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Des Moines
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Des Moines, Iowa blends a golden-domed Capitol, riverfront trails, public art, farmers' markets, museums and welcoming neighbourhoods in America's heartland.

A Capital Shaped by River and Prairie

Des Moines stands near the meeting point of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers, where Iowa’s state capital, broad Midwestern skies and a growing cultural scene come together. The city’s identity is closely tied to government and agriculture, yet its appeal extends well beyond the Capitol complex. Downtown streets lead to the Principal Riverwalk, the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park and the Des Moines River, while the East Village brings historic commercial buildings, independent shops, cafés and restaurants into a compact urban district.
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Art, Civic Life and Neighbourhoods

The Iowa State Capitol, crowned by a gilded dome, is the city’s most recognisable building and a working centre of public life. Nearby, the Des Moines Art Center and Pappajohn Sculpture Park give the city an unusually strong relationship with modern and contemporary art. Neighbourhoods such as Sherman Hill, Ingersoll Park and Beaverdale reveal a more residential side of Des Moines through early twentieth-century homes, local businesses and tree-lined streets. The Downtown Farmers’ Market adds a seasonal concentration of Iowa produce, bakery goods and prepared food.

Outdoor Life in the City

Green space is central to the local experience. Gray’s Lake Park provides a waterside setting close to downtown, while the Principal Riverwalk and an extensive network of recreational trails connect parks, neighbourhoods and river landscapes. The city is also a useful base for experiencing Iowa’s agricultural culture, particularly during the Iowa State Fair, held each August at the fairgrounds east of the centre. Des Moines is neither a dense megacity nor a purely administrative capital; its pleasures lie in the manageable distances between civic landmarks, public art, local food and open space.

When is the best time to visit Des Moines?

Best: May, August–September · 24–29°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January-125
February122
March935
April1761
May (best)2489
June28107
July30102
August (best)2996
September (best)2481
October1663
November841
December132

Getting to and around Des Moines

How to get there

Des Moines International Airport is southwest of the city centre and provides the principal air connection for the capital and surrounding central Iowa. Travellers arriving by road can reach the city via Interstates 80 and 35, which meet north of the metropolitan area, as well as Interstate 235 through the urban core. Long-distance bus services have historically connected Des Moines with other Midwestern cities, although routes and operators can change. There is no Amtrak passenger rail station in Des Moines, so rail travellers generally need to combine train travel with road transport from another Iowa or regional station. The city is also accessible by car from Omaha, Minneapolis, Kansas City and Chicago.

Transportation

Des Moines Area Regional Transit, commonly known as DART, operates local bus services across Des Moines and nearby communities, with routes centred on the downtown area. Central districts, the Capitol complex, East Village and the riverfront can be explored on foot, while the Principal Riverwalk and regional trail network suit walking and cycling. The city’s spread-out layout makes a car, taxi or rideshare useful for reaching places such as the Iowa State Fairgrounds, Blank Park Zoo and outer neighbourhoods. Downtown parking is available in garages and surface lots, but visitors should check local signs and event arrangements, particularly during major festivals and the State Fair.

Best attractions in Des Moines

Des Moines offers a compact group of attractions around its civic centre and riverfront. The Iowa State Capitol combines guided public spaces with grand interiors and grounds overlooking the city, while the Principal Riverwalk follows the Des Moines River through landscaped paths, bridges and recreational areas. At the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, large-scale works by internationally recognised artists occupy an open urban setting beside the Central Library. The Des Moines Art Center presents modern and contemporary art in a building surrounded by parkland, and the Science Center of Iowa adds hands-on exhibits and an IMAX theatre for families and curious adults. Gray’s Lake Park provides waterside walking and city views, while the Downtown Farmers’ Market brings together Iowa growers, bakers and food producers on seasonal weekends. Further afield within the city, Salisbury House offers a richly furnished historic residence and Blank Park Zoo provides a zoological attraction in the southern part of Des Moines.

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Best landmarks in Des Moines

The Iowa State Capitol is Des Moines’ defining landmark, its central gilded dome and four subsidiary domes rising above a complex of legislative, judicial and executive buildings. The building’s interior includes decorative materials and artworks that reflect the civic ambitions of late nineteenth-century Iowa. Nearby, the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument commemorates Iowans who served in the Civil War, while the Cathedral Church of Saint Ambrose represents the city’s Catholic heritage through its Romanesque Revival architecture and prominent dome. The Historic East Village contains surviving nineteenth- and early twentieth-century commercial buildings that reveal the capital’s growth as a trading centre. The World War II-era Gold Star Museum, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, connects local history with the military experiences of Iowans. Together these sites show how government, religion, commerce and public memory shaped the city’s physical identity.

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Neighbourhoods in Des Moines

Best restaurants in Des Moines

Des Moines’ dining scene reflects Iowa’s farmland, immigrant communities and increasingly confident urban culture. Restaurants across downtown, the East Village, Court Avenue and Ingersoll Avenue work with Midwestern staples such as pork, beef, sweet corn, seasonal vegetables and locally produced grains, while the classic Iowa breaded pork tenderloin appears in casual settings around the city. Farmers’ market stalls and independent cafés provide breakfast, pastries, sandwiches and prepared food, and breweries commonly pair locally influenced menus with house beer. The East Village is particularly useful for browsing varied restaurants in a walkable area, while Court Avenue combines dining with a more entertainment-oriented setting. Contemporary kitchens add global influences without erasing regional habits, and Des Moines also has established South Asian, Latin American and East African food businesses that broaden the city’s culinary identity.

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Best bars in Des Moines

Des Moines’ evening life is concentrated in a few approachable districts rather than spread through a vast club scene. Court Avenue is associated with bars, pubs, live entertainment and late-evening socialising, while the East Village offers cocktail bars, breweries and smaller venues among converted historic buildings. Ingersoll Avenue provides a more neighbourhood-oriented selection of bars and restaurants. Music is an important part of the city’s nightlife, with venues such as Wooly’s and xBk presenting touring acts and local musicians in intimate settings; the Des Moines Civic Center adds theatre and performance to the evening calendar. Breweries and taprooms are a prominent feature of the local scene, reflecting Iowa’s craft-beer culture. Visitors should expect activity to vary by night and event schedule, with a generally relaxed Midwestern atmosphere rather than the scale of a major national nightlife capital.

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Best nightclubs in Des Moines

Des Moines’ evening life is concentrated in a few approachable districts rather than spread through a vast club scene. Court Avenue is associated with bars, pubs, live entertainment and late-evening socialising, while the East Village offers cocktail bars, breweries and smaller venues among converted historic buildings. Ingersoll Avenue provides a more neighbourhood-oriented selection of bars and restaurants. Music is an important part of the city’s nightlife, with venues such as Wooly’s and xBk presenting touring acts and local musicians in intimate settings; the Des Moines Civic Center adds theatre and performance to the evening calendar. Breweries and taprooms are a prominent feature of the local scene, reflecting Iowa’s craft-beer culture. Visitors should expect activity to vary by night and event schedule, with a generally relaxed Midwestern atmosphere rather than the scale of a major national nightlife capital.

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Best shops in Des Moines

Shopping in Des Moines ranges from seasonal producer stalls to independent design and fashion businesses. The Downtown Farmers’ Market is the city’s most distinctive retail gathering, where visitors can browse Iowa-grown produce, flowers, baked goods, preserves, prepared foods and locally made goods. The East Village is the main central district for independent boutiques, gift shops, homeware, vintage finds and design-led retailers, occupying a mixture of restored commercial buildings and newer spaces. Downtown offers additional galleries and specialist shops, while neighbourhood districts such as Beaverdale and Ingersoll provide smaller-scale local businesses rather than a single large shopping precinct. Iowa-made food products, craft beverages, prints, pottery and handmade gifts are practical souvenirs with a clear regional connection. Conventional malls and large retail clusters are mostly found beyond the historic centre in the wider metropolitan area, so journeys outside central Des Moines may require a car or local bus planning.

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Des Moines essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the US dollar, written as USD or often shown with the symbol $. Debit and credit cards are widely used in hotels, restaurants, museums, shops and transport-related businesses, and contactless payment is increasingly common, although smaller vendors and market stalls may still prefer cash or have minimum card requirements. ATMs are available in central districts, shopping areas and bank branches; international visitors should check their card issuer’s foreign-exchange and withdrawal fees. Prices normally exclude sales tax, which is added at the till, and restaurant bills generally require a tip for table service.
Safety
Des Moines is a regional capital with a generally manageable visitor environment, but ordinary urban precautions remain appropriate. Keep valuables secured in vehicles, especially at trailheads and during crowded events, and take care with belongings in busy market and festival areas. After dark, use well-lit streets and established routes, particularly when moving between downtown, the riverfront and quieter residential districts. Iowa weather can change quickly, with thunderstorms, winter snow and icy conditions affecting roads and paths; follow local forecasts and official warnings. When walking or cycling, use marked crossings and trails, and remember that distances between districts may be greater than they first appear.
Emergency Situations
For police, fire or urgent medical assistance anywhere in the United States, call 911 and state the exact address or landmark, the nature of the emergency and a callback number. Operators can provide the appropriate service and may assist visitors who do not know the local area. For non-urgent police matters, use the local police department’s published contact channels rather than 911. Severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, flooding and winter storms are established hazards in Iowa, so visitors should monitor National Weather Service alerts and follow instructions from hotels, venues or local authorities. Travel insurance and clear records of medication or medical conditions are useful precautions for international visitors.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress in comfortable layers for Iowa’s changing seasons and use extra care around official buildings, religious sites and memorials, where quiet and respectful behaviour is expected. Queue politely, allow passengers to leave buses before boarding and follow trail-sharing signs when walking or cycling. Tipping is customary in restaurants and for many personal services, while counter-service practices vary. Do not trespass on private land, ignore temporary flood or storm warnings, or assume that a rural-looking road has no traffic. During the Iowa State Fair and other large events, respect local residents, keep public spaces clean and follow venue rules concerning bags, alcohol and photography.
Local Tips
The Capitol, East Village, downtown riverfront and Pappajohn Sculpture Park form a useful central orientation area, while Sherman Hill and Ingersoll Park offer a different view through historic homes and neighbourhood businesses. The Downtown Farmers’ Market is especially valuable for understanding Iowa’s agricultural identity, with produce, baked goods and prepared food from across the state. Des Moines’ trail system often provides a more rewarding way to link parks and rivers than travelling solely by road. For a broader local perspective, combine the central landmarks with a visit to the Des Moines Art Center or a walk around the fairgrounds when no major event is taking place.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
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?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
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

Indigenous River Landscapes

The Des Moines area lies within the historic homelands and wider networks of Indigenous peoples including the Ioway, Sauk and Meskwaki. The rivers supported movement, hunting, trade and seasonal settlement long before the arrival of American settlers. Their confluence also made the area strategically significant to later military and commercial development. The Meskwaki Nation, whose settlement and cultural life remain important in central Iowa, continues to represent an enduring Indigenous presence in the region. Understanding this earlier history places the city’s later growth within a much longer story of movement and stewardship across the prairie and river valleys.

Fort Des Moines and Settlement

The US Army established Fort Des Moines in 1843 near the junction of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers, following earlier military posts that had used the same name in other Iowa locations. The fort was part of the federal presence in a region undergoing rapid change after the removal of Indigenous communities. Although the installation was short-lived, its name remained attached to the emerging settlement. A town developed around the river crossing and the expanding territorial administration, and Des Moines was incorporated as a city in 1857, the year Iowa entered statehood.

The New State Capital

Des Moines became Iowa’s permanent state capital in 1857, replacing Iowa City, and government soon became a defining force in its development. The present Iowa State Capitol was constructed from 1871 to 1886, with its central gilded dome and four smaller domes creating one of the city’s dominant architectural silhouettes. Public offices, schools, churches and commercial buildings followed as the capital expanded. The Capitol grounds and surrounding civic institutions still express the nineteenth-century ambition to make Des Moines a durable administrative and cultural centre for a growing state.

Railways, Coal and Commerce

During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, railways connected Des Moines with wider markets and strengthened its role as a commercial centre for Iowa’s farms and industries. Coal mining developed around the city, especially in communities along the Des Moines River valley, while manufacturing, wholesaling and grain-related business added to the urban economy. Downtown streets acquired substantial commercial blocks, and neighbourhoods such as Sherman Hill grew as the population increased. The city’s prosperity was therefore linked not only to state government but also to the transport, energy and agricultural systems of the surrounding region.

A City of Civic and Cultural Growth

In the twentieth century, Des Moines broadened its civic identity through education, the arts, public parks and expanding suburbs. The Des Moines Art Center opened in 1948 and developed a significant collection of modern and contemporary art, while cultural institutions and neighbourhood organisations helped diversify the city’s public life. The city also experienced periods of industrial change, suburban growth and urban renewal, patterns shared by many American regional capitals. Later investment in the riverfront, trails and public art helped reconnect central districts with the rivers and supported the revitalisation of areas such as the East Village.

Floods and Riverfront Renewal

The rivers that helped establish Des Moines have also brought serious flooding, most notably during the devastating floods of 1993 and 2008. These events affected homes, businesses and public infrastructure, while prompting renewed attention to flood protection and the relationship between the city and its waterways. The Principal Riverwalk and related improvements emerged within a longer effort to make the riverfront more accessible and useful for residents. Today, paths, parks and civic spaces along the water reflect both the environmental challenges of the river valley and the city’s continuing reinvention of its central landscape.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Des Moines, Iowa

Explore Des Moines with Evendo: A 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more. Plan and book your trip effortlessly.

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Discover the best of Des Moines with Evendo. This free app offers detailed info on attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more, making your trip planning a breeze!

  • History of Des Moines and travel essentials
  • Easy navigation through the app and the city
  • "Near me" feature to discover what's around you
  • Curated local tips for experiencing the city like a local
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Welcome to Des Moines, Iowa, a city rich in culture, history, and vibrant attractions. With Evendo, your ultimate travel guide, you can make the most of your visit. Whether you're marveling at the stunning architecture of the Iowa State Capitol, strolling through the beautiful Pappajohn Sculpture Park, or exploring the interactive exhibits at the Science Center of Iowa, Evendo has you covered.

The app provides comprehensive details on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in Des Moines. Each location is enriched with images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it easy for you to plan and organize your trip.

Craving a culinary adventure? Check out renowned eateries like Zombie Burger + Drink Lab for unique gourmet burgers or Django for a taste of French cuisine. For a dose of local culture, visit the Des Moines Art Center or catch a performance at the Des Moines Civic Center.

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