Des Moines

Travel Guide

Des Moines featuring a city, a bridge and a sunset
Des Moines
Des Moines Art Center showing interior views and art
Des Moines Art Center showing outdoor art and outdoor eating as well as a small group of people
Iowa State Capitol Building featuring heritage architecture and a garden

Admire beautiful buildings and indulge in boutique shopping in Iowa’s capital city, which is also close to hiking trails and adventure parks.

Known for its beautiful State Capitol Building and as the host of the annual Iowa State Fair, Des Moines is also home to popular hiking trails, a zoo and a huge botanical garden.

Many of the city’s attractions are in the East Village, a historic area on the east side of the Des Moines River. Start out at the State Capitol Building, a grand three-story 19th-century building. Its dome is gilded with thin sheets of gold and its peak is 275-feet (84 metres) high. You’ll need to phone ahead to book the free guided tour find contact details on the Iowa Legislature website.

Just a 10 minute-walk from the capitol is the the State of Iowa Historical Museum, which has free admission, parking and family-friendly activities. Much of Iowa’s history is documented at the museum, from the earliest days of the Native Americans through to the pioneers and, more recently, military troops. See vintage aircraft, fossils, a simulated coal mine and the complete skeleton of a 12-foot mammoth, believed to have died 15,000 years ago.

Head to the riverside to find the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. Here, you can see more than 15,000 plants, one of the largest collections in the Midwest. There is a fee for entry but check the website as the garden offers a number of free days each year. At the Blank Park Zoo, enjoy more than 49 acres (20 hectares) dedicated to 104 animal species including red pandas, lions and giraffes.

Don’t leave Des Moines without exploring the East Village shopping and dining scene. You’ll find plenty of bars, specialty stores and cute cafés.

Getting around Des Moines is easy. The free D-Line Trolley will take you to major downtown attractions. Use the Des Moines Skyway System, more than 4 miles (6 kilometres) of enclosed walkways, to get around on foot. To cover a greater area, subscribe to the bike-sharing facility, B-cycle. If you are driving, there is user-pay parking in the downtown area, with free street parking on weekends.

Where to stay in Des Moines

State Historical Society of Iowa Museum which includes a high-rise building, landscape views and a city

Downtown Des Moines

4/5(1 area review)

The abundant dining options and live music are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Des Moines. A stop by Polk County Courthouse or 801 Grand might round out your trip.

Downtown Des Moines
Historic East Village

Historic East Village

Historic East Village is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Wooly's and Iowa State Capitol Building while you're in town.

Historic East Village
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Court District

Travellers come to Court District for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Science Center of Iowa and Polk County Courthouse while you're in town.

Court District
Grays Lake showing a lake or waterhole

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.

Greater South Side
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Southwestern Hills

Though Southwestern Hills may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Gray’s Lake Park and Lauridsen Amphitheater.

Southwestern Hills
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Drake

While visiting Drake, you might make a stop by sights like Des Moines Community Playhouse and Knapp Center.

Drake
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
4.5 out of 5
1000 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA
The price is S$176 per night from 4 Jul to 5 Jul
S$176
4 Jul - 5 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,030 reviews)
"Nicely updated hotel in a good location. Would stay again and recommend."

Reviewed on 28 Jun, 2025

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
3 out of 5
1050 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA
The price is S$172 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
S$172
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"I like the location. However, I couldn't park my car at the hotel parking lot due to construction, which created the inconvenience for guests parked their car across the street, with invisible signs that I couldn't see. I drove around in circles for couple time before I could park my car. I wish ..."

Reviewed on 26 Jun, 2025

Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
2 out of 5
1901 Hackley Ave, Des Moines, IA
The price is S$103 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
S$103
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,517 reviews)
"OK"

Reviewed on 1 Jul, 2025

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Kasa Downtown Des Moines
Kasa Downtown Des Moines
4 out of 5
550 Watson Powell Junior Way, Des Moines, IA
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, a business center, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Wells Fargo Arena ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (90 reviews)
Birthday Weekend
"We really enjoyed our stay! Check in and out was so easy. Great location. Everything was neat and tidy and set up well. Would definitely recommend!"

Reviewed on 29 Jun, 2025

Kasa Downtown Des Moines
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Des Moines

5
Top destination
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3 - Okay
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Not at the moment, very friendly city though