Des Moines

Travel Guide

Des Moines featuring a city, a skyscraper and a sunset
Des Moines
Des Moines Art Center which includes art and interior views
Des Moines Art Center which includes outdoor eating and outdoor art as well as a small group of people
Iowa State Capitol Building which includes heritage architecture and a park

Admire beautiful buildings and indulge in boutique shopping in Iowa’s capital city, which is also close to hiking trails and adventure parks.

Known for its beautiful State Capitol Building and as the host of the annual Iowa State Fair, Des Moines is also home to popular hiking trails, a zoo and a huge botanical garden.Many of the city’s attractions are in the East Village, a historic area on the east side of the Des Moines River. Start out at the State Capitol Building, a grand three-story 19th-century building. Its dome is gilded with thin sheets of gold and its peak is 275-feet (84 metres) high. You’ll need to phone ahead to book the free guided tour find contact details on the Iowa Legislature website.Just a 10 minute-walk from the capitol is the the State of Iowa Historical Museum, which has free admission, parking and family-friendly activities. Much of Iowa’s history is documented at the museum, from the earliest days of the Native Americans through to the pioneers and, more recently, military troops. See vintage aircraft, fossils, a simulated coal mine and the complete skeleton of a 12-foot mammoth, believed to have died 15,000 years ago.Head to the riverside to find the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. Here, you can see more than 15,000 plants, one of the largest collections in the Midwest. There is a fee for entry but check the website as the garden offers a number of free days each year. At the Blank Park Zoo, enjoy more than 49 acres (20 hectares) dedicated to 104 animal species including red pandas, lions and giraffes.Don’t leave Des Moines without exploring the East Village shopping and dining scene. You’ll find plenty of bars, specialty stores and cute cafés.Getting around Des Moines is easy. The free D-Line Trolley will take you to major downtown attractions. Use the Des Moines Skyway System, more than 4 miles (6 kilometres) of enclosed walkways, to get around on foot. To cover a greater area, subscribe to the bike-sharing facility, B-cycle. If you are driving, there is user-pay parking in the downtown area, with free street parking on weekends.

Where to stay in Des Moines

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

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 Polk County Courthouse or 801 Grand might round out your trip.

Downtown Des Moines
Historic East Village

Historic East Village

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

Historic East Village
Des Moines Botanical Center showing a cascade

Capitol Park

While there might not be top attractions in Capitol Park, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and Iowa State Capitol Building.

Capitol Park
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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 Polk County Courthouse while you're in town.

Court District
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
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Southwestern Hills

Though Southwestern Hills may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Air Lanes Bowling Center and Gray’s Lake Park.

Southwestern Hills
Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines

3 out of 5
5000 Merle Hay Rd, Urbandale, IA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €75 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€75
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Urbandale. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
5.6/10 (558 reviews)
"Great pools for kids. Hotel is older and not perfect The kids enjoyed swimming."

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

4.5 out of 5
1000 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA
The price is €133 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
€133
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,003 reviews)
"Love the speakeasy and late night food options!"

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

2 out of 5
1901 Hackley Ave, Des Moines, IA
The price is €74 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€74
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,579 reviews)
"Very clean, friendly reception. Great customer service!"

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2025

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Kasa Downtown Des Moines

Kasa Downtown Des Moines

4 out of 5
550 Watson Powell Junior Way, Des Moines, IA
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, a business center, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Casey's Center ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (99 reviews)
"Did not know what to expect upon arrival but was pleased to find our own little apartment in this very modern building … loved the kitchen and availability of the in unit laundry. Only complaint I could say is no hair dryer (4 girls) and one night there was an alarm prompting evacuation in the middle ..."

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2025

Kasa Downtown Des Moines
Fun, group friendly house close to fair! Sleeps 8

Fun, group friendly house close to fair! Sleeps 8

Des Moines
Stay at this vacation home in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Iowa State Fairgrounds and Casey's Center are ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (20 reviews)
"Comfortable beds, close to fair, clean, and nice. Jessica, the host was a super host with immediate feedback and getting what we needed. Highly recommend!"

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2025

Fun, group friendly house close to fair! Sleeps 8
Comfortable and Spacious 3 Bedroom Home

Comfortable and Spacious 3 Bedroom Home

West Des Moines
Stay at this vacation home in West Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Jordan Creek Town Center and Valley Stadium ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (55 reviews)
"Neighborhood was great along with how close all the shopping and entertainment was!"

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

Comfortable and Spacious 3 Bedroom Home
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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