Things to do in Des Moines

Activities, attractions and tours

Des Moines
Des Moines
Des Moines
Des Moines
Des Moines
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What to do in Des Moines

Popular places to visit

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

Iowa State Fairgrounds

5/5(1 review)

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

Iowa State Fairgrounds
Principal Park

Principal Park

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

Principal Park
The City Of Des Moines

Iowa Events Center

Learn about the events happening in Iowa Events Center during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theatre scene.

Iowa Events Center
Iowa State Capitol Building

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
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

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

Casey's Center

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

Casey's Center

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

Drake University

Explore the campus of Drake University during your travels in Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event.

Drake University

Where to stay in Des Moines

Find the best Des Moines areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Des Moines
Learn more about Des Moines

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 sunrise aerial looking downtown over Pappajohn Sculpture Park and Krause Gateway Center.

Western Gateway

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

Iowa State Capitol

Waveland Park

If you're spending some time in Waveland Park, Waveland Municipal Golf Course and Des Moines Community Playhouse are top sights worth seeing.

Beaverdale

While Beaverdale isn't home to many top sights, Merle Hay Mall and Knapp Center are some notable places to visit nearby.

Des Moines, Iowa, USA Downtown City Skyline

Grimes

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.