Des Moines, Iowa is a vibrant metropolis filled with surprises and has loads of enjoyable actions to maintain you entertained. From outside adventures to cultural experiences, there’s no scarcity of enjoyable issues to do in Des Moines.
So whether or not you’re curious to study what residing in Des Moines is like or serious about shopping for a home or renting an residence in Des Moines, hold studying to see the perfect of what this Midwestern gem has to supply.
1. Go to the Iowa State Fairgrounds
In the event you occur to be in Des Moines through the state honest, you’re in for a deal with. However even when you’re not, the fairgrounds are price a go to. You possibly can see the well-known butter cow sculpture, try the classic automotive museum, or catch a horse race.
2. Discover the Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Positioned in downtown Des Moines, this park options over 30 artistic endeavors by world-renowned sculptors, together with Louise Bourgeois, Jaume Plensa, and Richard Serra. The sculptures vary in dimension and magnificence, from summary items to extra representational works.
Guests can stroll by the park on their very own or take a guided tour to study 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 shouldn’t be solely a formidable architectural feat, nevertheless it’s additionally filled with historical past. Take a guided tour to study 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 without doubt one of the metropolis’s greatest breweries. Pattern a few of their distinctive brews of their taproom or on their outside 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 several other eating places and retailers. The Riverwalk is accessible year-round and is an effective way to discover town and get some train on the identical time.
6. Catch a sport at Principal Park
On the lookout for enjoyable issues to do in Des Moines for sports activities lovers? Principal Park has you coated. Positioned on the Des Moines Riverwalk, Principal Park is residence to the Iowa Cubs, a minor league baseball crew affiliated with the Chicago Cubs. Seize a scorching canine and a beer and revel in a sport on this stunning stadium.
7. Go to the Des Moines Artwork Heart
The Des Moines Artwork Heart is residence to a formidable assortment of latest and trendy 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 Nineteen 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 Fort.
Guests can take guided excursions of the home to find out about its historical past and structure, in addition to discover the gardens, which characteristic fountains, sculptures, and a wide range of crops and bushes. Salisbury Home and Gardens additionally hosts particular occasions and academic applications all year long.
9. Buy groceries on the East Village
The East Village is a classy neighborhood in downtown Des Moines that has a wide range of retailers, eating places, and galleries. Browse the boutiques for distinctive clothes and accessories, 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 be residence to a number of festivals and occasions all year long, together with the Des Moines Farmers’ Market and the 80/35 Music Pageant.
10. Discover the Clean Park Zoo
Spending a day on the Clean Park Zoo is without doubt one of the many enjoyable issues to do in Des Moines for individuals of all ages. The zoo is residence to over 800 animals from world wide, together with lions, tigers, giraffes, and zebras. Friends can stroll by the displays and see the animals up shut, in addition to attend instructional applications and particular occasions. The zoo additionally incorporates a carousel, a practice journey, and a playground for youths.
11. Tour the World Meals Prize Corridor of Laureates
The World Meals Prize Corridor of Laureates is a museum and occasion house devoted to the science of meals and agricultural analysis. Take a guided tour to study concerning the work of the World Meals Prize laureates and discover the numerous fascinating displays.
12. Go ice skating at Brenton Skating Plaza
Brenton Skating Plaza is open through 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 Heart
The Des Moines Civic Heart is residence to a number of resident corporations, together with the Des Moines Symphony, the Des Moines Metro Opera, and the Ballet Des Moines. The Civic Heart hosts a wide range of performances all year long, together with Broadway reveals, comedy acts, and live shows.
The middle additionally options a wide range of areas for conferences and occasions, in addition to a restaurant and bar. Test 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 study concerning the state’s historical past, from its earliest inhabitants to the current day. The museum options interactive displays, artifacts, and academic applications.
15. Take a scenic drive by the Loess Hills
The Loess Hills are a novel geological formation positioned 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 a neighborhood 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 a neighborhood brewery, there’s one thing for everybody on this vibrant metropolis.
