What to do in Des Moines, IA
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Popular places to visit
Adventureland
Bring the family to Adventureland and enjoy this exciting theme park in Altoona. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals.
Principal Park
Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theatre scene.
Iowa State Capitol Building
A city landmark, this interesting building showcases design and architectural features that created a grand impression in the late 1800s and still inspire today.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Experience the tropics in an indoor garden oasis nearly 100 years old alongside a meandering river in this Midwestern city.
Des Moines Art Center
Spend time admiring the architectural lines of this art and education center before heading inside to view its outstanding collection.
Living History Farms
You can spend time exploring the galleries in Living History Farms during your travels in Urbandale. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.
Drake University
Explore the campus of Drake University during your travels in Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event.
Jordan Creek Town Center
You can do some window-shopping at Jordan Creek Town Center during your visit to West Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.
Iowa State Fairgrounds
Enjoy an outing to Iowa State Fairgrounds during your stay in Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.
Explore areas of Des Moines
Downtown Des Moines
The abundant dining options and live music are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Des Moines. A stop by Des Moines Civic Center or Science Center of Iowa might round out your trip.
Historic East Village
Find beautiful government buildings, cultural attractions and a garden oasis in this older section of the city extending along a pretty riverfront.
Court District
Travellers come to Court District for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Science Center of Iowa and Principal Park while you're in town.
Greater South Side
While there might not be top attractions in Greater South Side, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Gray’s Lake Park and Lauridsen Amphitheater.
Beaverdale
While Beaverdale isn't home to many top sights, Merle Hay Mall and Des Moines Art Center are some notable places to visit nearby.
Lovington
Lovington is popular for its ample dining options, and you might make a stop by Merle Hay Mall, a top place to visit in the area.