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Des Moines

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Des Moines
Ten years ago Des Moines almost literally sank. The flood of 1993 caused significant damage to the downtown area as well as the local economy. What a difference a decade makes. Today the capital city and cultural center of Iowa is revitalized. A versatile destination everyone will enjoy, Des Moines has an itinerary for almost every interest. Culture and art enthusiasts may want to roam through the Des Moines Art Center, spend the weekend museum-hopping or attend a Broadway-caliber performance at the Civic Center. Golfers can spend their time and energy teeing up at any of the area's fine championship courses. The Blank Park Zoo and the Iowa State Fairgrounds should be on the list for families. And gardeners will savor the fantastic blooms at the Botanical Center and the Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden. Mix it up a little and sample all this "big city with a small town heart" has to offer.
 
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Don't-Miss Attractions
Where to Stay
Recommended Reading
Where to stay
Suites of 800 Locust Hotel and Spa
Des Moines Marriott Downtown
Renaissance Savery Hotel
Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines-On The River
Radisson Hotel Des Moines Airport
Holiday Inn Express Des Moines/Drake University



Don't-Miss Attractions
TripAdvisor's editorial team reviewed our attractions database and selected the best local attractions to highlight in this itinerary. Some are popular, some are off the beaten path, but all are worth a visit.
Signature attractionSignature attraction
Iowa State Fairgrounds: Sometimes billed as America's Classic State Fair, with its traditional competitions, agricultural exhibits and food displays, this August event - the hottest draw in town - also features one of the world's largest livestock shows. The 400-acre fairgrounds hosts events year-round with three outdoor stages, show rings, baseball fields and a multimedia center, and also houses a 160-acre campground.
Address: E. 30th St. and University Ave., Des Moines, Iowa
Phone: 515-262-3111
Free
MuseumsMuseums
Des Moines Art Center: This internationally acclaimed museum houses impressive works by artists of the 19th and 20th centuries, including Edward Hopper, Georgia O'Keefe and Henri Matisse. The center, which also offers art classes, consists of three buildings, each designed by a celebrated architect: Eliel Saarinen, I.M. Pei and Richard Meier.
Address: 4700 Grand Avenue , Des Moines, Iowa
Phone: 515 277 4405
Admission fee
Garden delightsGarden delights
Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden: Right in the heart of the city is a half-block long blaze of beauty - Better Homes and Gardens' testing ground for various landscape designs that the company documents and photographs. The area is one large area made of many mini-backyards, complete with annuals, perennials, bulbs and typical backyard structures like fences and gates.
Address: Des Moines, Iowa
Free
Des Moines Botanical Center: Reputed for its huge collection of the Midwest's ornamental and native plants, this 14-acre center bordering the Des Moines River features a domed conservatory that houses over 1000 varieties of exotic plants from throughout the world. The center also has an impressive herb garden, tropical and desert plants, and one of the best bonsai collections in the U.S.
Address: 909 East River Drive, Des Moines, Iowa
Phone: 515-323-8900
Admission fee
Animal attractionAnimal attraction
Blank Park Zoo: A wide variety of animals are housed in natural settings at this 22-acre, relatively small zoo, dedicated to caring for the over 800 animals, educating the public about different species, and generating fun experiences for children, such as crawling through simulated prairie dog tunnels and feeding, petting and riding animals.
Address: 7401 S.W. Ninth St., Des Moines, Iowa
Phone: 515-285-4722
Admission fee
Worth a side tripWorth a side trip
Living History Farms: This 600-acre open-air site recreates village life from five different Iowa eras, covering 300 years. Visitors travel through time, at their own pace, hosted by "villagers" dressed in costume and reenacting the daily life of each period.
Address: 2600 111th St, Urbandale, Iowa
Phone: 515 278 5286
Admission fee
RestaurantsRestaurants
Judge Roy Bean's: This casual spot had great sandwiches and thin-cut onion rings. Italian, American and seafood dishes are on the menu as well.
Address: 210 Court Ave, Des Moines, Iowa
Phone: (515) 243-3700
Things to doMore attractions
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Des Moines Traveler Lists

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What to do in Des Moines
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Where to Stay
Our editorial team selected local hotels and resorts that have good reputations and good deals. Because we know travelers' budgets differ vastly, we chose hotels at different price points rather than listing the city's top five hotels, which might all be in the same price range.
Luxury hotelsLuxury hotels
Suites of 800 Locust Hotel and Spa
Popularity index: #31 in Des Moines
Travelocity Hotel rooms at up to 50% off.
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
ORBITZ.com Find great deals on Orbitz & pay no hotel change or cancel fees
View all travel offers for this hotel
Moderate hotelsModerate hotels
Des Moines Marriott Downtown
Popularity index: #1 in Des Moines
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
Marriott.com Get Marriott's Best Rate Guarantee & Earn Rewards
Travelocity Hotel rooms at up to 50% off.
View all travel offers for this hotel
Renaissance Savery Hotel
Popularity index: #4 in Des Moines
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
RenaissanceHotels.com Distinctive style & attentive service. Book direct & save.
Travelocity Hotel rooms at up to 50% off.
View all travel offers for this hotel
Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines-On The River
Popularity index: #6 in Des Moines
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
ORBITZ.com Find great deals on Orbitz & pay no hotel change or cancel fees
View all travel offers for this hotel
Budget hotelsBudget hotels
Radisson Hotel Des Moines Airport
Popularity index: #3 in Des Moines
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
Radisson.com Save 20% at Radisson with Any American Express® Card. Book Now!
Travelocity Hotel rooms at up to 50% off.
View all travel offers for this hotel
Holiday Inn Express Des Moines/Drake University
Popularity index: #21 in Des Moines
HIExpress.com Book online or call 877-270-6397
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
ORBITZ.com Find great deals on Orbitz & pay no hotel change or cancel fees
View all travel offers for this hotel

Recommended Reading
"In the Spotlight, Ready for Its Close-Up"  New York Times (free registration required), Dec 2, 2007
Des Moines is becoming a destination even during non-election years.
"36 Hours In: Des Moines"  New York Times (free registration required), Oct 9, 2005
Des Moines continues to change with the times.
"Business Travel: On The Ground -- In Des Moines; A City of Agriculture and Insurance"  New York Times (free registration required), Feb 18, 2003
Des Moines has everything you need for an enjoyable, hassle-free business trip.
"The beat goes on"  Boston.com / Boston Globe, Jul 15, 2007
Fans of Jack Kerouac will enjoy this trip made along the path featured in “On the Road.”
 View all articles, guidebooks and user reviews about Des Moines