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What are the top attractions in Des Moines?
Must-see places, ranked by popularity
Quick answer 16 top-rated attractions in Des Moines, ranked by traveler popularity. Tickets & tours bookable via Viator with free cancellation on most experiences.
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★ 4.5
Blank Park Zoo
7401 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315, USA
Explore →6,663 reviews
★ 4.6
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
1330 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Explore →5,439 reviews
★ 4.3
Adventureland Park
305 34th Ave NW, Altoona, IA 50009, USA
Explore →8,803 reviews
★ 4.8
Des Moines' Downtown Farmers’ Market
300 Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Explore →3,375 reviews
★ 4.7
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
909 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Explore →3,759 reviews
★ 4.0
Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack, & Hotel
1 Prairie Meadows Dr, Altoona, IA 50009, USA
Explore →10,622 reviews
★ 4.7
Raccoon River Park
2500 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50265, USA
Explore →2,627 reviews
★ 4.7
Gray's Lake Park
2101 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50315, USA
Explore →2,371 reviews
★ 4.8
Hoyt Sherman Place
1501 Woodland Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314, USA
Explore →1,955 reviews
★ 4.8
Iowa State Capitol
Iowa State Capitol, 1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA...
Explore →1,594 reviews
★ 4.6
Des Moines Water Works Park
2201 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321, USA
Explore →1,582 reviews
★ 4.3
ARL Animal Rescue League of Iowa
5452 NE 22nd St, Des Moines, IA 50313, USA
Explore →1,792 reviews
★ 4.5
Living History Farms
11121 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, IA 50322, USA
Explore →1,113 reviews
★ 4.6
Walnut Woods State Park
3155 Walnut Woods Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50265, USA
Explore →791 reviews
★ 4.6
Fort Des Moines Park
7200 SE 5th St, Des Moines, IA 50315, USA
Explore →578 reviews
★ 4.5
Paws & Pints
6218 Willowmere Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321, USA
Explore →659 reviews
What are the best tours and experiences in Des Moines?
Hop-on-hop-off, food tours, day trips, skip-the-line tickets
Quick answer Top tour formats in Des Moines include hop-on-hop-off bus loops, food and walking tours, day trips, and skip-the-line attraction tickets. All bookable through Viator or GetYourGuide with free cancellation on most options.
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Hop-On Hop-Off
Walking Tours
Food Tours
Day Trips
Boat Cruises
Skip-the-Line
Private Tours
Adventure Tours
Photography Tours
Night Tours
Hop-On Hop-Off BusHop-On Hop-Off Bus in Des Moines
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Food and Wine ToursFood and Wine Tours in Des Moines
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City Walking ToursCity Walking Tours in Des Moines
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Day TripsDay Trips in Des Moines
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Boat and CruisesBoat and Cruises in Des Moines
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Skip-the-LineSkip-the-Line in Des Moines
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Private ToursPrivate Tours in Des Moines
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Nightlife ToursNightlife Tours in Des Moines
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Photography ToursPhotography Tours in Des Moines
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Helicopter ToursHelicopter Tours in Des Moines
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Where to eat and go out in Des Moines?
Restaurants, bars, and entertainment
Quick answer Browse top-rated restaurants, nightlife venues, and live shows happening now in Des Moines. Listings ranked by traveler ratings; tickets and tables bookable directly through partner sites.
Where to Eat
Zombie Burger + Drink Lab$$
★ 4.5
Smokey D's BBQ$$
★ 4.6
Machine Shed Restaurant Urbandale$$
★ 4.5
Texas Roadhouse$$
★ 4.5
Greater Des Moines Botanical GardenRestaurant
★ 4.7
The Iowa Taproom$$
★ 4.6
Fong's Pizza$$
★ 4.5
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store$$
★ 4.3
Nightlife
Hessen Haus$$
★ 4.6
Angry Goldfish Pub & Eatery$$
★ 4.7
El Bait Shop$
★ 4.6
Mullets Restaurant Des Moines$$
★ 4.5
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant$$
★ 4.3
Centro$$
★ 4.6
The Royal Mile$$
★ 4.6
Lua Brewing$$
★ 4.7
Shows & Events
Iowa Cubs vs. Toledo MudhensJun 2
Tell It Like It Is: Iowa Storytellers Project "Search and Rescue"Jun 2
Troy DohertyJun 2
Iowa Cubs vs. Toledo MudhensJun 3
Iowa Cubs vs. Toledo MudhensJun 4
KBong & Johnny CosmicJun 5
Iowa Cubs vs. Toledo MudhensJun 5
Marty Stuart And His Fabulous SuperlativesJun 5
Where can I shop in Des Moines?
Malls, markets, and retail districts
Quick answer Top shopping destinations in Des Moines from major malls to local markets. Browse the rail below for hours, locations, and ratings.
★ 4.4
Fleet Farm
3875 SE Delaware Ave, Ankeny, IA 50021, USA
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★ 4.3
Outlets of Des Moines
801 Bass Pro Dr NW, Altoona, IA 50009, USA
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★ 4.4
Hy-Vee Grocery Store
$$
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★ 4.0
Merle Hay Mall
3800 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines, IA 50310, USA
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★ 4.3
Hy-Vee Grocery Store
$$
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★ 4.0
Valley West Mall
1551 Valley W Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50266, USA
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★ 3.7
Walmart Supercenter
$
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★ 3.7
Walmart Supercenter
$
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★ 3.7
Walmart Supercenter
$
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★ 3.7
Walmart Supercenter
$
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★ 4.3
Whole Foods Market
$$$
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★ 3.6
The Southridge Mall
1111 E Army Post Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315, USA
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★ 4.2
Target
$$
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★ 4.2
T.J. Maxx
$
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★ 4.2
Target
$$
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★ 4.2
T.J. Maxx
$
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What events are happening in Des Moines?
Concerts, sports & shows in the next 90 days
Quick answer 44 upcoming events in Des Moines across the next 90 days, including concerts, sports, and live shows. Tickets via Ticketmaster.
SportsIowa Cubs vs. Toledo Mudhens
Jun 2, 2026
Get Tickets →
EventTell It Like It Is: Iowa Storytellers Project "Search and Rescue"
Jun 2, 2026
Get Tickets →
Troy Doherty
Jun 2, 2026
Get Tickets →
SportsIowa Cubs vs. Toledo Mudhens
Jun 3, 2026
Get Tickets →
SportsIowa Cubs vs. Toledo Mudhens
Jun 4, 2026
Get Tickets →
KBong & Johnny Cosmic
Jun 5, 2026
Get Tickets →
SportsIowa Cubs vs. Toledo Mudhens
Jun 5, 2026
Get Tickets →
Marty Stuart And His Fabulous Superlatives
Jun 5, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertShaun Johnson Big Band Sings '90s Country
Jun 6, 2026
Get Tickets →
SportsIowa Cubs vs. Toledo Mudhens
Jun 6, 2026
Get Tickets →
SportsIowa Cubs vs. Toledo Mudhens
Jun 7, 2026
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Kings Kaleidoscope w/ Hollyn
Jun 7, 2026
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Arts & TheatreAnd The World Goes 'Round
Jun 11, 2026
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ConcertThe Soul Searchers
Jun 12, 2026
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Arts & TheatreSPINNS A Contemporary Ballet Produced By SEEDS
Jun 12, 2026
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Arts & TheatreAnd The World Goes 'Round
Jun 12, 2026
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Arts & TheatreAnd The World Goes 'Round
Jun 13, 2026
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Billy Currington & Kip Moore
Jun 13, 2026
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Arts & TheatreAnd The World Goes 'Round
Jun 14, 2026
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ConcertAlison Krauss & Union Station Featuring Jerry Douglas
Jun 14, 2026
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The Wallflowers
Jun 14, 2026
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Sawyer Fredericks
Jun 16, 2026
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SportsIowa Cubs vs. Indianapolis Indians
Jun 16, 2026
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SportsIowa Cubs vs. Indianapolis Indians
Jun 17, 2026
Get Tickets →
Sports
JUN
2
Iowa Cubs vs. Toledo Mudhens
1 Line Dr, Des Moines, IA
Event
JUN
2
Tell It Like It Is: Iowa Storytellers Project "Search and Rescue"
1501 Woodland Avenue, Des Moines, IA
Concert
JUN
2
Troy Doherty
1159 24th St, Des Moines, IA
Sports
JUN
3
Iowa Cubs vs. Toledo Mudhens
1 Line Dr, Des Moines, IA
Sports
JUN
4
Iowa Cubs vs. Toledo Mudhens
1 Line Dr, Des Moines, IA
Concert
JUN
5
KBong & Johnny Cosmic
1159 24th St, Des Moines, IA
Sports
JUN
5
Iowa Cubs vs. Toledo Mudhens
1 Line Dr, Des Moines, IA
Concert
JUN
5
Marty Stuart And His Fabulous Superlatives
1501 Woodland Avenue, Des Moines, IA
Concert
JUN
6
Shaun Johnson Big Band Sings '90s Country
3711 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA
Frequently asked questions about Des Moines
Common traveler questions answered
What are the top things to do in Des Moines?
Des Moines offers world-class attractions, guided tours, restaurants, nightlife, shopping districts and live events. Explore the rails above for ranked attractions, food & drink picks, shows and experiences happening in the next 90 days.
How many days do I need in Des Moines?
Most travelers find 3-5 days is enough to see the main attractions in Des Moines, with extra time for day trips or beach time. Long weekends (3 days) work for highlight tours; a full week lets you slow down and explore neighborhoods, cuisine and nearby destinations.
What's the best way to get around Des Moines?
Public transport, walking, taxis and rideshares cover most central areas. Renting a car gives you the most flexibility for day trips, beaches, and destinations outside the city center, with all major suppliers available at Des Moines International Airport (DSM).
When is the best time to visit Des Moines?
Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) typically offer the best balance of weather, crowds, and prices. Summer brings peak attractions and events but also the highest hotel rates and longest queues. Check current event listings above to align your visit with festivals or shows that interest you.
Where is the best area to stay in Des Moines?
Central neighborhoods near top attractions are convenient for first-time visitors. Compare hotel rates from hundreds of sites using the KAYAK link in the sidebar to find the right balance of price, location, and amenities for your trip.
Do I need a car in Des Moines?
It depends on your itinerary. For city-focused trips with central hotels, public transport and rideshares often work fine. If you plan beach days, day trips, or visits to suburbs and surrounding areas, a rental car is usually faster and cheaper than booking individual transfers.