Des Moines features the golden-domed Capitol, art and history museums, urban parks, and cultural centers. The capital of Iowa includes botanical gardens, a zoo, contemporary art galleries, and local markets. The historic downtown hosts theaters, stadiums, and trails along the river.
Des Moines, Iowa
Art museum housing permanent collections of paintings by Hopper, Matisse, Monet and Warhol, with rotating exhibitions throughout the year.
Des Moines, Iowa
Government building from 1871 featuring a central dome covered in 23-karat gold and legislative chambers with painted ceilings.
Des Moines, Iowa
Theater and art gallery located in the 1877 mansion of Major Hoyt Sherman, featuring period furniture and regular performances.
Des Moines, Iowa
A 70-acre park with tropical greenhouses, a water garden, and collections of local plants. An educational center offers activities.
West Des Moines, Iowa
Two-story gallery exhibiting contemporary artwork from international artists, featuring paintings, sculptures, and photographs for sale.
Des Moines, Iowa
Victorian-style residence dating back to 1901, maintaining its original furnishings. The grounds include flower gardens and trees planted in the last century.
Des Moines, Iowa
Museum documenting Iowa's history from the pre-colonial period to present day, with exhibits on agriculture, industry, and daily life.
Des Moines, Iowa
50-acre zoo home to 800 animals including tigers, lions, giraffes, and penguins. A play area is available for children.
Des Moines, Iowa
167-acre public park with a lake, 3.2 km paved trails for walking and biking, picnic areas, and a beach.
Des Moines, Iowa
Science center with interactive exhibits, a planetarium, an IMAX theater, and hands-on demonstrations about natural and technological phenomena.
Des Moines, Iowa
Museum located in a 1903 building featuring exhibitions on agriculture, food security, and advancements in global agricultural production.
Des Moines, Iowa
Outdoor market held from May to October, bringing together over 300 vendors of agricultural products, food, and crafts from Iowa.
Des Moines, Iowa
11,000-seat baseball stadium located at the confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers, home to the Iowa Cubs team.
Des Moines, Iowa
175-acre exhibition center hosting the Iowa State Fair, trade shows, and public events throughout the year.
Des Moines, Iowa
Downtown shopping district with renovated 19th-century buildings, independent shops, art galleries, and local restaurants.
Des Moines, Iowa
Municipal entertainment center offering shows, plays, exhibitions, and sports events all year round.
Des Moines, Iowa
Large indoor commercial space of 37,000 square feet hosting over 450 vendors of antiques, collectibles, and vintage furniture.
Des Moines, Iowa
Urban park spanning 4.4 acres containing 28 contemporary sculptures from noted artists, located in the downtown area.
Des Moines, Iowa
11-mile greenway for bicycles and pedestrians connecting multiple parks and residential neighborhoods along Walnut Creek.
Des Moines, Iowa
Four-story warehouse selling reclaimed architectural elements, restored furniture, and decorative items from historical buildings.
Des Moines, Iowa
Mansion built in 1869 on a hill, now the official residence of the governor with guided tours of the interiors.
Des Moines, Iowa
16,000-seat center hosting hockey and basketball games, as well as concerts, since 2005.
Des Moines, Iowa
Landscaped space featuring Chinese design elements including a red bridge, a pagoda, stone lanterns, and a koi pond.
Des Moines, Iowa
Central street with early 1900s buildings, restaurants, and shops, the focal point of the business district.
Des Moines, Iowa
Two-acre green space where the magazine tests and photographs flower arrangements for its publications.
Des Moines, Iowa
Two-acre vineyard producing local wines, featuring a tasting room and event space.
Des Moines, Iowa
Craft beer brewery offering guided tours and a tasting room to enjoy beers on-site.
Des Moines, Iowa
1.5-mile paved pedestrian path following the twists of the river, connecting several parks and wildlife observation points.
Des Moines, Iowa
Cultural center built in 1918 offering concerts, plays, and lectures throughout the year.
Des Moines, Iowa
Recreational area by the water with paved biking paths, benches, and river observation points.
Des Moines, Iowa
16-mile route through nature for bikes and pedestrians, running along the Des Moines River to the reservoir.