What to do in Des Moines, IA

Activities, attractions and tours

Des Moines showing a sunset, a skyscraper and a city
Des Moines showing a sunset, a skyscraper and a city
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden featuring interior views and a garden
Des Moines Art Center featuring art and interior views
Des Moines Art Center which includes outdoor art and outdoor eating as well as a small group of people

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 3 things to do here, and you can make them yours starting at just AU$22. 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.


  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

The Annual Holiday Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.

What to do in Des Moines


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, a city and landscape views

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

Find beautiful government buildings, cultural attractions and a garden oasis in this older section of the city extending along a pretty riverfront.

Historic East Village
View into downtown from the Capitol Building.

#capitol #desmoines #city #downtown

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
Checked out the Mars Cafe in Des Moines, IA. Great spot with good seating, wifi, and a pretty good latte. Nice flavor to the espresso. A good spot for a light lunch wit good sandwiches. 

If I have to be in Iowa it's nice to find a good coffee joint.

Drake

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

Drake
Western Gateway sunrise aerial looking downtown over Pappajohn Sculpture Park and Krause Gateway Center.

Western Gateway

While visiting Western Gateway, you might make a stop by sights like John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park and Pappajohn Sculpture Park.

Western Gateway
Default Image

Woodland Heights

While Woodland Heights isn't home to many top sights, Hoyt Sherman Place and John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park are some notable places to visit nearby.

Woodland Heights

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Frequently asked questions

Is Des Moines worth visiting?
Famous for its culture and festivals, discovering awesome things to do in Des Moines is easy. Don't forget to add Adventureland to your trip itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Des Moines?
After you've checked off key attractions like Adventureland and Blank Park Zoo, spend some time discovering Des Moines's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Des Moines?
Don't go home without visiting Adventureland, rated the top tourist attraction in Des Moines.
Is three days enough to stay in Des Moines?
You can easily tick off leading sights like Blank Park Zoo, Easter Lake Park and The Temple for Performing Arts with a three-day escape to Des Moines. On average, most travellers book two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stay a bit longer and check out West Des Moines.
Is Des Moines a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you plan to see and do in Des Moines. Several key sights, including The Temple for Performing Arts and Iowa Hall of Pride, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Des Moines's neighbourhoods, Downtown Des Moines is 0.64 kilometres away from downtown, while Greater South Side is 3 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Des Moines with kids?
Whether you're travelling with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, a schedule filled with fun activities takes your trip to the next level. Browse our ideas for what to do in Des Moines with kids.

What to do in Des Moines for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Des Moines, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Casey's Centre or Knapp Centre.
Are there free things to do in Des Moines?
One of the top ways to find free things to do in Des Moines is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on cool neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can enjoy without reaching into your pocket. Easter Lake Park is one sight that doesn't charge an admission fee.