10 Places to See in Des Moines, Iowa
Des Moines is the capital city of Iowa, situated in the heart of the state. Often overlooked by travelers in favor of larger cities, Des Moines has a lot to offer. From outdoor activities to cultural attractions, this city has something for everyone.
The best time to visit Des Moines is from June through August. The summer season’s warm temperatures are in the mid-80s, which makes conditions perfect for enjoying the city’s outdoor pursuits like walks and bike rides.
Places to stay:
Local places to eat:
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
This park is a beautiful outdoor sculpture garden, featuring amazing works of art from both local and international artists. The park is free to the public and is open year-round.
Iowa State Capitol
The Iowa State Capitol is a stunning building in downtown Des Moines that houses the offices of the governor and the Iowa General Assembly. Visitors are welcome to tour the building and see its impressive architecture.
Des Moines Art Center
The Des Moines Art Center is a world-class art museum that features a diverse collection of modern and contemporary art. The museum’s collection includes works by artists such as Edward Hopper, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Andy Warhol.
Science Center of Iowa
The Science Center of Iowa is a great place to take kids. The center has interactive exhibits on a variety of scientific topics, including space, robotics, and anatomy.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is a beautiful indoor and outdoor garden that features a variety of plants and flowers from around the world.
Salisbury House & Gardens
The Salisbury House & Gardens is a historic mansion that was built in the 1920s. The house is open for tours and features beautiful gardens and grounds.
Des Moines Riverwalk
The Des Moines Riverwalk is a beautiful walking path along the Des Moines River. The path offers great views of the city and is a popular spot for jogging and biking.
Iowa Historical Museum
The Iowa Historical Museum is a museum that showcases Iowa’s history. The museum features exhibits on Iowa’s Native American tribes, pioneers, and famous Iowans.
Terrace Hill
Terrace Hill is the governor’s mansion of Iowa. The mansion is open for tours and features beautiful grounds and gardens.
Iowa Hall of Pride
The Iowa Hall of Pride is a museum that showcases Iowa’s athletic history. The museum features exhibits of Iowa’s high school and college sports teams, as well as famous Iowa athletes.
Des Moines may not be the first city that comes to mind when planning a trip, but it’s definitely worth a visit. With its green spaces, cultural attractions, and great food scene, there is something for everyone in this Midwest gem. So pack your bags and head to Des Moines for a trip you won’t forget!
Let us know in the comments below if you’ve been to Des Moines, Iowa and what places you liked. If not, do you plan on going?