Top 10 Things to do in Des Moines, Lowa

Name: Top 10 Things to do in Des Moines, Lowa
Uploaded: 2025-10-04T10:13:22+00:00
Duration: 14 min 40 s
Channel: Destination Deca

Destination Deca

Join Destination Deca as Adam takes you on an in-depth tour of Des Moines, Iowa. This long-form travel guide covers the Top 10 must-see attractions plus two bonus spots, packed with history, fun facts, trip tips, best times to visit, and practical travel advice to help you plan an unforgettable visit to Iowa’s capital.

What you’ll see

10 Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden — Explore themed conservatories, seasonal displays, rare plants, and photo-perfect lantern festivals.

9 Blank Park Zoo — Family-friendly animal encounters, conservation programs, and behind-the-scenes tours. Fun fact: Blank Park focuses on regional and endangered species education.

8 Iowa State Capitol — Marvel at the golden dome, historic murals, and guided tours explaining Iowa’s political history. Fun fact: the dome is covered with 23-carat gold leaf.

7 Up-Down DSM — Classic arcade vibes, pinball machines, and locally brewed beer in a retro setting. Fun fact: Up-Down combines nostalgia and social nightlife.

6 Salisbury House and Gardens — A Tudor-style mansion with art, antiques, and riverside grounds inspired by English country houses. History note: built in the 1920s by financier Carl Weeks.

5 Pappajohn Sculpture Park — 4.4 acres of modern sculpture in the heart of downtown; perfect for walking tours and sunsets. Fun fact: the park includes works by internationally recognized sculptors and rotates exhibits periodically.

4 Des Moines Downtown Farmers’ Market — One of the largest farmers markets in the Midwest with local produce, crafts, live music, and food stalls.

3 Gray’s Lake Park — Scenic lakeside trails, paddleboats, and skyline views; ideal for biking and picnics.

2 Adventureland Park — Classic amusement park thrills with roller coasters, water rides, and family attractions.

1 Iowa State Fairgrounds — Home to the legendary Iowa State Fair with food on a stick, concerts, livestock shows, and iconic Midwestern culture. History note: the fair draws national attention each August.

Bonus places

Bonus A The East Village — Eclectic shops, restaurants, and nightlife with local art and window-shopping charm.

Bonus B Des Moines Art Center — Free entry museum with rotating exhibitions and impressive permanent collections.
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Transcript

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00:00Welcome back, fellow travelers. I'm Adam, your host.

00:05Growing up, Des Moines was that city we'd pass on Midwest road trips or where we'd tune in for the Iowa caucuses.

00:12But I never understood its real personality until I started exploring with curiosity in mind.

00:18What I found was a destination that blends small-town friendliness with big-city creativity, international flair, and local pride.

00:25Whether you love art, nature, quirky eats, or a good old-fashioned fare, there's truly something here for everyone.

00:35Let's break down the very best this city has to offer and give you trip tips, history, fun facts, and everything you need for an ultimate Des Moines adventure.

00:4510. Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

00:47Kicking off our countdown at number 10 is the lush, living oasis right on the Des Moines River, the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.

00:57This 14-acre garden is open year-round, located just north of downtown along the east bank of the river.

01:05Whether frost is on the ground or Iowa's summer sun is blazing, you can take a tropical escape inside the geodesic-domed conservatory.

01:13With over 1,200 plant varieties including rare tropicals, desert cacti, and Midwestern natives, it's a paradise for botany buffs, photographers, or anyone needing a peaceful walk.

01:28Outside, you'll find themed gardens, including a newly expanded Asian garden, a colorful rose garden, water features, living walls, and prairie plants representing Iowa's natural beauty.

01:39The dream for a public garden in Des Moines dates back to 1929, but the modern garden opened as a domed conservatory in 1979.

01:50After a rebrand and non-profit management transition in 2013, the garden has undergone significant expansion, commitment to inclusion and community engagement, and now plays host to major events, a sought-after wedding venue, and the highly-rated Flora Cafe.

02:069. Blank Park Zoo, coming in at No. 9 Blank Park Zoo.

02:14An absolute must for families or animal lovers.

02:18This 49-acre zoo on the south side of Des Moines boasts over 1,500 animals representing 100-plus species, with an emphasis on conservation and education.

02:27Walk through immersive habitats like the African savannah, Australia Adventure, the Discovery Center with tropical birds and reptiles, and don't miss giraffe feedings or sea lion presentations.

02:40For little explorers, Kids Kingdom offers hands on animal encounters.

02:45Fun facts, Blank Park Zoo is the only accredited zoo in Iowa by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

02:53Their giraffe feeding platform brings you eye-to-eye with one of nature's tallest creatures, and annual events like night eyes transform the zoo into a not-so-spooky Halloween wonderland.

03:06Trip Tips.

03:07Check the zoo site for hours.

03:10General admission is often under $20 for adults, with discounts for children and seniors, and free parking.

03:17Allow two to three hours for your visit, and check the events calendar for special seasonal happenings.

03:248. Iowa State Capitol.

03:26Number 8 is where Iowa's story comes alive, the golden-domed Iowa State Capitol.

03:33Guided and self-guided tours are free and offer you access to one of America's most spectacular statehouses.

03:40The building dominates the Des Moines skyline with its central dome gilded in 23 ¾-carat gold and four smaller domes, set atop a sprawling hill.

03:50Inside, you'll find the iconic Law Library, a four-story, spiraling chamber often called one of the most beautiful government spaces in the country.

04:01The rotunda features Abraham Lincoln quotes, marble staircases, and art dedicated to Iowa's trailblazers, including the Westward Mural.

04:10Make sure to see the model USS Iowa, the first latest doll collection, and relics from Iowa's military history.

04:20Fun Facts.

04:22This is the only five-domed state capital in the United States.

04:26It took 17 years and 29 types of marble to complete, and today houses the offices of the governor, legislature, attorney general, and more.

04:35The dome has been regilded five times and contains over 250,000 pieces of gold leaf.

04:447. UpDown DSM, Arcade Bar, Craving Some Nostalgia?

04:49At number 7, UpDown DSM delivers all the retro vibes, with a grown-up twist.

04:55UpDown is Des Moines' favorite arcade bar, home to 60-plus retro arcade games from Pac-Man to pinball, skee-ball alleys, and classic console games.

05:07Pair your gaming with a craft beer or creative cocktail from the full bar, and refuel with gigantic slices of house-made pizzas.

05:14Fun Facts.

05:18All the games are just a quarter to play, throwback pricing.

05:21Most nights are 21-plus, but don't miss monthly family hours on select Sundays for gamers of all ages.

05:296. Salisbury House & Amp, Gardens, Number 6 Salisbury House & Amp, Gardens

05:35Step into another era in a 42-room Tudor mansion full of art, secrets, and stories.

05:437. Set atop a wooded hill in the south of Grand Neighborhood, Salisbury House was modeled after the King's House in Salisbury, England.

05:518. Tour the 22,000-plus square-foot manor and admire authentic 16th-century English woodwork, historic flintwork, and a staggering collection of art, antiques, rare books, and textiles.

06:04Outside, find tranquil gardens that beg for a peaceful stroll or picnic.

06:118. Trip Tips.

06:14Check the official website for opening hours, guided tours deepen your experience and sometimes offer access to hidden rooms.

06:22Don't miss the annual events or seasonal exhibits, and plan for 60-90 minutes minimum.

06:285. Papa John Sculpture Park, Number 5 Des Moines Open-Air Art Sensation, The Papa John Sculpture Park

06:38Located in Western Gateway Park, steps from downtown, you'll find 4.4 acres covered with world-renowned sculptures by artists like John Plensa, Louise Bourgeois, Ai Weiwei, and Barry Flanagan.

06:5028 larger-than-life sculptures invite you to get up close, snap photos, and reflect on the creative energy transforming Des Moines.

06:59Fun Facts.

07:01This ambitious project opened in 2009, the result of a $40 million gift of art by venture capitalist John Papa John and his wife Mary.

07:11Their collection, once displayed at their private home, became a destination for visitors worldwide.

07:18Don't miss John Plensa's, No Maid, a 27-foot-tall hollow human figure made of steel letters.

07:28It's a local icon and a popular selfie spot 12.

07:33The park is open daily from sunrise to midnight, completely free.

07:38Local festivals such as the Des Moines Arts Festival fill the park with energy each summer.

07:434.

07:45Des Moines, Downtown Farmers Market

07:48Next up, at number 4, the Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market, ranked among the very best in America.

07:54Operating every Saturday from May through October in the historic Court District, the market stretches over multiple city blocks and is famous for its vibrant mix of farm-fresh produce, local meat and cheeses, baked goods, flowers, artisanal foods, and handmade crafts.

08:10Over 270-plus vendors fill the market, with more than 48 new arrivals for the 2025 season, including unique ice cream makers, sourdough bakers, and mushroom growers.

08:24Fun Facts

08:25Fun Facts

08:26It's celebrating its 50th season in 2025.

08:31The market is especially dog-friendly, with vendors offering water and treats for four-legged friends, and features pop-up yoga, live music, family art events, and even cooking demos.

08:42Fun Facts

08:43If you ask locals, the best window is usually 9-10 a.m., when the market's at its most lively, food stands are fully stocked, and the energy is peak Midwestern joy.

08:543. Grays Lake Park

08:56At number 3, find urban peace at Grays Lake Park, Des Moines' beloved green space.

09:02Just south of downtown at 2101 Fleur Drive, Grays Lake Park spans 167 acres, focused around the scenic 100-acre lake encircled by a 1.9-mile paved Crudigny Trail, the most popular walking, loop, in the metro.

09:20It features a stunning pedestrian bridge, playgrounds, sandy beach, picnic areas, and connects to Des Moines' extensive trail system.

09:31Fun Facts

09:33The pedestrian bridge is illuminated at night with colorful lights, making for magical evening strolls.

09:38During summer, you can rent kayaks, paddle boards, canoes, and bikes, check seasonal availability, and on any sunny day the park is alive with joggers, cyclists, families, and bird watchers.

09:53Grays Lake is a go-to spot for spotting bald eagles and other birds, don't forget your camera.

09:58In winter, you'll find unique events like the Jingle Bell Stroll with live holiday music and reindeer.

10:06Trip Tips

10:08Parking is free, but it gets busy on summer weekends, so come early.

10:12It's a favorite for morning runs, sunset walks, or even picnics with skyline views.

10:18Plan for flexible time and embrace whatever energy you find.

10:232. Adventureland Park

10:25Adventureland Park

10:26Number 2 on our list, for thrill seekers of all ages, is Adventureland Park.

10:32Just east of Des Moines in Altoona, Adventureland Park is Iowa's ultimate amusement destination, featuring over 100 attractions, from family-friendly coasters to white-knuckle thrill rides.

10:44Its newest upgrades include Adventure Bay Water Park, with slides, a wave pool, and lazy river for summer fun.

10:51The park is a haven for both adrenaline junkies and families, with rides like the monster, dragon slayer, tornado, and kid-friendly carousels and bumper cars.

11:03Fun Facts

11:05Adventureland is legendary for its creative bacon on a stick, pork chop on a stick, and unique fair food.

11:11Special events include Phantom Fall Fest in autumn, with Halloween-themed attractions, and the park offers bundled packages for park entry and water park access.

11:231. Iowa State Fairgrounds

11:25The number one thing to do in Des Moines?

11:29It's as Iowa as it gets, the iconic Iowa State Fair.

11:34For 11 days each August, the Iowa State Fair transforms 445 acres of fairgrounds into the Midwest's biggest, boldest celebration.

11:43There's simply nothing else like it. Livestock shows featuring everything from draft horses to best-dressed llamas, giant midway rides, blue ribbon pies, free concerts, and the not-to-be-missed butter cow sculpture, a 600-pound butter bovine tradition since 1911.

12:00The grandstand hosts national music headliners, and every corner of the fair is alive with food on a stick, competitions, parades, and agricultural displays.

12:11The fairgrounds, a designated historic district, also host horse barns, quilt shows in the varied industries building, Heritage Village, depicting Iowa life in the 19th century, and cavernous exhibition halls.

12:24Off-season, it's a venue for car shows, flea markets, craft fairs, and more.

12:32Bonus Section

12:34Exploring Des Moines, Hidden Gems

12:37Now, you know the big hits.

12:39But Des Moines charm lies in its surprises, and I couldn't resist including these two local favorite bonus stops.

12:46Bonus 1. Easter Lake Park

12:49Easter Lake Park

12:50Just southeast of central Des Moines, Easter Lake Park is a scenic, underrated lake with a swimming beach, kayak and pontoon rentals, wooded picnic spots, and a four-mile paved trail, with an Instagram-worthy covered bridge.

13:06Crowds are lighter, the views are lovely, and it's a safe haven for paddling, fishing, and sunset watching.

13:12Bonus 2. East Village

13:15East Village

13:16East Village is the creative, walkable heart of Des Moines.

13:19Nestled below the capital, it's known for indie boutiques, vintage stores, record shops, and some of Iowa's best new restaurants and cocktail bars.

13:28Don't miss the bartender's handshake, for inventive drinks and snacks, black cat ice cream, or the quirky homeware finds and street art photo ops lining Grand Avenue and Locust Street.

13:41East Village combines historic charm with urban energy, and is the gathering ground for parades, festivals, and vibrant nightlife.

13:49East Village

13:51East Village

13:52East Village

13:53trip tips

13:54Aim for a weekday or Saturday morning for local shops.

13:56East Village

13:57East Village

13:58Einsteve

13:59Bonus Points

14:00If you build your own food crawl through local icons and new discoveries.

14:02East Village