{"id":21439,"date":"2025-02-03T20:06:23","date_gmt":"2025-02-03T20:06:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/?p=21439"},"modified":"2026-01-13T17:40:49","modified_gmt":"2026-01-13T17:40:49","slug":"best-things-to-do-in-des-moines-iowa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/best-things-to-do-in-des-moines-iowa\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Best Things To Do In Des Moines, Iowa"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"bsf_rt_marker\"><\/div>\n<p>Des Moines offers a vibrant cultural scene, creative restaurants, and charming town squares, guaranteeing an exciting variety of activities. With <a href=\"https:\/\/www.catchdesmoines.com\/plan\/transportation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">20 metro stations<\/a> providing easy access to top attractions like the Iowa State Fair, the Des Moines Art Center, and Wells Fargo Arena, it&#8217;s a top destination for visitors. If you\u2019re thinking about visiting the capital city of Iowa this summer, here are the top 8 things to do in Des Moines for people of all ages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li><a href=\"#h-best-things-to-do-in-des-moines\" >Best Things to Do in Des Moines<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-iowa-state-fair\" >Iowa State Fair<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-des-moines-art-center\" >Des Moines Art Center<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-wells-fargo-arena\" >Wells Fargo Arena<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-best-things-to-do-in-des-moines-for-young-adults\" >Best Things to Do in Des Moines for Young Adults<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-hiking-trails\" >Hiking Trails<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-downtown-farmer-s-market\" >Downtown Farmer\u2019s Market<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-smash-park\" >Smash Park<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-best-things-to-do-in-des-moines-for-couples\" >Best Things To Do In Des Moines For Couples<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-greater-des-moines-botanical-garden\" >Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-restaurants\" >Restaurants<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/nav><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-best-things-to-do-in-des-moines\"><strong>Best Things to Do in Des Moines<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Did we mention that Des Moines is one of our top picks for <a href=\"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/a-complete-guide-to-successfully-moving-to-iowa\/#h-places-to-live-in-iowa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">places to live in Iowa<\/a>? Even if you\u2019re not <a href=\"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/movers\/ia\/des-moines\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">thinking of moving there<\/a> anytime soon, get to know the city by visiting one of its must-see attractions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-iowa-state-fair\"><strong>Iowa State Fair<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iowastatefair.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Iowa State Fair<\/a> is the single largest event in the state of Iowa, attracting more than a million people a year with its amusement rides, free concerts, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iowastatefair.org\/participate\/parade\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Iowa\u2019s largest parade<\/a>. The annual summer festival is held over an 11-day period every August as a celebration of Iowa&#8217;s agriculture and fine arts. Ride the Sky Glider, check out a livestock contest, and visit the fair&#8217;s history museum. After all is said and done, take a break from the August heat in the fairground\u2019s Agricultural Building, where you can marvel at the 600-pound <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iowastatefair.org\/about\/butter-cow\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Butter Cow<\/a> sculpture.<br><br>Countless vendors compete for the People\u2019s Choice Awards, featuring 200 fun festival foods with over 50 mouth-watering snack items served on a stick. There are even gluten-free options! Come to the corn state, compete in cornhole tossing, and leave spirited with a corn dog in hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/01\/colorful-carousel-placed-in-amusement-park-stockpack-pexels-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Amusement park swing ride\" class=\"wp-image-21594\" srcset=\"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/01\/colorful-carousel-placed-in-amusement-park-stockpack-pexels-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/01\/colorful-carousel-placed-in-amusement-park-stockpack-pexels-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/01\/colorful-carousel-placed-in-amusement-park-stockpack-pexels-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/01\/colorful-carousel-placed-in-amusement-park-stockpack-pexels-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/01\/colorful-carousel-placed-in-amusement-park-stockpack-pexels-2048x1367.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-des-moines-art-center\"><strong>Des Moines Art Center<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/desmoinesartcenter.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Des Moines Art Center<\/a> is a free and accessible art museum located in downtown Des Moines. <a href=\"https:\/\/desmoinesartcenter.org\/news\/pei-building-receives-illuminating-upgrade\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Over 300,000 visitors per year<\/a> come from all over the globe to gaze at the gallery of modern and contemporary art. The permanent collection includes works by Andy Warhol, Takashi Murakami, and other local and international artists.<br><br>About two miles east of the Des Moines Art Center is the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, an expansion of the Art Center. The Pappajohn Sculpture Park features artwork from more than two dozen artists. Since its opening in 2009, the park received more than 30 donations of artworks, making the location a significant symbol of the Des Moines community and a delightful pick for your afternoon stroll.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-wells-fargo-arena\"><strong>Wells Fargo Arena<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Catch a basketball game or a concert by your favorite performer at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iowaeventscenter.com\/events\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wells Fargo Arena<\/a>. The multi-purpose arena spans 17,000 seats and ranks consistently in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iowaeventscenter.com\/about\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">top 100 concert venues<\/a> as ranked by Pollstar Magazine. Wells Fargo Arena has hosted performers such as Cardi B, Cher, Twenty One Pilots, Elton John, and Carrie Underwood. The venue is also home to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.catchdesmoines.com\/listing\/emc-expo-center\/7495\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">EMC Expo Center<\/a> and the Community Choice Convention Center, with skywalk access to hotels, restaurants, and nightlife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-best-things-to-do-in-des-moines-for-young-adults\"><strong>Best Things to Do in Des Moines for Young Adults<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Des Moines has some of the best activities for young adults ranging from exploring scenic outdoor attractions to uncovering locals\u2019 favorite hangouts and entertainment hot spots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-hiking-trails\"><strong>Hiking Trails<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Spanning across a distance of over 800 miles, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.catchdesmoines.com\/things-to-do\/outdoors\/hiking-trails\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">scenic hiking trails<\/a> of Des Moines are not only great for exercise but also give an unparalleled view of the natural sights in the area. The High Trestle Trail provides a panoramic view of the Des Moines River, while the Chichaqua Valley Trail crosses over the Skunk River. Whether you\u2019re a nature photographer or seeking a prime photo opportunity for your Instagram, the trails have you covered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-downtown-farmer-s-market\">Downtown <strong>Farmer\u2019s Market<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/01\/four-trays-of-varieties-of-fruits-stockpack-pexels-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Four trays of varieties of fresh fruits\" class=\"wp-image-21583\" srcset=\"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/01\/four-trays-of-varieties-of-fruits-stockpack-pexels-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/01\/four-trays-of-varieties-of-fruits-stockpack-pexels-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/01\/four-trays-of-varieties-of-fruits-stockpack-pexels-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/01\/four-trays-of-varieties-of-fruits-stockpack-pexels-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/01\/four-trays-of-varieties-of-fruits-stockpack-pexels-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Do a-<em>maize<\/em>-ing vegetables make your heart <em>beet<\/em> faster? Every Saturday morning from May through October, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dsmpartnership.com\/desmoinesfarmersmarket\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Downtown Farmer\u2019s Market<\/a> sets up shop in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dsmpartnership.com\/downtowndsmusa\/living-downtown\/neighborhoods\/historic-court-avenue-district\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Downtown Historic Court District<\/a>, boasting a hearty selection of produce from over 300 vendors. The Farmer\u2019s Market is also why we ranked Des Moines as <a href=\"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/the-5-best-places-to-live-in-iowa\/#h-des-moines\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">one of the top places to live in Iowa<\/a>! If you\u2019re visiting in the summertime, you simply cannot miss out on the market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-smash-park\"><strong>Smash Park<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/smashpark.com\/west-des-moines\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Smash Park<\/a> is a popular hang-out spot among locals, featuring Iowa\u2019s largest patio along with food, drinks, and sports. From the rising pickleball craze to even an arcade, Smash Park has everything you need for a fun day out with friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-best-things-to-do-in-des-moines-for-couples\"><strong>Best Things To Do In Des Moines For Couples<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/01\/couple-bench-happy-stockpack-pixabay-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"A happy couple sitting on a bench by a lake.\" class=\"wp-image-21590\" srcset=\"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/01\/couple-bench-happy-stockpack-pixabay-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/01\/couple-bench-happy-stockpack-pixabay-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/01\/couple-bench-happy-stockpack-pixabay-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/01\/couple-bench-happy-stockpack-pixabay.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Planning a day in Des Moines with your special someone? From romantic gardens to inventive restaurants, the city has plenty to offer to couples. Here are some of the best things to do in Des Moines for couples so you and your love can have an unforgettable night out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-greater-des-moines-botanical-garden\"><strong>Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/dmbotanicalgarden.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden<\/a> is a 12-acre public garden, doubling as both a low-budget date spot and a romantic event venue for impressing your crush. January through March of this year, the garden is intent on helping couples find true love with their <a href=\"https:\/\/dmbotanicalgarden.com\/friday-night\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dome After Dark<\/a> events.<br><br>What if you\u2019re visiting during the summer instead? Worry not, you\u2019ll still catch one of their <a href=\"https:\/\/dmbotanicalgarden.com\/music-in-the-garden-details\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Music in the Garden<\/a> concerts, and impress your date with your shared appreciation for live music. If things go especially well with your special someone, maybe you\u2019ll come back to the botanical garden for one of their indoor or outdoor wedding options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-restaurants\"><strong>Restaurants<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>And of course, a good date can\u2019t end on an empty stomach! To experience the growing craft scene in Des Moines, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.citybrewtours.com\/blog\/the-9-best-breweries-in-des-moines\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">aficionados recommend<\/a> the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.exilebrewing.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Exile Brewing Company<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/elbaitshop.com\/#\/890\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">El Bait Shop<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/luabeer.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lua Brewing<\/a> for a refreshing beer and a quick bite.<br><br>If you\u2019re looking for a booze-free night, we\u2019ve also got you covered. <a href=\"https:\/\/fongspizza.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fong\u2019s Pizza<\/a> is a popular location that has gained national popularity after Food Network\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.foodnetwork.com\/shows\/the-best-thing-i-ever-ate\/episodes\/one-of-a-kind\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">featured it<\/a> for its signature menu item crab rangoon pizza. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zombieburgerdm.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Zombie Burger<\/a> is another popular restaurant, known for fast food and shakes that attract visitors from everywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-conclusion\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you\u2019re a college-bound young adult moving to Iowa or a senior embracing your wanderlust, Des Moines offers a vibrant array of experiences to pursue. Buy fresh produce at the Farmer\u2019s Market, admire artworks at the Des Moines Art Center, or enjoy a romantic evening at the Botanical Garden. From going to local hangout spots to checking out restaurants and bars, a visit to this city will keep you as busy as a bee. Look around, have some fun! Des Moines is a buzzing city full of life, or as the locals say, \u201cIn Des Moines, only the S\u2019s are silent.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Des Moines offers a vibrant cultural scene, creative restaurants, and charming town squares, guaranteeing an exciting variety of activities. With 20 metro stations providing easy access to top attractions like the Iowa State Fair, the Des Moines Art Center, and Wells Fargo Arena, it&#8217;s a top destination for visitors. If you\u2019re thinking about visiting the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":77,"featured_media":21576,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"_has_post_settings":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[1141,97,6,62],"tags":[1384,1380,1381,1383,1382],"class_list":["post-21439","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-des-moines","category-iowa-moving-to","category-iowa","category-moving-to","tag-things-to-do-des-moines-ia-couples","tag-things-to-do-in-des-moines","tag-things-to-do-in-des-moines-ia","tag-things-to-do-in-des-moines-in-young-adult","tag-things-to-do-in-des-moines-iowa"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21439","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/77"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21439"}],"version-history":[{"count":29,"href":"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21439\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":27706,"href":"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21439\/revisions\/27706"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21576"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21439"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21439"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21439"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}