Des Moines

Travel Guide

Des Moines featuring a city, a skyscraper and a sunset
Des Moines
Des Moines Art Center which includes art and interior views
Des Moines Art Center which includes outdoor eating and outdoor art as well as a small group of people
Iowa State Capitol Building which includes heritage architecture and a park
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.

Where to stay in Des Moines

State Historical Society of Iowa Museum which includes a high-rise building, landscape views and a city

Downtown Des Moines

4/5(1 area review)

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.

Downtown Des Moines
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Court District

Travellers come to Court District for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Science Center of Iowa and Principal Park while you're in town.

Court District
Historic East Village

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.

Historic East Village
Des Moines Botanical Center which includes a cascade

Capitol Park

While there might not be top attractions in Capitol Park, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and Iowa State Capitol Building.

Capitol Park
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Drake

While visiting Drake, you might make a stop by sights like Knapp Center and Des Moines Community Playhouse.

Drake
Grays Lake showing a lake or waterhole

Greater South Side

While visiting Greater South Side, you might make a stop by sights like Gray’s Lake Park and Water Works Park.

Greater South Side
Kasa Downtown Des Moines
Kasa Downtown Des Moines
4 out of 5
550 Watson Powell Junior Way, Des Moines, IA
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, a business center, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Ruan Center and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (76 reviews)
"It's great to have full apartment amenities for the week-long stay."

Reviewed on 26 Jan 2025

Kasa Downtown Des Moines
NEW REMODEL! ARCADE GAMES, PNG PNG, SKEE BALL, ACCESS TO POOLS..WE HAVE IT ALL!
NEW REMODEL! ARCADE GAMES, PNG PNG, SKEE BALL, ACCESS TO POOLS..WE HAVE IT ALL!
Urbandale
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Urbandale. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and patios. Popular attractions Wells Fargo Arena and Merle Hay ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (51 reviews)
Just as described
"Our large family had a great stay here! There was something for everyone to do!"

Reviewed on 9 Jan 2025

NEW REMODEL! ARCADE GAMES, PNG PNG, SKEE BALL, ACCESS TO POOLS..WE HAVE IT ALL!
Charming 3-bedroom house with WiFi and fitness room and hot tub, playground
Charming 3-bedroom house with WiFi and fitness room and hot tub, playground
2 out of 5
Des Moines
Stay at this vacation home in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a garden. Popular attractions Blank Park Zoo and Air Lanes Bowling Center are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
Valentine's getaway
"Good. Close to many places we needed to go"

Reviewed on 15 Feb 2025

Charming 3-bedroom house with WiFi and fitness room and hot tub, playground
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Des Moines

5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
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5 - Excellent 100%
4 - Good
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4 - Good 0%
3 - Okay
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3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
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1 - Terrible
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Not at the moment, very friendly city though