bigtravelbuzzDes Moines is the capital city of Iowa and is located in the central part of the state. It is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture, and there are many things to see and do there. Here are some of the top places to visit in Des Moines:
State Capitol: The Iowa State Capitol is a beautiful building located in the heart of Des Moines. It is home to the offices of the Governor, the Iowa General Assembly, and the Iowa Supreme Court.
Pappajohn Sculpture Park: This park is home to a collection of over 30 sculptures by some of the world’s most renowned artists. It is a great place to relax and take in some art.
Des Moines Art Center: The Des Moines Art Center is a world-class art museum that features a collection of modern and contemporary art. It also hosts temporary exhibits and has a sculpture garden.
Science Center of Iowa: This hands-on museum is perfect for families with children. It has interactive exhibits on science, technology, and engineering.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden: This garden features a variety of plants from around the world, including orchids, cacti, and tropical plants. It also has a butterfly garden and a water garden.
Iowa State Fairgrounds: The Iowa State Fair is held annually in Des Moines and is one of the largest state fairs in the country. The fairgrounds also host other events throughout the year.
East Village: This trendy neighborhood is home to boutiques, restaurants, and bars. It is a great place to spend an afternoon shopping and dining.
Overall, Des Moines is a great city to visit and has something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, art, science, or just having a good time, you’re sure to find something to enjoy in Des Moines.
Places to Visit in Des Moines
Here are some of the top places to visit in Des Moines, Iowa:
Iowa State Capitol: This beautiful building is the seat of the state government and features stunning architecture and art. You can take a free guided tour to learn more about its history and significance.
Pappajohn Sculpture Park: This outdoor park features over 30 sculptures by world-renowned artists, including works by Jeff Koons, Yayoi Kusama, and Jaume Plensa. It’s a great place to take a stroll and appreciate some public art.
Des Moines Art Center: This museum features a collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, and Edward Hopper. The museum also hosts temporary exhibits and has a beautiful sculpture garden.
Science Center of Iowa: This hands-on museum is great for families with children. It features interactive exhibits on science, technology, and engineering, as well as an IMAX theater.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden: This botanical garden features a variety of plants from around the world, including orchids, cacti, and tropical plants. It also has a butterfly garden and a water garden.
Iowa State Fairgrounds: The Iowa State Fair is held annually in Des Moines and is one of the largest state fairs in the country. The fairgrounds also host other events throughout the year, such as concerts and horse shows.
East Village: This trendy neighborhood is home to boutiques, restaurants, and bars. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon shopping and dining, and it also has a farmer’s market on Saturdays during the summer months.
Des Moines Water Works Park: This park features over 1,500 acres of green space and is home to the Raccoon River. It’s a great place for hiking, biking, and picnicking.
These are just a few of the many attractions that Des Moines has to offer. Whether you’re interested in history, art, science, or nature, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.
Best Time To Visit Des Moines
The best time to visit Des Moines is from April to October when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. Spring (April to May) is the best time to enjoy the blooming flowers, while summer (June to August) offers various festivals and events to attend. Fall (September to October) is also a good time to visit as the foliage turns beautiful colors. Winter (November to March) can be quite cold and snowy, but if you enjoy winter sports, there are several opportunities for ice skating, skiing, and snowmobiling in the surrounding areas.
Things to Do in Des Moines
Visit the Iowa State Capitol: The Iowa State Capitol is a must-visit attraction in Des Moines. The building has a beautiful exterior and interior, and visitors can take a guided tour to learn about its history.
Explore the Pappajohn Sculpture Park: This 4.4-acre park features over 30 sculptures by world-renowned artists such as Jaume Plensa, Richard Serra, and Louise Bourgeois.
Visit the Des Moines Art Center: The Des Moines Art Center is a world-class museum that houses over 5,000 works of art from the 19th century to the present day.
Walk, run or bike on the High Trestle Trail: This 25-mile trail offers stunning views of the Des Moines River Valley and features a unique bridge with illuminated blue steel arches that light up at night.
See animals at Blank Park Zoo: The Blank Park Zoo is home to over 1,000 animals from around the world, including lions, tigers, and giraffes.
Explore the East Village: The East Village is a trendy neighborhood that features unique shops, galleries, and restaurants. It’s a great place to grab a bite to eat, shop for souvenirs, or take a stroll.
Visit the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden: The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden features over 1,200 plants from around the world and is a great place to relax and take in the beauty of nature.
Enjoy live music at Hoyt Sherman Place: Hoyt Sherman Place is a historic theater that hosts concerts, plays, and other performances throughout the year.
Take a tour of the Salisbury House & Gardens: The Salisbury House & Gardens is a historic mansion that was built in the 1920s and features beautiful gardens, antique furnishings, and an impressive art collection.
Explore the Iowa State Fairgrounds: The Iowa State Fairgrounds is home to the Iowa State Fair, which takes place every August, but also hosts various other events throughout the year, including concerts, livestock shows, and craft fairs.
How to get around in Des Moines
Des Moines, the capital of Iowa, has several transportation options for visitors to get around the city:
Public transportation: The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) provides bus service throughout the city and its suburbs. Visitors can purchase single-ride or day passes, or choose from several different weekly and monthly packages.
Bike sharing: The city has a bike-sharing program called B-cycle, which provides bikes for rent at various locations throughout the city.
Taxi and ride-sharing services: Several taxi and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate in Des Moines, providing visitors with a convenient way to get around the city.
Car rental: Several car rental companies operate in Des Moines, and visitors can rent a car for their stay to explore the city and its surroundings.
Walking: Des Moines is a walkable city, and many of its attractions are located in the downtown area, making it easy for visitors to explore on foot.
Where to eat in Des Moines
Des Moines has a thriving food scene with plenty of options to satisfy every taste and budget. Here are some popular restaurants to check out:
Zombie Burger + Drink Lab: A quirky burger joint that serves creative and delicious burgers, milkshakes, and cocktails.
Centro: An upscale Italian restaurant in the heart of downtown that serves homemade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and fresh seafood.
Fong’s Pizza: A Chinese-inspired pizza restaurant that serves unique and delicious pies, along with cocktails and craft beers.
La Mie Bakery: A French-inspired bakery that serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch, along with fresh-baked bread, pastries, and desserts.
Tacopocalypse: A funky taqueria that serves tacos with unique and delicious flavors, along with other Mexican-inspired dishes.
Django: A French-inspired bistro that serves classic dishes like steak frites and escargots, along with an extensive wine list.
Harbinger: A modern American restaurant that focuses on local and seasonal ingredients, serving small plates, craft cocktails, and natural wines.
These are just a few of the many great restaurants in Des Moines – there are plenty of other options to explore as well.
Famous street stalls in Des Moines
Des Moines, the capital city of Iowa, has several famous street stalls that offer delicious and unique foods. Here are some of the most popular street stalls in Des Moines:
Tacopocalypse – This taco truck offers creative and delicious tacos, burritos, and Korean-style dishes.
The Outside Scoop – This food truck serves handcrafted ice cream and sorbet made with locally sourced ingredients.
The Big Red Food Truck – This food truck serves classic American dishes like burgers, hot dogs, and fries, along with daily specials.
La Mie Express – This French bakery on wheels serves fresh-baked croissants, pastries, and bread, along with coffee and tea.
El Taquito – This Mexican food truck serves authentic tacos, burritos, and other dishes made with fresh ingredients.
Street Eats DSM – This food truck serves a variety of street foods from around the world, including banh mi sandwiches, falafel, and gyros.
Karam’s Mediterranean Grill – This food truck serves Mediterranean-style dishes like shawarma, falafel, and hummus.
These are just a few of the many street stalls in Des Moines. There are many more to explore and discover!
Where to stay in Des Moines
Luxury accommodation
Des Moines offers a variety of luxury accommodation options for visitors. Here are some recommendations for where to stay in Des Moines for a luxurious experience:
The Hotel Pattee – This historic boutique hotel is located in nearby Perry, Iowa and features luxurious rooms and suites with unique decor and furnishings. Amenities include a spa, a restaurant, and a bar.
The Des Lux Hotel – This boutique hotel is located in the heart of downtown Des Moines and offers spacious and elegantly appointed rooms and suites. Amenities include a fitness center, a restaurant, and a lounge.
The Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel – This historic hotel is located in the heart of downtown Des Moines and offers luxurious rooms and suites with elegant decor and modern amenities. Amenities include a fitness center, a restaurant, and a rooftop bar.
The Hilton Des Moines Downtown – This modern hotel is located in the heart of downtown Des Moines and offers luxurious rooms and suites with stylish decor and modern amenities. Amenities include a fitness center, a restaurant, and a rooftop bar.
The West Des Moines Marriott – This upscale hotel is located in the West Des Moines suburbs and offers luxurious rooms and suites with modern amenities. Amenities include a fitness center, a restaurant, and an indoor pool.
These are just a few of the many luxury accommodation options available in Des Moines. Depending on your preferences and budget, there are many other hotels and resorts to choose from in the area.
Where to stay in Des Moines
Budget accommodation
Des Moines has several budget-friendly accommodation options for visitors who are looking to save money on their trip. Here are some recommendations for where to stay in Des Moines for budget accommodation:
Motel 6 Des Moines North – This budget-friendly hotel offers simple rooms with basic amenities and is located just a few miles north of downtown Des Moines. Amenities include free parking and Wi-Fi.
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport – This budget hotel is located just minutes from the Des Moines International Airport and offers affordable rooms and suites with basic amenities. Amenities include free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking.
Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center – This budget-friendly hotel is located just a few miles from downtown Des Moines and offers comfortable rooms and suites with basic amenities. Amenities include free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking.
Super 8 by Wyndham Des Moines – This budget hotel is located just off I-35 and offers affordable rooms with basic amenities. Amenities include free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking.
Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Fairgrounds – This budget-friendly hotel is located just a few miles from downtown Des Moines and offers simple rooms and suites with basic amenities. Amenities include free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking.
These are just a few of the many budget-friendly accommodation options available in Des Moines. Depending on your preferences and budget, there are many other hotels, motels, and hostels to choose from in the area.
Travel Tips Des Moines
If you’re planning a trip to Des Moines, here are some travel tips to keep in mind:
Visit the Iowa State Fair – The Iowa State Fair is one of the largest state fairs in the United States and is held annually in Des Moines in August. It’s a great way to experience Iowa’s agricultural heritage and enjoy carnival rides, concerts, and delicious fair food.
Explore the downtown area – Downtown Des Moines has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with plenty of galleries, museums, and theaters to explore. It’s also home to many great restaurants, cafes, and bars.
Check out the bike trails – Des Moines has a great network of bike trails that run along the rivers and through the city’s parks. Rent a bike or bring your own and explore the city on two wheels.
Visit the Des Moines Farmers’ Market – The Des Moines Farmers’ Market is one of the largest farmers’ markets in the Midwest and is held every Saturday morning from May to October. It’s a great place to buy fresh produce, artisanal products, and local crafts.
Attend a festival or event – Des Moines hosts many festivals and events throughout the year, including the Des Moines Arts Festival, the World Food & Music Festival, and the Des Moines Marathon. Check the city’s events calendar to see what’s happening during your visit.
Rent a car – While Des Moines has public transportation options, renting a car can make it easier to explore the surrounding area, including nearby attractions like the Bridges of Madison County or the Amana Colonies.
Pack for the weather – Des Moines has a four-season climate, so be sure to pack appropriate clothing for the time of year you’re visiting. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters can be cold and snowy.
These are just a few travel tips to keep in mind when visiting Des Moines. With its vibrant culture, beautiful parks, and friendly people, Des Moines is a great destination for any traveler.