Things to Do in Des Moines, IA - Des Moines Attractions
Things to Do in Des Moines
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Des Moines.
Top Attractions in Des Moines
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Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
Biking Trails • Jogging Paths & Tracks
Historic Sites • Government Buildings
Antique Shops • Flea & Street Markets
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What travelers are saying
- stevensg2018Gouldsboro, PA5 contributionsGreat tour, Tour guide knew her stuff, great history lesson. They don't make buildings like this anymore.And it's FREE!Written May 3, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Eliana SSan Jose, CA1 contributionI love it because you get to be free and no one is rude or is unsafe everyone just loves it! :) :) :)Written March 2, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- akgirl79Carlsbad, NM50 contributionsKids really enjoyed this zoo. was very busy with school groups when we were there, but not overly crowded. Nice assortment of animals and easy to walk.Written January 16, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Karla P1 contributionWe enjoyed a great walk. There were also paddle boat and kayak rentals available. Also a small beach. It seemed like a popular bicycling area, too.Written June 23, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- JEFF F18 contributionsTreated myself to a weekend / daytrip to Des Moines from KC late June 2022. Good fortune that the DM Arts Festival was the same weekend! The best art event I have ever visited. Enjoyed it solo, but this is perfect for families & duh keds!!! Kids were having awesome fun staying busy with hands-in art projects provided by vendors.
Come on, Plaza (KC) Art fair! Compete with this!!!
Jeff
Leawood KSWritten June 28, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - amycbaldwinShenandoah, IA25 contributionsSplurged ($35) for the seats right behind home plate and weren't disappointed. Something fun happening nearly every minute and the seats are pretty comfortable. Food isn't outrageous, and the game was great!Written June 20, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- 1PalapasOnTheBeachIllinois2,074 contributionsWe could have walked from our hotel, nope, took shuttle. Happy we did, requested driver to drop us off at further end so we could walk back to hotel at end of visit. Driver took us for a joy ride around town, a must see. Opposite side of this FM on Friday night they had a Symphony. Near the five gold domed State Capitol. It was getting crowded at 4pm with all the lawn chairs.
Iowa is lovely, I'm in love! Several pubs and dining to find.
Lots of people, all FM are crowded. This one is pretty tight with people, elbow to elbow. Very hard to pass anyone, impossible. Unless you walk out on sidewalk, out of main drag.
Live music, lots of food, lots of fresh veggies which are reasonably priced. We bought greenbeans.
It took us an hour to walk, located on three streets combined of seven blocks approximately. When we saw food sections we turned around and kept walking. Remember to wear good supporting sneakers not sandals, lots of walking. Bring your canvas bags for shopping. Hours are eight to twelve Saturdays.
Parking - you have to pay meters M-Sat.Written July 3, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Trisha JMankato, MN182 contributionsWe enjoyed our visit to the Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens. I loved that there was an indoor atrium as well as outdoor gardens. It was rainy the day we visited so I would have liked to spend more time than we did in the outdoor gardens but it was still very enjoyable. It is located on the river and part of the garden is along the banks. There was a new area being created that was still under construction when we were there. I would like to return again to see the new area as well as spend more time in the other outdoor gardens.
We also ate lunch at the café that is onsite. I would recommend!Written June 19, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - George R2 contributionsWhat a deal---free museum every day. Very good collection for a regional museum. Situated in a nice residential neighborhood.Written June 22, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- N0rmaleeBossier City, LA551 contributionsLots of informative info about Iowan history, lots of old guns, the Civil War, farming, transportation, all sorts of stuff.Written October 5, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Kendra KTonganoxie, KS83 contributionsMy daughter is 13 and wanted to go here first on the vacation. She loved it. It does seem geared more toward younger kids but she still enjoyed it. The IMAX is closed but tge shows were good. We really enjoyed the one about fire.Written June 7, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Deanna VOlathe, KS73 contributionsWent to watch Hadestown with my boyfriend and his family, and it was delightful. The place looks amazing, only downside, I feel like the seats were a little crammed, I felt a little claustrophobic.Written March 28, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- scott rSilver Spring, MD564 contributionsThoroughly enjoyed this. Took a guided tour with very congenial, informed & generally informative docent. Small group, easy to delve into the story. Afterward you can stay and wander around the place at your leisure. The kitchen video is old 'America's Castles' if you remember the series. (I'd missed or forgotten this one). Rather sad story of the family who didn't manage to sustain this all that long. But then that's the case with most houses of this kind: the practicalities (if ever) of keeping them going took a huge hit with WWI and the income tax, with the final blow in October 1929. This one of course was built late, probably straining finances, and made a go for <15 years before the family did a lease back. Be that as it may, it's impressive and filled with lots of interesting things as well as storyboards about the family and their adventures. Oddly, though the square footage is huge, the layout leaves one thinking, well yes, of course, just the right size, not excessive at all. (Perhaps because so much of the space is given over to the great hall). If you like these sorts of properties it is worth and hour or two drive and makes a good centerpiece for a day trip (lovely area too, if you want to drive around)Written July 5, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Mitch HDes Moines, IA224 contributionsThis building has been rehabbed and the decor kept to I believe the original time period. Have been to several events at the building, it's well kept gardens and building are a great venue.Written June 1, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- RobBoston80Boston, MA1,080 contributionsGreat place, beyond up and coming - this is where you will find most of the young people to meet, hang, and find entertainment. The only thing missing in all of Des Moines is a trolley to get you to all the great places.Written September 26, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions about Des Moines
- The top attractions to visit in Des Moines are: See all attractions in Des Moines on Tripadvisor
- The best outdoor activities in Des Moines according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- Gray's Lake Park
- Pappajohn Sculpture Park
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
- Blank Park Zoo
- Clive Greenbelt Trail
- The most popular things to do in Des Moines with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- Capitol Building
- Downtown Farmers Market
- Gray's Lake Park
- Iowa State Fairgrounds
- Pappajohn Sculpture Park