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Des Moines

Des Moines, Iowa's hidden gem, is a delightful blend of culture and charm. Explore the lively farmer's market, where local vendors showcase their mouthwatering treats. Indulge in the city's thriving arts scene, from the Des Moines Art Center to the annual Iowa State Fair. Cheer for the Iowa Cubs at Principal Park or soak up nature's beauty at Gray's Lake Park. Prepare to be pleasantly surprised in Des Moines!

From the Community

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Recommendations

Culture4.6/5

Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Looking for some out-of-this-world artistic vibes? Look no further than Pappajohn Sculpture Park! Nestled in the heart of Des Moines, this funky park features over 30 stunning sculptures from renowned artists. Take a stroll among the giant metal beasts and quirky structures—perfect for a selfie or two. Don't forget to grab a coffee nearby and enjoy the vibrant art scene!

Landmark4.8/5

Iowa State Capitol

Welcome to the Iowa State Capitol, where history meets whimsy! This stunning building, located at 1007 E Grand Ave, is a must-visit in Des Moines. Explore the grand rotunda, admire the beautiful art and architecture, and make sure to take a selfie with the golden dome. The Capitol offers fascinating guided tours, sharing the rich history and quirky facts of this fantastic landmark. Enjoy your visit!

Landmark4.7/5

Gray's Lake Park

Lakefront park with a path circling the water and the David and Elizabeth Bridge. A playground's streams and water features leave young kids soaked.

Culture4.7/5

Salisbury House & Gardens

This 1920s stone mansion fills its Gothic and Tudor rooms with European art, historic furnishings, and beams brought from England.

Culture4.4/5

Science Center of Iowa

Step into a world of scientific wonder at the Science Center of Iowa! Located in Des Moines, this interactive museum offers visitors of all ages a chance to explore, discover, and unleash their inner scientist. From interactive exhibits to live science demonstrations, there's never a dull moment here. Fuel your curiosity and get ready for a truly out-of-this-world adventure!

Culture4.6/5

Des Moines Art Center

Three wings by Saarinen, Pei, and Meier meet at this Des Moines art museum. Natural light falls across modern works by Hopper and O’Keeffe.

Landmark4.6/5

Principal Park

Des Moines' Iowa Cubs ballpark breaks up the game with between-inning entertainment.

Landmark4.5/5

Blank Park Zoo

Welcome to Blank Park Zoo! Located at 7401 SW 9th St, Des Moines, we're your gateway to adventure and animal encounters. Get up close and personal with over 1,000 extraordinary animals from around the globe. Embark on an exciting safari, catch a thrilling sea lion show, or simply relax in our beautifully landscaped grounds. A wild time awaits, so swing by today!

Shop4.5/5

Jordan Creek Town Center

Welcome to Jordan Creek Town Center, where shopping and entertainment collide in West Des Moines, IA! Indulge in a retail therapy adventure with over 180 stores, including popular brands and unique boutiques. Grab a bite at one of the many delicious restaurants, catch a movie at the theater, or simply enjoy the modern and bustling atmosphere. Get ready for a shop-tastic experience!

Landmark4.3/5

Badger Creek State Recreation Area

Welcome to Badger Creek State Park, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Van Meter, IA! Get ready for outdoor adventures galore, from scenic hikes along winding trails to picnics by the picturesque creek. Enjoy fishing, bird watching, and even horseback riding! With stunning natural beauty and endless fun, this park is a must-visit for all adventure enthusiasts.

Landmark4.7/5

Saylorville Lake

Saylorville Lake in Iowa, USA is a delightful paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. With a shimmering 26,000-acre reservoir, this hidden gem offers a plethora of activities like boating, fishing, and hiking. The breathtaking views and serene picnic spots make it an idyllic spot for a family getaway. Embrace adventure, soak up the sun, and immerse yourself in the splendid beauty of Saylorville Lake!

Landmark4.6/5

Walnut Woods State Park

Get ready to immerse yourself in the wonder of nature at Walnut Woods State Park! Located in West Des Moines, Iowa, this hidden gem offers exciting trails that wind through lush woodlands, perfect for hiking or a picnic with friends. Don't forget your camera - the breathtaking views of the walnut trees and wildlife are Instagram-worthy! Let the adventures begin at 3155 Walnut Woods Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50265, USA.

Landmark4.5/5

Brenton Skating Plaza

Welcome to the coolest spot in Des Moines! Brenton Skating Plaza is a winter wonderland for all ages. Lace up your skates and hit the ice on our stunning rink with a picturesque view of the city. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, this is the place to show off your moves. Grab some hot cocoa and get ready for a delightful skating adventure!

Eat$$$4.7/5

La Mie Bakery

Step into an aromatic wonderland at La Mie Bakery on 42nd St, where bread dreams come true. This charming Des Moines hotspot will woo your taste buds with its delectable pastries and freshly baked goodies. Bask in the cozy atmosphere, sip on excellent coffee, and indulge in a heavenly croissant. Bon appétit!

Eat$$4.5/5

Fong's Pizza

This Des Moines pizza restaurant puts Crab Rangoon and General Tso’s chicken on pizza. Egg rolls and bao buns share the menu.

Eat$$$4.6/5

Centro

Welcome to Centro, a vibrant eatery in the heart of Des Moines, IA. Located at 1003 Locust St, this is the place where tacos meet fiesta, and flavors collide to create a culinary fiesta. Indulge in delicious Mexican cuisine crafted with a modern twist, all while soaking up the lively atmosphere and sipping on refreshing margaritas. ¡Arriba!

Eat$$$4.3/5

Jethro's BBQ 'n Bacon Bacon

This West Des Moines barbecue restaurant serves ribs, brisket, and pulled pork. TVs hang over the dining room, tuned to different games.

Stays

Stay$$$4.5/5

Residence Inn by Marriott Des Moines Downtown

Residence Inn by Marriott Des Moines Downtown in Des Moines offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, kitchens, and free WiFi. Each room includes a work desk, dining table, and seating area. Guests can enjoy a fitness centre, indoor swimming pool, and free use of bicycles. Additional amenities include a lounge, 24-hour front desk, minimarket, grocery delivery, child-friendly buffet, business area, barbecue facilities, and mini golf. The hotel serves an American breakfast each morning. Amenities include a coffee machine, dishwasher, microwave, and kitchenware. Located 7 km from Des Moines International Airport, the hotel is near attractions such as the Science Center of Iowa (4-minute walk), Wells Fargo Arena (1.1 km), and Iowa State Capitol Building (1.8 km).

Stay$$$$4.3/5

Hilton Des Moines Downtown

Rooms feature air-conditioning, tea and coffee makers, hairdryers, refrigerators, free toiletries, TVs, sofa beds, work desks, and seating areas. Guests enjoy a fitness centre, indoor swimming pool, terrace, restaurant, bar, and free airport shuttle service. Additional amenities include a business area, outdoor fireplace, and electric vehicle charging station. Located in Des Moines, the hotel is a 7-minute walk from Wells Fargo Arena and near attractions such as the Iowa Events Center and Science Center of Iowa. Des Moines International Airport is 7 km away. Highly rated for its convenient location, room cleanliness, and attentive staff.

Stay$$$$4.4/5

Homewood Suites by Hilton Ankeny

Homewood Suites by Hilton Ankeny in Ankeny offers family rooms with air-conditioning, kitchen facilities, and free WiFi. Each room includes a sofa bed, work desk, and free toiletries. Guests can enjoy an indoor swimming pool, fitness centre, and outdoor fireplace. Additional amenities include a fitness room, outdoor seating area, and barbecue facilities. Located 23 km from Des Moines International Airport, the hotel is near attractions such as Iowa Events Center (16 km) and Iowa State Capitol Building (15 km). Free on-site private parking is available.

Stay$$$$4.1/5

Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel

Rooms feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms, tea and coffee makers, hairdryers, refrigerators, work desks, seating areas, free toiletries, showers, carpeted floors, TVs, soundproofing, and wardrobes. The hotel offers a restaurant serving dinner with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. A bar provides a relaxing atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a lounge, fitness room, 24-hour front desk, minimarket, daily housekeeping, child-friendly buffet, business area, coffee shop, family rooms, full-day security, breakfast in the room, express check-in and check-out, room service, luggage storage, fitness centre, and free airport shuttle service. Located in Des Moines, the hotel is an 8-minute walk from Wells Fargo Arena, 500 metres from Science Center of Iowa and Iowa Events Center, and 1.8 km from Iowa State Capitol Building. Des Moines International Airport is 7 km away. Guests appreciate the convenient location, bed comfort, and room comfort.

Stay3.9/5

Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston

Located off Interstate 80 and less than 10 minutes’ drive from Des Moines city centre, this rustic-themed Iowa hotel features guest rooms with flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. A complimentary continental breakfast is served each morning. Tea and coffee-making facilities are provided in every guest room at Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center - Des Moines. A hairdryer and a work desk are also included in each room. Guests can swim in the heated indoor/outdoor pool or relax in the hot tub at Des Moines Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center. A fitness centre and business centre are also available on site. Bearly's Bar, located on site, serves beer, wine and cocktails each evening every Monday through Saturday. Freshly baked pizza and finger foods are also available. Adventureland Park is less than 20 minutes’ drive from the property. Des Moines Wells Fargo Arena, Drake University and the Iowa State Fair Grounds are within 15 miles of the hotel.

Stay4.6/5

Des Lux Hotel

Welcome to Des Lux Hotel, nestled in Downtown Des Moines! Experience luxury at its finest in our boutique hotel, conveniently located at 800 Locust St. Immerse yourself in chic decor, spacious rooms, and top-notch amenities. Indulge in our complimentary breakfast and unwind at our rooftop lounge boasting breathtaking city views. The perfect base for exploring all that Des Moines has to offer!

Stay4.4/5

Hotel Renovo Des Moines Urbandale Tapestry by Hilton

Hotel Renovo, nestled in Urbandale, IA, is an absolute game-changer in the world of lodging. Bursting with vibrant energy, this boutique hotel combines contemporary design with rustic charm. Unwind in chic rooms, indulge in farm-to-table cuisine, and soak up the Midwestern sun by the outdoor pool. Located near attractions, this lively gem is your perfect travel companion. Get ready for an unforgettable stay!

Stay4.4/5

AC Hotel Des Moines East Village

This East Village hotel has a lobby bar and rooftop restaurant and bar. You can eat and drink above Des Moines.

Stay4.1/5

Embassy Suites by Hilton Des Moines Downtown

Embassy Suites by Hilton Des Moines Downtown is an absolute gem for travelers seeking comfort and convenience. With its prime location on E Locust St, guests can easily explore Des Moines' vibrant attractions like the Science Center, Principal Park, and the Des Moines Art Center. Not to mention, the hotel's spacious and stylish suites, complimentary breakfast, and evening socials, making you feel right at home. Pack your bags and get ready for a memorable stay!

Things To Do
Provided by

5/5

1 h

Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Des Moines by Zombie Scavengers

Zombie Scavengers takes you on an adventure in Des Moines to survive the zombie apocalypse! Use our app and some strategy to find a list of items needed to survive, in any order you'd prefer, around the city. Find the survival items to get points and do fun zombie themed challenges for points as well. Contrive a plan to get your survival team the most points in order to survive the apocalypse! Your remote host will follow along virtually and provide support if you need it. Can you survive the apocalypse in Des Moines?

$20.00

4.8/5

2 h

Washington DC Sightseeing Tour with Vintage Model-T Classic Cars

Experience the enchanting beauty of Washington, D.C.'s monuments and landmarks on a captivating day and night tour aboard an electric vintage luxury brand new car. Witness the dramatic illumination of iconic landmarks with unobstructed views and excellent photo opportunities. From the Jefferson Memorial to the White House, Capitol Hill, and a poignant array of war memorials, your guide will provide historical context to some of D.C.’s most renowned sites. For the group tour, you will share a car of 7-seaters. The 4-seaters are only for private tours. We can also provide privet tour based on customers request in our cars of 4 seater and 7 seaters for max of 72 passengers in the same time.

$55.00

4.3/5

2 h

Des Moines Dash Scavenger Hunt

Our very unique, immersive adventures are the only ones of their kind. We, unlike other companies, provide your very own remote, interactive, live host to assist and encourage you along through your phone. We are an Austin, TX-based global custom event design company offering scavenger hunts and other events in 300+ cities in North America and beyond. Our specially hand-crafted adventures are equal parts tour, creative challenge, detective hunt, and social experiment! Guests get to discover in an alternate reality our favorite hidden gems off the beaten trail and creatively interpret fun art, history, and culture clues - for points! They get to enjoy fame and glory while appearing on our website’s international leaderboard, no matter what their score. They get to essentially race other teams in other cities, even if they don’t have competitors who have signed up in their city that day. Get ready to discover unusual oddities, laugh out loud, and make the experience your own!

$20.00

4/5

1 h 30 mins

An Epic Scavenger Hunt : Adventures in Des Moines

Step into a world where every landmark and hidden gem is waiting to be discovered. Challenge yourself with trivia, tackle brain-teasing puzzles, and embark on an epic journey of exploration! Whether you’re collaborating with your crew or turning up the competition, Let’s Roam Adventure Hunts guarantee a blast for all. Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a spontaneous outing, a wild bachelorette bash, a festive birthday celebration, or a team-building extravaganza. Each player gets to dive into an interactive role, ensuring every challenge is as thrilling and unique as the next. So, gather your squad, choose your adventure, and let the good times roll! Every outing becomes a treasure trove of memories and excitement. Are you ready to conquer the city and create unforgettable experiences? Make every day an adventure!

$14.99

2 h

Des Moines City Scavenger Hunt by 3Quest Challenge

You'll use an app to explore Des Moines in this fun scavenger hunt! In 3Quest Challenge, the app will give you a list of things (given in riddle form) to find around the city. Solve the riddle and take photos of the items to collect points. You'll also do fun challenges for points as well. The items and challenges will be separated into 3 quests. Complete quest 1, quest 2, and lastly quest 3 in order to finish 3Quest Challenge. Set a time limit for yourself of 2 hours if you'd like to make the game a bit more challenging! You'll have a remote host during your game that will chat with you if you need help along the way! Can you complete all 3 Quests in Des Moines?

$10.00

1 h

Holiday Scavenger Hunt in Des Moines by Holly Jolly Hunt

Holly Jolly Hunt is a scavenger hunt that is played using an app on your smartphone, that brings your entire family and friends together for holiday cheer. During the adventure you’ll be seeking out all the traditional, and even the non-traditional holiday items we all see this time of year around the city. You’ll get points for each item you find. The goal is to capture as many items as you can in order to score as many points as possible and get 1st place on the leaderboard. Along the way you’ll be asked to perform silly holiday themed tasks meant to bring laughter and smiles to everyone involved. Come play with us. Young or old, this is a scavenger hunt for everyone that enjoys this time of year. We promise you will create holiday memories that you will not forget! Holly Jolly Hunt can be played in any city!

$20.00

1 h 30 mins

Astounding Art Walk in Des Moines Experience

Dive into adventure with Let’s Roam, your go-to for the ultimate app-led adventure hunts! Step into a world where every landmark and hidden gem is waiting to be discovered. Challenge yourself with trivia, tackle brain-teasing puzzles, and embark on an epic journey of exploration! Whether you’re collaborating with your crew or turning up the competition, Let’s Roam Adventure Hunts guarantee a blast for all. Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a spontaneous outing, a wild bachelorette bash, a festive birthday celebration, or a team-building extravaganza. Each player gets to dive into an interactive role, ensuring every challenge is as thrilling and unique as the next. So, gather your squad, choose your adventure, and let the good times roll! With Let’s Roam, every outing becomes a treasure trove of memories and excitement. Are you ready to conquer the city and create unforgettable experiences? Let’s Roam and make every day an adventure!

$14.99

2 h

Des Moines Scavenger Hunt Interactive Walking Tour

Discover the vibrant history of Des Moines through an interactive scavenger hunt walking tour that blends fun with education. This unique experience transports participants across the city, where you'll explore iconic sites like the Capitol Building and engage with surprising local laws. With an app guiding your journey, the tour allows you to work at your own pace as you uncover fascinating stories from WWII to the Great Depression. Ideal for families, friends, and couples looking for a memorable outing, this adventure combines the excitement of a race with the intrigue of a historical tour.