Search results
Things to Do in Des Moines, Iowa: See Tripadvisor's 45,329 traveler reviews and photos of Des Moines tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in April. We have reviews of the best places to see in Des Moines. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions.
- Pappajohn Sculpture Park
#6 of 119 things to do in Des Moines. Parks. Open now. 6:00...
- Salisbury House
#14 of 119 things to do in Des Moines. Historic Sites Art...
- Capitol Building
#1 of 119 things to do in Des Moines. Government Buildings....
- Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Discover why Des Moines is the fastest-growing city in the Midwest with attractions, arts, tours and nightlife for all ages and interests. Explore regional specialties, craft beer, farmers' market, biking trails, zoo, shopping and more.
- Des Moines Art Center
- Des Moines’ Downtown Farmers’ Market
- Des Moines Civic Center
- Salisbury House & Gardens
- World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
- Blank Park Zoo
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
- The Science Center of Iowa
- State Historical Museum
- Jasper Winery
Established in 1948, the Des Moines Art Centeris one of the best tourist attractions in all of IA. Des Moines Art Center is a museum for modern and contemporary art of all mediums. By embracing and valuing the differences in those belonging to the center’s community and all those who walk through its doors, the museum aims to be representative in i...
Des Moines’ Downtown Farmers’ Marketis one of the many fun things to do in Des Moines. The market supports nearly 300 local vendors through intentionally connecting urban and rural communities. Over the past few years, the market has become a place where friends meet, families shop, people vibe, and local purveyors succeed. Home to artists, farmers...
First opening its doors in 1979, Des Moines Civic Centeris a testament to the power of a community’s dream to house local performers and performances. Since 1979, the center has evolved into a world-class epicenter of Iowan entertainment. However, in addition to hosting amazing performances throughout the year, the center also hosts amazing perform...
Built in 1928 by cosmetic royalty, the Salisbury House & Gardensis one of many cool things to do in Des Moines. The astounding manor home is a Tudor built in the Gothic and Carolean styles. Modeled after a king’s house, the manor is home to 16th century English oak woodwork and rafters that date back to the Shakespearean Era. Of note, the manor hou...
Housed in the century-old Des Moines Public Library Building, the World Food Prize Hall of Laureatespays homage to Dr. Norman Borlaug and his achievements in fighting hunger. One of many unique things to see in Des Moines, the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates is a museum that recognizes achievements in agriculture. It is also home to the Global Y...
This 49-acre zoological park is one of many fun things to do in Des Moines, Iowa. Through a marriage of recreation, education, research, and conservation, Blank Park Zooinspires a deep appreciation for nature. Set in a beautiful outdoor park setting, visitors to the zoo have the opportunity to experience wild animals in their natural habitat. Speak...
Located just outside downtown Des Moines, Iowa, this attraction is one of the best places to see near the city. This 14-acre botanical garden situated along the Des Moines River is one of the most beautiful places to see in the US. Notably, this site hopes to inspire, engage, and educate visitors about diverse plants and the environment in which th...
If you’re looking for things to do in downtown Des Moines, look no further. The Science Center of Iowais one of a few points of interest that you won’t want to miss. This center brings science to life through interactive exhibits, special format theatres, and special programming that attracts visitors young and old. The museum is learner-centered, ...
Operated by the Historical Society of Iowa, the State Historical Museumis a place where visitors can explore and learn about the state’s rich history. If you’re interested in historical stuff to do while visiting Iowa, this is the place for you. Notably, during a visit to the State Historical Museum, you will hear about life in Iowa before it becam...
The pet project of avid gardeners Jean and Paul Groben, Jasper Winerywas first established in a renovated warehouse. With the planting of their first grapevines in 2000, Jasper Winery was off and running. With the help of their son, an expert in grape growing and wine science, Jasper Winery was established as an acclaimed vineyard. The winery has e...
Feb 11, 2021 · Ranking of the top 14 things to do in Des Moines. Travelers favorites include #1 Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, #2 John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park and more.
- Sample Farm-Fresh Eats at the Downtown Farmers’ Market. Stopping by the Downtown Farmers’ Market is easily one of the most fun things to do in Des Moines if you want to get a feel for the local culture.
- Take a Tour of the Historic Iowa State Capitol Building. Built between 1871 and 1886, the magnificent Iowa State Capitol building is easily one of the top Des Moines attractions.
- Check Out the Massive Sculptures in the Pappajohn Sculpture Park. If you’re looking for unique things to do in Des Moines, you really can’t beat the Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
- Peruse Art at the Des Moines Art Center. In addition to the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, art enthusiasts will want to add a visit to the Des Moines Art Center to their Des Moines sightseeing itinerary.
Explore Greater Des Moines' four-season attractions, from biking trails and movie theaters to pumpkin patches and music festivals. Find out how to enjoy the outdoors, the arts, the culture and the cuisine in this diverse and dynamic city.
Discover the buzz of Greater Des Moines, the fastest growing metro in the Midwest. Find events, food, places to stay and more in this vibrant city with only the S's silent.