What to do in Des Moines, IA

Activities, attractions and tours
Des Moines Botanical Center featuring a garden and interior views

Des Moines Tourist Attractions & Activities

You're excited to set sail in a new direction. Perpetually prepared for expanding your horizons and unique ways to get inspired, you're eager to discover a new locale from top to bottom. Coming up: Des Moines! It's not difficult to fill an itinerary, because Expedia Australia can connect you with loads of things to do. Find and book your activities today, and all you'll have left to do is pack your trunk and get excited.

  • The activities in Des Moines are not only among the best, but they won't break the bank. We have 4 things to do here, and you can make them yours starting at just AU$16. Get your favourite tours on Expedia Australia for significant savings, and you'll still have enough cash for a dream hotel or upscale dinner while you're in town.
  • Des Moines is a favourite among travellers similar to you. In fact, a good percentage of travellers are raving about the city's accommodation and have been visiting to check out local hot spots and participate in the best activities. The top things to do can catch the curiosity of even experienced travellers, and one look at our inventory explains why. Our list includes a wide array of entertainment and thrills. From epicurean adventures to trips in the great outdoors, there is an abundance of active options to choose from when you peruse the activities list here at Expedia Australia.

Our activities are the best way to organise your holiday. You'll want an expert itinerary to really get the most out of Des Moines, particularly when you long to pack in lots of food and entertainment. And we know you're someone who likes to get out and about you're excited to get out and take it all in. You can't wait to check off the top activities around, and a quiet day exploring local neighbourhoods is a perfect way to spend an afternoon. Book professional regional tours on Expedia Australia, and you'll learn all about the city's history along the way.


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Discover the most popular places to visit in Des Moines

Explore areas of 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 801 Grand or Des Moines Civic Center 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 Iowa State Capitol Building and State Historical Society of Iowa Museum 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 Principal Park while you're in town.

Court District
Grays Lake showing a lake or waterhole

Greater South Side

4/5(2 area reviews)

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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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.

Beaverdale
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Waveland Park

If you're spending some time in Waveland Park, Waveland Municipal Golf Course and Des Moines Community Playhouse are top sights worth seeing.

Waveland Park