Des Moines

Tourist places in Des Moines, Des Moines Travel Info

Cities in Iowa

City Overview

Des Moines, Iowa’s state capital and most-populous city, is a vibrant Midwestern hub with a growing metro area. It boasts a diverse mix of cultural attractions, outdoor recreation, iconic events like the Iowa State Fair, and a thriving food and craft beer scene. The city is known for its affordability, family-friendly amenities, and concentrated downtown core with walkable access to top attractions.

Where the City Is Located

Des Moines is situated in central Iowa, along the Des Moines River. It is the anchor of the Des Moines-West Des Moines metro area, with easy access to nearby communities like Altoona (entertainment hub) and Bondurant (quaint neighborhood). The city is a central transportation hub for the Midwest, with major highways and a regional airport.

Why This City is Famous

Des Moines is famous for:

  • Iowa State Fair: An 11-day August event drawing millions, with livestock shows, food vendors, and cultural gatherings; the fairgrounds host year-round events.
  • Pappajohn Sculpture Park: A free downtown park featuring artwork by world-renowned artists.
  • Midwestern Affordability: Offers big-city amenities at a fraction of the cost of coastal hubs.
  • Covered Bridges of Madison County: Nearby, known as the "Covered Bridge Capital of Iowa."
  • Free Attractions: Includes the Iowa State Capitol, Science Center of Iowa, and Pappajohn Sculpture Park.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Des Moines is during summer (June-August) for outdoor activities and the Iowa State Fair, or fall (September-October) for leaf-peeping. Winters (December-March) are cold, limiting outdoor activities, while spring (April-May) brings mild weather but occasional rain.

Top Tourist Attractions

Iowa State Fairgrounds: Hosts the iconic Iowa State Fair and year-round events.

Pappajohn Sculpture Park: Free downtown park with world-class artwork.

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden: 14-acre center with exotic plants and a domed conservatory.

Blank Park Zoo: Family-friendly zoo with diverse animal exhibits.

Iowa State Capitol: Stunning historic building with free tours.

Science Center of Iowa: Free interactive science museum for all ages.

Gray’s Lake Park: Outdoor paradise with hiking, biking, and water activities.

Des Moines Art Center: Renowned art museum with a diverse collection.

Accommodations in Des Moines Tourist Attractions in Des Moines

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