Des Moines, Iowa Travel Guide

Discover Des Moines, Iowa – A bustling capital city with a small-town feel, rich in history, culture, and outdoor activities, perfect for an unforgettable Midwest adventure.

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Des Moines, the capital city of Iowa, is a charming blend of history, culture, and modern-day attractions. Known for its friendly atmosphere and diverse cultural offerings, Des Moines is the perfect destination for travelers looking for a mix of urban excitement and Midwestern hospitality. Explore the historic East Village, where you'll find a variety of boutique shops, local eateries, and vibrant nightlife. The area showcases the city's rich history while offering a modern twist with its trendy cafes and art galleries. Don't miss the stunning views of the Iowa State Capitol, a golden-domed architectural marvel that stands proudly over the city. For nature enthusiasts, Des Moines offers numerous parks and outdoor spaces. Gray's Lake Park is a favorite spot for both locals and tourists, offering scenic walking trails and opportunities for kayaking. The Des Moines Art Center, set amidst a beautiful sculpture park, provides a tranquil setting to appreciate both indoor and outdoor art. Families will love the interactive exhibits at the Science Center of Iowa, while the Blank Park Zoo offers a fun and educational experience for all ages. Don't forget to visit the Downtown Farmers' Market, one of the largest and most diverse in the country, where you can enjoy fresh local produce and unique handmade goods. Des Moines is also a hub for festivals and events throughout the year, including the renowned Iowa State Fair, which draws visitors from all over the country. Whether you're a foodie, an art lover, or an outdoor enthusiast, Des Moines has something to offer everyone.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Des Moines.

Visit the East Village for a mix of historic charm and modern flair.
Check out the Iowa State Capitol for impressive architecture and panoramic city views.
Spend a relaxing afternoon at Gray's Lake Park, ideal for walking, kayaking, and picnics.
Don't miss the Downtown Farmers' Market on Saturdays for local produce and crafts.
Plan your visit around the Iowa State Fair for a true taste of local culture and festivities.

Neighbourhoods in Des Moines

Downtown Des Moines

East Village

Explore All Neighbourhoods in Des Moines

Explore Des Moines: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Des Moines

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Best Attractions

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Adventureland Park

Experience the thrill of Adventureland Park in Altoona, Iowa, a family-friendly amusement and water park with rides, attractions, and events for all ages.

4.3

Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Explore Pappajohn Sculpture Park in Des Moines, an artistic haven featuring over 30 sculptures by world-renowned artists in a serene urban setting.

4.6

Des Moines' Downtown Farmers’ Market

Discover the heart of Des Moines at the Downtown Farmers' Market, where local flavors and vibrant culture come together every Saturday morning.

4.7

Reiman Gardens

Explore the stunning Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa, a captivating botanical paradise filled with vibrant flora and tranquil landscapes.

4.8

Best landmarks in Des Moines

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Gray's Lake Park

Explore Gray's Lake Park: A tranquil retreat in Des Moines with stunning lake views, walking trails, and endless recreational activities for all ages.

4.7

Iowa State Capitol

Explore the architectural beauty and historical significance of the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines, a must-visit landmark for any traveler.

4.8

Living History Farms

Explore Iowa's agricultural past at Living History Farms, an immersive outdoor museum with engaging exhibits and interactive experiences for all ages.

4.6

Science Center of Iowa

Explore interactive exhibits and educational programs at the Science Center of Iowa, an engaging destination for tourists and science enthusiasts alike.

4.5

Best restaurants in Des Moines

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Zombie Burger + Drink Lab

Experience culinary creativity at Zombie Burger + Drink Lab in Des Moines – where gourmet burgers meet playful zombie themes!

4.5

The Iowa Taproom

Explore the vibrant flavors of local craft beers and delicious American cuisine at The Iowa Taproom in Des Moines' East Village.

4.6

Buzzard Billy’s

Experience the vibrant flavors of American cuisine at Buzzard Billy's in downtown Des Moines - where great food meets fun ambiance.

4.4

Fong's Pizza

Discover the vibrant taste of unique pizzas at Fong's Pizza in Downtown Des Moines—where tradition meets innovation in every slice.

4.5

Best bars in Des Moines

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The Iowa Taproom

Experience the best of Iowa's craft beer and American cuisine at The Iowa Taproom, a vibrant bar and event venue in Des Moines' East Village.

4.6

El Bait Shop

Discover the vibrant dining experience at El Bait Shop, where local flavors meet craft cocktails in Downtown Des Moines.

4.6

The High Life Lounge

Experience the vibrant 70s vibe and delicious American cuisine at The High Life Lounge in Downtown Des Moines, a must-visit destination for food lovers.

4.6

The Stuffed Olive Des Moines

Experience a taste of Spain in the heart of Des Moines with over 100 martini options and delicious tapas at The Stuffed Olive.

4.5

Best nightclubs in Des Moines

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The Garden Nightclub

Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Garden Nightclub in Des Moines – a premier venue for live music, dancing, and inclusive fun.

4.5

Miss Kitty’s Country Bar Dance Nightclub and Honky Tonk

Enjoy an unforgettable night of live music, dancing, and delicious cocktails at Miss Kitty’s Country Bar Dance Nightclub in Clive, Iowa.

4.4

the LiFT

Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at the LiFT, a premier night club and bar in Downtown Des Moines, where great music meets vibrant energy.

4.5

Yacht Club

Discover the lively Yacht Club in Des Moines, where vibrant nightlife meets laid-back charm and friendly service awaits every visitor.

4.3

Best shops in Des Moines

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Jordan Creek Town Center

Discover the ultimate shopping and entertainment experience at Jordan Creek Town Center in West Des Moines, Iowa, where fun and fashion come together.

4.4

Merle Hay Mall

Explore the vibrant shopping scene at Merle Hay Mall, Des Moines' premier retail destination with diverse shops, dining, and entertainment options.

4.0

Outlets of Des Moines

Discover unbeatable deals and a wide variety of stores at Outlets of Des Moines, the ultimate shopping destination in Iowa.

4.3

Southridge Mall

Explore the vibrant Southridge Mall in Des Moines, where shopping, dining, and entertainment come together for an unforgettable experience.

3.6

Explore Des Moines on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Des Moines, mapped for you.

Des Moines Essentials

Des Moines is accessible by road, air, and bus. The Des Moines International Airport (DSM) serves numerous domestic flights and a few international flights. Major highways such as I-80 and I-35 provide easy road access. Greyhound and Megabus offer bus services to and from Des Moines.
Des Moines offers a variety of transportation options. The Des Moines Area Regional Transit (DART) provides bus services throughout the city and surrounding areas. Taxis, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, and rental cars are also available. For a more eco-friendly option, consider using the BCycle bike-sharing system.
The official currency in Des Moines, as in the rest of the United States, is the US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments. ATMs are plentiful, and mobile payment methods like Apple Pay and Google Wallet are increasingly popular.
Des Moines is generally a safe city, but it's advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas. Neighborhoods with higher crime rates include parts of the East Village and some areas around Drake University. Always keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places.
In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The city has several hospitals, including MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center and UnityPoint Health – Des Moines. Pharmacies are readily available for minor health issues. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Fashion: Do dress casually but neatly. Avoid overly revealing clothing in public spaces. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting places of worship. Public Transport: Do be courteous to fellow passengers and offer your seat to elderly or disabled individuals. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hello' or 'Hi.' A handshake is common in more formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and be gracious if invited to someone's home. Don't refuse food or drink offerings as it can be considered impolite.
To experience Des Moines like a local, visit the Downtown Farmers' Market, especially in the summer. Explore the East Village for unique shops and eateries. Don't miss the Pappajohn Sculpture Park for a leisurely stroll. Engage with locals who are known for their Midwestern friendliness and are often willing to share tips and stories about the city.

When is the best time to visit Des Moines?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Des Moines

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Des Moines. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHowdy
  [haw-dee]
- GoodbyeSee ya
  [see yuh]
- YesYep
  [yep]
- NoNah
  [nah]
- Please/You're welcomePlease/No problem
  [pleez/no prob-lem]
- Thank youThanks
  [thanks]
- Excuse me/SorryPardon me/My bad
  [par-dun me/my bad]
- How are you?How ya doin'?
  [how ya doin']
- Fine. And you?Doing good. You?
  [doin' good. yuh?]
- Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [ya speak english?]
- I don't understandI'm lost
  [I'm lost]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I check out the menu?
  [can I check out the menu?]
- I don't eat meatI don't do meat
  [I don't do meat]
- Cheers!Cheers!
  [Cheers!]
- I would like to pay, pleaseI'm ready to settle up
  [I'm ready to settle up]
- Help!Help!
  [Help!]
- Go away!Beat it!
  [beat it!]
- Call the Police!Get the cops!
  [get the cops!]
- Call a doctor!Get a doc!
  [get a doc!]
- I'm lostI'm lost
  [I'm lost]
- I'm illI'm sick
  [I'm sick]
- I'd like to buy...I wanna grab...
  [I wanna grab...]
- I'm just lookingJust browsing
  [just browsing]
- How much is it?What's the damage?
  [what's the damage?]
- That's too expensiveThat's steep
  [That's steep]
- Can you lower the price?Can you cut me a deal?
  [can you cut me a deal?]
- What time is it?What's the time?
  [what's the time?]
- It's one o'clockIt's one
  [It's one]
- Half past (10)Ten thirty
  [ten thirty]
- MorningMorning
  [Morning]
- AfternoonAfternoon
  [Afternoon]
- EveningEvening
  [Evening]
- YesterdayYesterday
  [Yesterday]
- TodayToday
  [Today]
- TomorrowTomorrow
  [Tomorrow]
- 1One
  [One]
- 2Two
  [Two]
- 3Three
  [Three]
- 4Four
  [Four]
- 5Five
  [Five]
- 6Six
  [Six]
- 7Seven
  [Seven]
- 8Eight
  [Eight]
- 9Nine
  [Nine]
- 10Ten
  [Ten]
- Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
  [where's the...?]
- What's the address?What's the addy?
  [what's the addy?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Can you point me out?
  [can you point me out?]
- When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [When's the next (bus)?]
- A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [A ticket (to ....)]

History of Des Moines

Des Moines was founded in May 1843 when Captain James Allen built Fort Des Moines, a military outpost at the confluence of the Raccoon and Des Moines rivers. The fort was intended to control the indigenous Sauk and Meskwaki tribes, but after the tribes were relocated, the fort was abandoned in 1846. Settlers began to move into the area, and in 1851, Des Moines County was established.
Des Moines was incorporated as a city in 1857. The city grew rapidly as a transportation hub due to its strategic location along the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers. The arrival of the railroad in the 1860s further spurred growth, making it a critical junction for transporting coal and other goods.
From the late 19th century to the early 20th century, Des Moines became a significant center for coal mining. The industry attracted a diverse workforce, including immigrants from Europe, which contributed to the cultural tapestry of the city. Coal mining played a vital role in shaping the city's economy and infrastructure during this period.
In the early 20th century, Des Moines began to emerge as a financial center. Insurance companies, banks, and other financial institutions established their headquarters in the city. By the mid-20th century, Des Moines had earned the nickname 'The Hartford of the West' due to its concentration of insurance companies.
Des Moines played a notable role in the Civil Rights Movement. In the 1960s, local activists and organizations fought for equal rights and social justice. One significant event was the 1966 visit by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who delivered a speech at the University of Iowa. The city's commitment to civil rights is commemorated by various landmarks and annual events.
In recent decades, Des Moines has undergone significant revitalization. Investments in downtown development, cultural institutions, and public spaces have transformed the city. The Principal Riverwalk, the Des Moines Social Club, and the revitalized East Village are examples of how the city has redefined itself as a vibrant, modern urban center while preserving its historical roots.