9 Activities to Explore in Des Moines, Iowa

A popular T-shirt at Raygun, a beloved local shop in Iowa's capital, humorously states, “Des Moines! Let us exceed your already low expectations!” It’s a playful jab—the insurance city in the heart of America has become genuinely (and quietly) trendy.

With a vibrant arts scene, impressive biking paths, innovative dining options, and a thriving craft beer culture, Des Moines is an enticing destination. The city’s low living costs, strong job market, and affordable housing are drawing in newcomers from across the nation. It’s growing faster than any other Midwestern metro, outpacing cities like Chicago, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis.

This wave of growth, creativity, and genuine Iowa spirit has transformed Des Moines into more than just a name during caucus season. While you could just fly over, here’s why you should take a break and explore one of the Heartland's most vibrant cities.

Spend Saturday morning at the downtown farmers’ market

From May to October, every Saturday, over 300 local farmers, florists, bakers, winemakers, cheesemongers, butchers, artisans, and creators gather in the Downtown Historic Court District for the farmers’ market. Spanning about 12 blocks, this market is the second largest in the U.S. (after Madison, Wisconsin) and has been a staple for over 40 years. In addition to fresh produce, flowers, and art from all 99 Iowa counties, enjoy live music and street performances throughout the season.

Enjoy an afternoon in the East Village

The area between the Des Moines River and the Iowa State Capitol is known as the East Village. This vibrant neighborhood features notable boutique shops, award-winning restaurants, and beloved dive bars, all reflecting a countercultural vibe. With buildings listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, it’s a great place to spend a few hours.

For dining, try Lucca for upscale Italian cuisine, Zombie Burger + Drink Lab for creative burgers and boozy milkshakes, or Open Sesame for Lebanese and Mediterranean delights.

For drinks, consider the tiki-themed Bellhop, the arcade bar Up-Down, or the classic cocktail spot Pura Social Club. Don’t miss Locust Tap, an 85-year-old dive bar adorned with signatures from patrons, where the drinks are strong and the decor is eclectic (look for the old prosthetic leg above the door). Nearby is the Blazing Saddle, the oldest gay bar in Des Moines.

Once you've finished exploring the boutiques, head over to the Capitol building (easily recognized by its gleaming gold-leaf dome) for a self-guided tour. Alternatively, take a leisurely stroll through the 12-acre Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, where the bonsai and orchid collections are particularly impressive. If you're visiting during winter, don’t miss the chance to glide at Brenton Skating Plaza (rentals available).

Try a pork chop on a stick at the Iowa State Fair

Iowa’s annual celebration of award-winning farm animals and indulgent fair foods, the Iowa State Fair, takes place in Des Moines every August. Attendees can explore agricultural exhibits, participate in bean bag tournaments, enjoy carnival rides, watch live music performances in the grandstand, and savor calorie-laden treats like the Pork Picnic in a Cup, which features layers of barbecued pulled pork, baked beans, coleslaw, and brown sugar pork belly served in a cup.

As the first-in-the-nation caucus state, Iowa becomes a hub for presidential candidates leading up to elections. You can expect to see hopefuls shaking hands on the Grand Concourse, admiring the iconic butter cow, and posing for photos while enjoying a giant turkey leg atop a hay bale.

Enjoy a locally crafted beer

Beer enthusiasts, get ready to be delighted—Des Moines boasts an impressive beer scene.

Start your journey at El Bait Shop, frequently ranked among the top beer bars nationwide, featuring an astounding 262 beers on draft—the largest selection west of the Mississippi, including rare finds. Just a few blocks away, you’ll discover a variety of unique beer spots, such as Hessen Haus (a German-style beer hall), the Royal Mile (a British pub), the Red Monk (a Belgian café), and Iowa Taproom (offering over 100 beers brewed in the state).

The metro area is home to more than two dozen breweries. The oldest and largest are Court Avenue Restaurant and Brewing Co, Exile Brewing Co, and Confluence Brewing. A popular newcomer, Lua Brewing, often features a variety of sours and has a patio with views of downtown.

Experience fine dining at a celebrated restaurant

Though the State Fair is known for its deep-fried delights, don’t let that stereotype define Des Moines's culinary landscape.

In downtown, consider visiting St. Kilda, a trendy Australian-American café and bakery famed for its creative avocado toast and vibrant grain bowls; Django, a French bistro known for its duck frites and beef tenderloin; Bubba, serving comforting Southern dishes; and Fong’s, an eclectic mix of tiki bar, pizzeria, karaoke spot, and Chinese restaurant (make sure to try the Crab Rangoon Pizza).

On Ingersoll Avenue, bustling with bars and restaurants, you can find the classic supper club Jesse’s Embers; Mediterranean-inspired Eatery A; the cleverly named Cheese Bar; as well as Asian-focused spots like Lucky Lotus and Harbinger.

Appreciate art at the Des Moines Arts Center and Pappajohn Sculpture Park

At the Des Moines Arts Center, the main gallery serves as a showcase for rotating exhibits, typically lasting one to three months. Its permanent collection features works from many of the modern artists you encountered in your Art History 101 course, including Matisse, Monet, O’Keeffe, and Rodin. The center also offers guided and self-guided tours throughout the year, including the outdoor rose garden and sculpture park. Located in downtown Des Moines, the building was designed by renowned architect Eliel Saarinen, blending art deco and art nouveau styles.

Also situated downtown is the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, a four-acre space showcasing over 20 sculptures. The initial 24 sculptures, valued at $40 million, were part of the personal collection of philanthropists John and Mary Louise Pappajohn, who generously donated them to the city in 2009 to aid in the revitalization of downtown.

Enjoy performances by nationally acclaimed bands at the 80-35 music festival

Every July, Des Moines hosts the renowned 80-35 music festival, named after the two interstates that run through the city. This summer event features both local musicians and internationally recognized bands. In 2022, performers included Father John Misty, Japanese Breakfast, and Charli XCX.

Rent a bike and explore the trails

Des Moines boasts over 800 miles of bike trails in the metro area, making it a fantastic destination for cyclists to explore safely. One of the most popular routes is the High Trestle Trail, a flat, paved pathway built on a decommissioned railroad line. Spanning 25 miles, it winds through the nearby cities of Ankeny, Madrid, Sheldahl, Slate, and Woodward. The most picturesque section features the High Trestle Bridge, a towering 13-story, half-mile-long bridge spanning the Des Moines River valley.

The Meredith Trail, named after conservationist and former Meredith Corporation board chairman Ted Meredith, stretches just over five miles and connects downtown to Gray’s Lake Park. This park includes a nearly two-mile path that encircles the lake, offering stunning views of the Des Moines skyline from the Kruidenier Trail Pedestrian Bridge. Gray’s Lake is a favorite spot for fishing, sunbathing on the beach, and renting kayaks from the concession stand.

Another option is the West Des Moines Historical Bike Tour. This eight-mile loop features stops at the Jordan House, the Red Caboose, Raccoon River Park, and nine other locations that showcase the area’s history.

If you don’t have your own bike, you can find one of 27 BCycle stations throughout the city, each offering a selection of classic and E-bikes for public use.

Tour a historic home

Salisbury House & Gardens is a Tudor and Gothic-style residence constructed between 1923 and 1928, now open to the public for guided tours. You can join a tour daily at 1pm or 3pm.

Accommodations in Des Moines

Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel

For a historic stay, the Savery Hotel is the perfect choice. Established 103 years ago under the leadership of Annie Savery, a prominent women’s rights advocate, this hotel has a rich history. Although it has been in operation since 1919, it remains modern after a $20 million renovation completed in 2018. The red-brick hotel is ideally located in downtown’s entertainment district, close to attractions like the Des Moines Performing Arts Center and Wells Fargo Arena.

Surety Hotel

Previously serving as an office building for insurance firms, the Surety Hotel is now a midcentury-modern hotel that boasts elegantly furnished rooms featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views of downtown.