Des Moines Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary
Experience the surprising sophistication of Iowa's capital, where a world-class arts scene and farm-to-table dining meet genuine Midwestern hospitality. From the golden-domed Capitol to the vibrant East Village, Des Moines offers an affordable and culturally rich urban escape.
Des Moines is a city that defies expectations. Often dismissed as just a flyover waypoint, Iowa’s capital has quietly transformed into a hub of culture, culinary innovation, and Midwestern cool. It is a place where you can admire world-class sculpture in a downtown park for free, eat sushi-grade tuna in a landlocked state, and navigate the city in the dead of winter without ever putting on a coat, thanks to its futuristic skywalk system.
Beyond the urban core, the city is deeply connected to its agrarian roots, but with a modern twist. The rolling hills and river valleys provide a lush backdrop for a city that embraces the outdoors, whether it’s biking the extensive trail systems or kayaking on Gray’s Lake. It is a destination that balances the hustle of a political center, especially every four years, with the relaxed, friendly pace of the Heartland.
Seasonal Weather Guide
Plan your perfect getaway with our detailed seasonal forecast.
The “Insurance Capital” with an Artistic Soul
Des Moines holds the unique title of being a global hub for the insurance industry, but don’t let the corporate moniker fool you. This concentration of business has funded an incredible arts scene. The city is home to the Des Moines Art Center, designed by three legendary architects (Saarinen, Pei, and Meier), and the streets are dotted with public art installations that rival much larger metropolises.
Politically, the city punches way above its weight class. As the host of the Iowa Caucuses, Des Moines is a pilgrimage site for presidents and hopefuls. History buffers will find the energy here palpable, particularly around the golden-domed Capitol and the historic hotels where deals have been cut for over a century. This blend of corporate wealth, political relevance, and genuine community investment has created a city that feels polished yet accessible.
Things to Do
Unforgettable experiences await you.
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Explore this 4.4-acre park in the heart of downtown featuring more than 30 works by celebrated artists. It is free to the public and acts as the cultural living room of the city.
Downtown Farmers' Market
Visit one of the top-ranked farmers' markets in America, spanning nine city blocks with over 300 vendors. Sample local Iowa produce, baked goods, and artisan crafts.
High Trestle Trail Bridge
Walk or bike across this unique half-mile trail bridge that sits 13 stories above the Des Moines River valley. At night, blue LED lights illuminate the steel frames to simulate a mine shaft.
Iowa State Capitol Tour
Tour the only five-domed capitol in the country, famous for its 23-karat gold leaf central dome. The interior features a stunning law library with spiral staircases and ornate Victorian design.
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The Icons You’ll Want to See
Iowa State Capitol - This 19th-century marvel is the only five-domed capitol in the U.S. and dominates the skyline. Visitors can climb into the dome for a view of the city or explore the spectacular Victorian law library. Located at E 9th St & Grand Ave. Admission is free.
Pappajohn Sculpture Park - Located in Western Gateway Park, this 4.4-acre pedestrian-friendly space features massive works by artists like Jaume Plensa and Keith Haring. It is the perfect spot for a picnic or a sunset walk. Located at 1330 Grand Ave. Admission is free.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden - A geodesic dome conservatory that offers a tropical escape even during the snowy winters, surrounded by seven acres of outdoor gardens. Located at 909 Robert D. Ray Dr. Admission is approx. $12 USD.
Living History Farms - An expansive 500-acre open-air museum that tells the 300-year story of how Iowans transformed the fertile prairie into the most productive farmland in the world. Located at 11121 Hickman Rd. Admission is approx. $19 USD.
Essential Guide
Everything you need to know.
Must-Visit Spots
Local Cuisine
Where to Stay
Travel Tips
Insider Tips
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Des Moines is straightforward via the Des Moines International Airport (DSM), which is surprisingly convenient and located just 15 minutes from downtown. While rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are available, renting a car is highly recommended if you plan to visit attractions like Living History Farms or the High Trestle Trail, which are on the outskirts of the metro area.
When packing, layers are your best friend. The weather in the Midwest can shift dramatically within a single day. If you are visiting in the summer, bring breathable clothing and bug spray for the humid evenings. For winter visits, a heavy coat is mandatory, though the 4-mile climate-controlled Skywalk system allows you to traverse 80 blocks of downtown without facing the elements.
When to Visit
Choose the perfect time for your adventure.
Peak Season: Summer (June to August)
Pros
- The world-famous Iowa State Fair
- Downtown Farmers' Market is in full swing
- Warm weather for Gray's Lake Park
- Outdoor concerts and festivals
Cons
- High humidity and heat
- Hotel prices peak during the Fair
- Crowds at major attractions
- Frequent thunderstorms
Shoulder Season: Fall (September to October)
Pros
- Beautiful autumn foliage
- Comfortable, crisp temperatures
- Lower hotel rates than summer
- Harvest festivals and pumpkin patches
Cons
- Weather can be unpredictable
- Farmers' Market ends in October
- Shorter daylight hours
- Some seasonal outdoor attractions close
Off-Peak: Winter (November to March)
Pros
- Lowest accommodation prices
- No crowds at museums
- Cozy dining and brewery scene
- Skywalk system connects downtown hotels/shops
Cons
- Bitterly cold temperatures
- Snow and ice can impact travel
- Outdoor activities are very limited
- Grey skies are common
Des Moines is a city that rewards the curious traveler. Whether you are there to catch a foul ball at an I-Cubs game, marvel at the butter cow during the State Fair, or simply enjoy a craft beer on a patio in the East Village, you will find a city that is comfortable in its own skin and eager to welcome you.
Sample Itineraries
Culture & Cuisine in the Capital
A weekend focused on the arts, history, and the booming food scene of downtown Des Moines.
Day 1: Art, Architecture, and East Village
- Morning: Start your trip with a free self-guided tour of the Iowa State Capitol to see the law library and gold dome. Head to the nearby East Village for a coffee at Scenic Route Bakery, spending about $15 for two.
- Afternoon: Wander the boutique shops of the East Village before crossing the river to the Science Center of Iowa or the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, with admission costing roughly $12 per person. Enjoy a late lunch at Zombie Burger + Drink Lab for around $35.
- Evening: Walk through the Pappajohn Sculpture Park at sunset to see the ‘Nomade’ sculpture illuminated. Finish with a high-end dinner at 801 Chophouse, budgeting roughly $150 for steaks and wine.
Day 2: Markets and Modern Vibes
- Morning: Wake up early to hit the Downtown Farmers’ Market (Saturdays May-Oct), grabbing breakfast burritos and pastries from local vendors for under $25. Browse the local art stalls and listen to live street musicians for a few hours.
- Afternoon: Walk or drive to the Des Moines Art Center on Grand Avenue, which offers free admission and houses works by Hopper, O’Keeffe, and Sargent. Afterward, take a stroll through the adjacent Greenwood Park around the Rose Garden.
- Evening: Head to Fong’s Pizza downtown to try the Crab Rangoon Pizza, a local staple costing about $25. End the night with cocktails at the Hello, Marjorie speakeasy, where drinks average $12 each.
Midwestern Family Adventure
An action-packed itinerary highlighting the best family-friendly attractions and outdoor spaces.
Day 1: History and Heritage
- Morning: Drive 15 minutes west to Living History Farms for an immersive look at 1700s, 1850s, and 1900s farm life, with tickets costing roughly $60 for a family of four. Plan to spend at least three hours walking the trails and visiting the interactive sites.
- Afternoon: Return to the city for a picnic lunch at Gray’s Lake Park, where you can rent a paddleboat for $8 per half-hour. Walk the 2-mile loop trail that offers great views of the Des Moines skyline.
- Evening: Enjoy a casual barbecue dinner at Smokey D’s BBQ, expecting to pay around $50 for a family platter. Drive back to the hotel to rest up for a busy second day.
Day 2: Animals and Thrills
- Morning: Head to the Blank Park Zoo on the south side of town, where admission is approximately $18 per adult and $14 per child. Feed the giraffes and explore the indoor rainforest exhibit.
- Afternoon: Spend the afternoon at Adventureland Resort (summer only) in nearby Altoona, featuring roller coasters and a water park. Tickets can cost around $50-$60 per person, so look for discount coupons at local grocery stores.
- Evening: After a tiring day at the park, grab a relaxing dinner at Centro in downtown Des Moines for excellent Italian food, budgeting $80 for the family. Take a quick evening walk to see the Travelers umbrella sign lit up red.
Day 3: Science and Sports
- Morning: Explore the Science Center of Iowa, which features a makerspace and LEGO exhibits, with family admission around $45. Catch an IMAX documentary in the dome theater for an educational break.
- Afternoon: If it is baseball season, catch an Iowa Cubs game at Principal Park right at the confluence of the rivers. Tickets are very affordable, often starting at $8, and the view of the capitol from the stands is iconic.
- Evening: Conclude the trip with ice cream from Bauder’s Pharmacy or a local creamery. Take a final drive across the incredible High Trestle Trail Bridge (25 min drive north) to walk the illuminated span at dusk.
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