Des Moines, Iowa is a vibrant metropolis filled with surprises and has loads of enjoyable actions to maintain you entertained. From out of doors adventures to cultural experiences, there’s no scarcity of enjoyable issues to do in Des Moines.
So whether or not you’re curious to be taught what dwelling in Des Moines is like or occupied with shopping for a home or renting an residence in Des Moines, maintain studying to see the very best of what this Midwestern gem has to supply.
1. Go to the Iowa State Fairgrounds
Should you occur to be in Des Moines in the course of the state truthful, you’re in for a deal with. However even if you happen to’re not, the fairgrounds are value a go to. You’ll be able to see the well-known butter cow sculpture, try the classic automotive museum, or catch a horse race.
2. Discover the Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Situated in downtown Des Moines, this park options over 30 artworks by world-renowned sculptors, together with Louise Bourgeois, Jaume Plensa, and Richard Serra. The sculptures vary in measurement and elegance, from summary items to extra representational works.
Guests can stroll by the park on their very own or take a guided tour to be taught extra concerning the artwork and the artists behind it. The park is free and open to the general public year-round.
3. Study Iowa historical past on the State Capitol
The Iowa State Capitol constructing just isn’t solely a powerful architectural feat, nevertheless it’s additionally filled with historical past. Take a guided tour to be taught concerning the constructing’s building and the state’s political historical past.
4. Get pleasure from a beer at Confluence Brewing Firm
Des Moines has a thriving craft beer scene, and Confluence Brewing Firm is among the metropolis’s greatest breweries. Pattern a few of their distinctive brews of their taproom or on their out of doors patio.
5. Take a stroll alongside the Des Moines Riverwalk
The Des Moines Riverwalk is a 1.2-mile path that winds alongside the Des Moines River. It’s a well-liked spot for locals and guests alike to stroll, run, bike, or just benefit from the views of the river and town skyline.
Alongside the path, you’ll discover public artwork installations, gardens, and a number of other eating places and retailers. The Riverwalk is accessible year-round and is a good way to discover town and get some train on the identical time.
6. Catch a recreation at Principal Park
Searching for enjoyable issues to do in Des Moines for sports activities lovers? Principal Park has you coated. Situated on the Des Moines Riverwalk, Principal Park is residence to the Iowa Cubs, a minor league baseball staff affiliated with the Chicago Cubs. Seize a sizzling canine and a beer and luxuriate in a recreation on this stunning stadium.
7. Go to the Des Moines Artwork Middle
The Des Moines Artwork Middle is residence to a powerful assortment of up to date and fashionable artwork, together with works by Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, and Georgia O’Keeffe. The museum additionally hosts particular exhibitions and occasions all year long.
8. Take a tour of the Salisbury Home and Gardens
This mansion turned museum was constructed within the Twenties by cosmetics magnate Carl Weeks and options spectacular structure, together with a Tudor-style Nice Corridor and a library modeled after one in England’s Warwick Fortress.
Guests can take guided excursions of the home to study its historical past and structure, in addition to discover the gardens, which characteristic fountains, sculptures, and a wide range of crops and timber. Salisbury Home and Gardens additionally hosts particular occasions and academic packages all year long.
9. Buy groceries on the East Village
The East Village is a stylish neighborhood in downtown Des Moines that has a wide range of retailers, eating places, and galleries. Browse the boutiques for distinctive clothes and niknaks, seize a cup of espresso or a chunk to eat at one of many many cafes and eating places, or try the native artwork galleries.
East Village can also be residence to a number of festivals and occasions all year long, together with the Des Moines Farmers’ Market and the 80/35 Music Competition.
10. Discover the Clean Park Zoo
Spending a day on the Clean Park Zoo is among the many enjoyable issues to do in Des Moines for folks of all ages. The zoo is residence to over 800 animals from around the globe, together with lions, tigers, giraffes, and zebras. Visitors can stroll by the reveals and see the animals up shut, in addition to attend academic packages and particular occasions. The zoo additionally incorporates a carousel, a practice trip, and a playground for teenagers.
11. Tour the World Meals Prize Corridor of Laureates
The World Meals Prize Corridor of Laureates is a museum and occasion area devoted to the science of meals and agricultural analysis. Take a guided tour to be taught concerning the work of the World Meals Prize laureates and discover the numerous fascinating reveals.
12. Go ice skating at Brenton Skating Plaza
Brenton Skating Plaza is open in the course of the winter months and provides ice skating for guests of all ages and talent ranges. The rink is located on the Des Moines River and provides stunning views of town skyline.
Brenton Skating Plaza additionally hosts a number of particular occasions all through the winter, together with music performances and themed skating nights. In the summertime months, the rink transforms right into a curler rink.
13. See a present on the Des Moines Civic Middle
The Des Moines Civic Middle is residence to a number of resident firms, together with the Des Moines Symphony, the Des Moines Metro Opera, and the Ballet Des Moines. The Civic Middle hosts a wide range of performances all year long, together with Broadway reveals, comedy acts, and concert events.
The middle additionally options a wide range of areas for conferences and occasions, in addition to a restaurant and bar. Verify the schedule and seize tickets for an evening out in town.
14. Go to the Iowa State Historic Museum
The Iowa State Historic Museum is a good place to be taught concerning the state’s historical past, from its earliest inhabitants to the current day. The museum options interactive reveals, artifacts, and academic packages.
15. Take a scenic drive by the Loess Hills
The Loess Hills are a novel geological formation situated simply exterior of Des Moines. Take a stroll or a scenic drive by the hills and benefit from the stunning views of the countryside.
16. Discover the Neal Smith Nationwide Wildlife Refuge
The Neal Smith Nationwide Wildlife Refuge is a good place to expertise Iowa’s pure magnificence. Take a hike by the prairie or go to the bison and elk herds that roam the refuge.
Whether or not you’re an area or a customer, there are many enjoyable issues to do in Des Moines. From exploring artwork within the sculpture park to having fun with a chilly beer at an area brewery, there’s one thing for everybody on this vibrant metropolis.
