🌴 Explore Des Moines, Iowa
Friendly, vibrant, and full of surprises, Des Moines is Iowa’s capital and cultural hub. With a growing food scene, impressive public art, historic neighborhoods, and scenic riverfront trails, Des Moines blends small-town charm with big-city amenities. Whether you’re here for politics, festivals, or just a laid-back getaway, this Midwestern gem delivers.
📌 Quick Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| State | Iowa |
| Country | United States |
| Population | ~215,000 (700,000 in the metro area) |
| Time Zone | CST (UTC -6:00) / CDT (UTC -5:00, DST) |
| Currency | US Dollar (USD) |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International Airport (DSM) |
| Languages | English |
| Climate | Humid continental – Cold winters, warm summers |
| Best Time to Visit | May to October for festivals and mild weather |
🧭 Top Attractions in Des Moines
🏛️ Iowa State Capitol
A stunning gold-domed building with sweeping views and guided tours — don’t miss the law library’s spiral staircases.
🎨 Pappajohn Sculpture Park
A downtown highlight featuring over 30 large-scale sculptures in a walkable urban green space.
🦋 Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Explore tropical plants, seasonal flowers, and tranquil gardens along the Des Moines River.
🧒 Blank Park Zoo
A family favorite with over 100 species, from red pandas to giraffes and a fun train ride for kids.
🍴 Where to Eat & Drink
Des Moines’ food scene is booming with local ingredients and international flavors:
- Centro – Trendy Italian spot with wood-fired pizzas and a lively atmosphere
- Fong’s Pizza – Fusion of Chinese food and pizza with a quirky tiki vibe
- Eatery A – Mediterranean-inspired dishes and a huge wine selection
- Smokey D’s BBQ – Award-winning BBQ with generous portions and great sauce
Be sure to try Iowa pork chops, sweet corn (in season), and craft brews from Exile or Confluence Brewing.
🏨 Where to Stay
Whether you’re downtown for business or enjoying a weekend escape, Des Moines has options:
- Des Lux Hotel – Stylish, upscale boutique hotel near the heart of downtown
- Surety Hotel – Chic and modern, housed in a historic bank building
- Hilton Des Moines Downtown – Convenient location near the Iowa Events Center
- Budget motels and chains – Widely available around West Des Moines and airport areas
🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
Shop local and explore charming districts:
- East Village – Boutiques, vintage stores, and artisan goods near the Capitol
- Valley Junction – Historic area with antique shops and seasonal markets
- Jordan Creek Town Center – The largest mall in Iowa with shopping, dining, and a lakefront
- Souvenirs – Look for corn-themed gifts, local honey, Hawkeye or Cyclone merch, and Des Moines-themed tees
🧳 Travel Information
Getting There:
- 🛫 By air: Des Moines International Airport has daily flights from major U.S. cities
- 🚗 By car: Located at the intersection of I-80 and I-35
- 🚌 By bus: Served by Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, and Megabus
Getting Around:
- Downtown is walkable, especially around the East Village and Western Gateway
- DART buses cover the metro area
- Bikes and scooters are available for rent in warmer months
- Rental cars or rideshare apps are ideal for exploring surrounding areas
Safety Tip: Des Moines is very safe and welcoming — perfect for families, solo travelers, and weekend explorers.
💡 Local Tips
- 🏞️ Walk or bike the Principal Riverwalk for public art, bridges, and waterfront views
- 🎉 Visit during the Iowa State Fair in August — one of the biggest and best in the country
- 🎭 Catch a Broadway show or concert at the Des Moines Civic Center
- ☕ Grab breakfast at La Mie Bakery — a local favorite for pastries, omelets, and artisan bread