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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 →6,799 reviews
★ 4.6
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
1330 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Explore →5,529 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 →3,458 reviews
★ 4.7
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
909 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Explore →3,838 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 →2,659 reviews
★ 4.7
Gray's Lake Park
2101 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50315, USA
Explore →2,430 reviews
★ 4.8
Hoyt Sherman Place
1501 Woodland Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314, USA
Explore →1,985 reviews
★ 4.8
Iowa State Capitol
Iowa State Capitol, 1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA...
Explore →1,658 reviews
★ 4.6
Des Moines Water Works Park
2201 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321, USA
Explore →1,598 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 →1,119 reviews
★ 4.6
Walnut Woods State Park
3155 Walnut Woods Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50265, USA
Explore →811 reviews
★ 4.7
Walker Johnston Park
9000 Douglas Ave, Urbandale, IA 50322, USA
Explore →673 reviews
★ 4.6
Fort Des Moines Park
7200 SE 5th St, Des Moines, IA 50315, USA
Explore →585 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 + Bird$
★ 4.5
Smokey D's BBQ$$
★ 4.6
Machine Shed Restaurant$
★ 4.5
Texas Roadhouse$$
★ 4.5
Greater Des Moines Botanical GardenRestaurant
★ 4.7
The Iowa Taproom$$
★ 4.6
Fong's Pizza$$
★ 4.5
KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot$$
★ 4.8
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.
★ 4.5
Jordan Creek Town Center
101 Jordan Creek Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 5026...
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★ 4.4
Fleet Farm
3875 SE Delaware Ave, Ankeny, IA 50021, USA
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★ 4.5
Costco Wholesale
7205 Mills Civic Pkwy #788b, West Des Moines, I...
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★ 4.7
Trader Joe's
6305 Mills Civic Pkwy Ste 2111, West Des Moines...
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★ 4.3
Outlets of Des Moines
801 Bass Pro Dr NW, Altoona, IA 50009, USA
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★ 4.3
Hy-Vee Grocery Store
8701 Douglas Ave, Urbandale, IA 50322, USA
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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
420 Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
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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
1001 73rd St, Windsor Heights, IA 50324, USA
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★ 3.7
Walmart Supercenter
5101 SE 14th St, Des Moines, IA 50320, USA
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★ 3.8
Walmart Supercenter
6365 Stagecoach 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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★ 4.3
Whole Foods Market
4100 University Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50266,...
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★ 4.2
Kohl's
6515 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 5026...
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What events are happening in Des Moines?
Concerts, sports & shows in the next 90 days
Quick answer 45 upcoming events in Des Moines across the next 90 days, including concerts, sports, and live shows. Tickets via Ticketmaster.
Staind w/ Hoobastank
Aug 17, 2026
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EventBest of the Worst
Aug 18, 2026
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ConcertTLC & Salt-N-Pepa with En Vogue
Aug 18, 2026
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AJR
Aug 19, 2026
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Riley Green w/ Mackenzie Carpenter
Aug 20, 2026
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Maria Bamford
Aug 21, 2026
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Alabama w/ Exile
Aug 21, 2026
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American Aquarium
Aug 21, 2026
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ConcertSail On - The Beach Boys Tribute
Aug 22, 2026
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BigXThaPlug
Aug 22, 2026
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EventJason Carter Band
Aug 22, 2026
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ConcertSail On - The Beach Boys Tribute
Aug 23, 2026
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EventJosiah Queen w/ Ben Fuller
Aug 23, 2026
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EventIowa State Fair Beer Special
Aug 24, 2026
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EventMe Like Bees w/ Fox Royale
Aug 25, 2026
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SportsIowa Cubs vs. Omaha Storm Chasers
Aug 25, 2026
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EventFour Roses Bourbon and Culinary Experience
Aug 25, 2026
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ConcertSteve Berry's Tribute to Barry Manilow
Aug 26, 2026
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G. Love
Aug 26, 2026
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SportsIowa Cubs vs. Omaha Storm Chasers
Aug 26, 2026
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SportsIowa Cubs vs. Omaha Storm Chasers
Aug 27, 2026
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EventTraffic Death
Aug 27, 2026
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ConcertJudy Collins-Sweet Judy Blue Eyes: Farewell co-starring Bruce Cockburn
Aug 27, 2026
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Clay Walker with Blackhawk
Aug 27, 2026
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Concert
AUG
17
Staind w/ Hoobastank
400 East 14th Street, Des Moines, IA
Event
AUG
18
Best of the Worst
1159 24th St, Des Moines, IA
Concert
AUG
18
TLC & Salt-N-Pepa with En Vogue
400 East 14th Street, Des Moines, IA
Concert
AUG
19
AJR
400 East 14th Street, Des Moines, IA
Concert
AUG
20
Riley Green w/ Mackenzie Carpenter
400 East 14th Street, Des Moines, IA
Arts & Theatre
AUG
21
Maria Bamford
1501 Woodland Avenue, Des Moines, IA
Concert
AUG
21
Alabama w/ Exile
400 East 14th Street, Des Moines, IA
Concert
AUG
21
American Aquarium
1159 24th St, Des Moines, IA
Concert
AUG
22
Sail On - The Beach Boys Tribute
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.