Things to do in Des Moines

Activities, attractions and tours

Des Moines showing a bridge, a sunset and a river or creek
Des Moines
Des Moines Art Center featuring interior views and art
Des Moines Art Center featuring outdoor eating and outdoor art as well as a small group of people
Iowa State Capitol Building showing a park and heritage architecture
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What to do in Des Moines

Popular places to visit

Adventureland

Adventureland

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

Adventureland
Principal Park

Principal Park

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

Principal Park
Iowa State Capitol Building which includes a statue or sculpture

Iowa State Capitol Building

5/5(1 review)

A city landmark, this interesting building showcases design and architectural features that created a grand impression in the late 1800s and still inspire today.

Iowa State Capitol Building
Living History Farms

Living History Farms

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Living History Farms during your travels in Urbandale. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals.

Living History Farms
Des Moines Botanical Center showing a garden and interior views

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

5/5(1 review)

Experience the tropics in an indoor garden oasis nearly 100 years old alongside a meandering river in this Midwestern city.

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Des Moines Art Center which includes interior views and art

Des Moines Art Center

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

Des Moines Art Center

Iowa State Fairgrounds

5/5(1 review)

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

Iowa State Fairgrounds

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.

Casey's Center

Jordan Creek Town Center

You can do some window-shopping at Jordan Creek Town Center during your visit to West Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.

Jordan Creek Town Center

Areas of Des Moines

State Historical Society of Iowa Museum showing a city, landscape views and a skyscraper

Downtown Des Moines

4/5(1 area review)

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.

Downtown Des Moines
Historic East Village

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.

Historic East Village
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Court District

Travellers come to Court District for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Science Center of Iowa and Des Moines' Downtown Farmers' Market while you're in town.

Court District
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Drake

While visiting Drake, you might make a stop by sights like Knapp Center and Des Moines Community Playhouse.

Drake
Grays Lake featuring a lake or waterhole

Greater South Side

While there might not be top attractions in Greater South Side, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Air Lanes Bowling Center and Gray’s Lake Park.

Greater South Side
John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park which includes outdoor art, a city and a garden

Western Gateway

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

Western Gateway

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 travellers 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 neighbourhoods, Downtown Des Moines is 0.64 kilometres away from downtown, while Greater South Side is 3 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Des Moines with kids?
Whether you're travelling 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 Centre or Knapp Centre.
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 neighbourhoods, 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.