Things To Do
in Des Moines
Des Moines is the capital city of Iowa, known for its vibrant cultural scene and friendly, welcoming community. The city is home to numerous parks and outdoor recreational opportunities, including the scenic Des Moines River. Des Moines is also a hub for business and industry, with a growing economy and diverse job market.
Residents and visitors alike can enjoy a variety of dining options, shopping experiences, and cultural events in this lively Midwestern city.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $70 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $25
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $80
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Science Center of Iowa for interactive exhibits. After that, take a stroll through the Pappajohn Sculpture Park to admire the outdoor art.
Enjoy lunch at one of the local cafes in the East Village. Then head to the Iowa State Capitol to explore the stunning architecture and history.
Dine at a trendy restaurant in Downtown Des Moines for a taste of local cuisine. After dinner, catch a live show at the Des Moines Civic Center.
Kick off your day with breakfast at a local diner, then head to the Jordan Creek Town Center for shopping. Browse through a variety of stores and boutiques.
Enjoy lunch at the mall, then venture to the Historic East Village for more unique shops. Don't forget to visit the Iowa Historical Building.
Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the East Village, opting for something local and delicious. Wrap up your day with a movie at one of the nearby theaters.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Affordable cost of living compared to national averages
- Strong job market with diverse employment opportunities
- Family-friendly community with good schools
- Access to extensive parks and recreational activities
- Vibrant arts and culture scene
- Cold winters with significant snowfall
- Limited public transportation options
- Less diversity in terms of cultural and culinary experiences
- Fewer entertainment and nightlife options compared to larger cities
- Potential for tornadoes and severe weather during certain seasons
Best Activities in Des Moines
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy walking, biking, boating, and picnicking around the beautiful lake.
Explore the outdoor art exhibit featuring a variety of sculpture pieces in a park setting.
Take a bike ride or walk along this scenic trail with a unique half-mile bridge and beautiful views.
Tours
Uncover the best of Des Moines with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Des Moines
Visit one of these nice places.
Features a range of contemporary sculptures and provides great photo opportunities
Offers panoramic views of the city from the dome and beautiful architectural photo spots
Scenic views of the lake, walking paths, and opportunities for nature photography
Iconic bridge with unique architecture and stunning views, especially at sunset
Food in Des Moines
Des Moines Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A must-try local favorite, featuring a breaded and fried pork tenderloin served on a bun. Check out Smitty’s on the south side of Des Moines for an authentic experience.
Must-Try!
A fusion of traditional Mexican flavors and Iowa pork, often served with pickled vegetables and a drizzle of local honey. Try Tacopocalypse for their creative take on this dish.
A classic fair food with a Des Moines twist. Head to the Iowa State Fair or any local food stand for a taste of this beloved treat.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Des Moines better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of the largest farmer's markets in the Midwest, offering a wide array of fresh produce, artisanal products, and locally made food items. Don't miss the food stands featuring diverse street food from around the world.
A foodie's paradise, this street boasts a variety of food trucks and vendors offering everything from gourmet grilled cheese to authentic Ethiopian injera. Explore the vibrant food scene along this culinary strip.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Des Moines, it is important to respect personal space and avoid standing too close to others, especially when engaging in conversation.
Punctuality is valued in Des Moines, so it's important to be on time for appointments and social gatherings.
Using polite language, such as 'please' and 'thank you', is highly appreciated and an important part of respectful behavior in Des Moines.
Safety
Tipping in Des Moines
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is a common practice in Des Moines, United States, especially in restaurants, cafes, and bars. It is customary to tip around 15-20% of the total bill for good service.
In Des Moines, United States, payment methods such as credit/debit cards, cash, and mobile payment apps are widely accepted. Contactless payment options are becoming increasingly popular, and many businesses also accept digital wallets and online payment services.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Des Moines is in the spring, from April to June, when the weather is mild and the city is in full bloom with colorful flowers and greenery. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities, festivals, and events during this time.
Summer is another great time to visit Des Moines, from June to August, when the city comes alive with outdoor concerts, fairs, and farmers markets. The weather is warm and perfect for exploring the city's parks and outdoor attractions.
Fall, particularly September and October, offers pleasant weather and beautiful foliage, making it a good time to visit Des Moines. Visitors can enjoy fall festivals, apple picking, and outdoor activities as the city transitions into the colorful autumn season.
While winter in Des Moines can be cold, from December to February, it offers a unique charm with holiday lights, ice skating, and indoor cultural activities. Visitors can experience the festive spirit and enjoy seasonal events and attractions during this time.
Des Moines at Night
Hiking in Des Moines
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful urban park with walking trails, scenic views of the lake, and opportunities for outdoor activities.
Located north of Des Moines, this park features stunning views of the Des Moines River, rock formations, and a variety of hiking trails.
A large park with a variety of trails, including paths near the water, woodlands, and open fields, perfect for hiking and nature walks.
Offering trails along the shoreline, this area provides excellent opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and enjoying nature.
Located just outside Des Moines, this park offers numerous trails and beautiful views of Big Creek Lake, perfect for hiking and picnicking.
Aiports
How to reach Des Moines by plane.
Located approximately 330 miles northeast of Des Moines, ORD is one of the busiest airports in the United States, offering numerous international and domestic flights.
About 200 miles south of Des Moines, MCI serves as a major gateway for flights in and out of the central United States with a range of international destinations.
Located around 250 miles north of Des Moines, MSP is a major hub for international flights and provides extensive services to various destinations worldwide.
Approximately 250 miles southeast of Des Moines, STL is another significant airport serving both domestic and international travelers.
Located about 140 miles west of Des Moines, OMA primarily serves domestic flights but also offers limited international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority racial group in Des Moines, often comprising a significant percentage of the population.
A prominent racial group in Des Moines, contributing to the cultural diversity of the city.
A growing demographic group in Des Moines, encompassing a variety of cultural backgrounds.
Includes several ethnicities, such as Chinese, Indian, and others, reflecting a diverse population.
A smaller but significant demographic group with indigenous roots.
Includes multiracial individuals and those identifying with other racial categories not specified.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is a popular sport in Des Moines, with numerous local teams and leagues, as well as a strong following for college and professional games.
American football enjoys a large fan base in Des Moines, with high school and college-level games drawing significant crowds.
Soccer has been growing in popularity, with various youth leagues and the presence of semi-professional teams in the region.
Baseball is a traditional sport in Des Moines, with community leagues and minor league teams contributing to the local sports culture.
Ice hockey has a dedicated following, with youth leagues and adult recreational leagues, as well as a minor league team.
Wrestling is a prominent sport, particularly at the high school level, with Des Moines being home to several competitive teams.
Running is a popular recreational activity in Des Moines, with various races and marathons held throughout the year.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Des Moines.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Des Moines has a growing number of restaurants and cafes offering vegetarian and vegan-friendly options. Look out for places like Krunkwich Ramen House, which offers inventive plant-based ramen bowls.
Many eateries in Des Moines are accommodating to gluten-free dietary needs. Restaurants like Bubba offer a dedicated gluten-free menu featuring Southern comfort food classics without compromising on flavor.