Plan your visit to Des Moines, United States of America
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 meters) 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 kilometers) 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.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden - Experience the tropics in an indoor garden oasis nearly 100 years old alongside a meandering river in this Midwestern city.
Des Moines Art Center - Spend time admiring the architectural lines of this art and education center before heading inside to view its outstanding collection.
Iowa State Capitol Building - A city landmark, this interesting building showcases design and architectural features that created a grand impression in the late 1800s and still inspire today.
Jordan Creek Town Center - You can enjoy retail therapy at Jordan Creek Town Center during your visit to West Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event.
Wells Fargo Arena - Catch an event at Wells Fargo Arena during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theater scene.
Drake University - Enjoy the collegiate vibe when you visit Drake University, during your travels in Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event.
Adventureland - Bring the family to Adventureland and enjoy this exciting amusement park in Altoona. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals.
Iowa State Fairgrounds - Enjoy an outing to Iowa State Fairgrounds during your stay in Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event.
Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Des Moines by Zombie Scavengers - Zombie Scavengers takes you on an adventure in Des Moines to survive the zombie apocalypse! Use our app and some strategy to find a list of items needed to survive, in any order you'd prefer, around the city.
Des Moines City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by 3Quest Challenge - You'll use an app to explore Des Moines in this fun scavenger hunt! In 3Quest Challenge, the app will give you a list of things (given in riddle form) to find around the city. Solve the riddle and take photos of the items to collect points.
Des Moines Scavenger Hunt: City Beautiful - Let’s Roam is the #1 app-led scavenger hunt company. Walk to all the best landmarks and hidden gems, answering trivia questions and solving challenges. Work with your team or compete against them, as you learn new facts and create memorable experiences.
Kayak Rentals at Quarry Springs Outfitters - 240 Acres of Clear, Spring-Fed Water Established in Quarry Springs Park in 2017 to provide exciting and fun paddlesport recreation to the central Iowa area. Quarry Springs Outfitters offers Single and Multi-Passenger Kayaks with Paddles and PFD's included.
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