Discover Des Moines Attractions
Explore museums, parks, entertainment venues, and cultural attractions throughout the capital city
Des Moines Attractions
Showing 1-22 of 22 attractions
Des Moines Downtown Farmers' Market
Saturday morning market (May-October) featuring 300 vendors selling local produce, goods, food items, and live music performances.
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Awe-inspiring sculpture park
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Indoor and outdoor botanical garden featuring temperate to tropical plants, educational programs, and Trellis Café.
Adventureland
Amusement park
State Capitol
Historic government building featuring a gold dome, governor's office, Iowa Senate and House of Representatives. Offers free guided tours, Law Library, art works and hand-carved designs.
Des Moines Art Center
Art museum featuring rotating exhibits, permanent collections including works by Matisse, Monet, and O'Keeffe, with free admission.
Water Works Park
15,000-acre green space offering running, biking, bird-watching, fishing, boat rentals, and winter activities including Jolly Holidays Lights display.
East Village
Trendy neighborhood featuring local restaurants, shops, galleries and art displays, including notable establishments like RAYGUN, Alba Restaurant, and Zombie Burger.
Iowa State Capitol
A striking state capitol building that offers free visits
17th Avenue Dog Park
Dog park
515 Brewing Company
Brewery
A.H. Blank Golf Course
Golf course
Iowa State Fair
Two-week celebration in August featuring trade shows, exhibits, art galleries, amusement rides, live music, food stands and concerts.
John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park
4.4-acre landscaped space featuring over 20 sculptured art works, hosts Des Moines Arts Festival and 80/35 Music Festival.
Altoona Aquatics Park
Aquatics park
Prairie Meadows Racetrack, Casino, and Hotel
Racetrack, casino and hotel complex
Blank Park Zoo
A zoo featuring various animals
Adventureland Resort
Features waterslides and family entertainment
Gray's Lake
Outdoor recreation area suitable for walks
High Trestle Trail
Biking and walking trail
Science Center of Iowa
Science museum offering free admission
Principal Park
Triple-A minor league baseball stadium, home to Iowa Cubs, featuring special events and fireworks shows.
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Things to Do in Des Moines, Iowa
Des Moines, the capital city of Iowa, offers a diverse array of attractions that cater to every interest and age group. From world-class museums and interactive science centers to sprawling parks and outdoor recreation, there's something for everyone in the Greater Des Moines Area. Our comprehensive guide covers 22+ attractions to help you plan the perfect visit.
Whether you're a local looking for new weekend activities or a tourist planning a trip to central Iowa, Des Moines delivers with attractions like the Pappajohn Sculpture Park (one of the largest free outdoor sculpture parks in the country), the Des Moines Art Center (offering free admission to internationally recognized collections), and the Science Center of Iowa (featuring hands-on exhibits and an IMAX theater). Families will love Blank Park Zoo, Adventureland Park, and the city's extensive network of playgrounds and splash pads.
Use the filters above to narrow down attractions by type, rating, or featured status. Switch to map view to find attractions near you. Each attraction page includes visitor information, directions, and tips to make the most of your visit to Des Moines.
Des Moines Attractions - Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about attractions, museums, and things to see in Des Moines, Iowa.