom near Gray's Lake pouring flagship Iowa ales steps from the bike trail.
Nightlife · 1.3 hr4.8
Des Moines Downtown Farmers' Market
One of the Midwest's biggest Saturday markets fills downtown streets with Iowa produce, food stalls, and live music in season.
Market · 1.5 hr4.8
High Trestle Trail Bridge
A half-mile former rail bridge near Madrid framed by sculptural steel arches that light up blue at night above the Des Moines River valley.
Scenic Route · 1.4 hr4.8
Hoyt Sherman Place
An 1877 mansion paired with a jewel-box 1923 theater and an art gallery, hosting concerts and tours year-round.
Historic Site · 1.8 hr4.8
And 31 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.
Worth knowing
- Many of the city's best cultural stops are free, including the Iowa State Capitol tour, the Des Moines Art Center, and the Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
- If you visit in mid-August, the Iowa State Fair dominates the calendar; book lodging early and plan a full day at the fairgrounds.
- The Downtown Farmers' Market runs Saturday mornings from May through October and is one of the largest in the Midwest, so go early for the best food.
- A car makes the trip far easier; the strongest day trips (Amana Colonies, Pella, Winterset) and even the zoo and Living History Farms are a short drive out.
- Downtown's enclosed skywalk system connects hotels, restaurants, and the riverwalk, a real asset on cold or rainy days.