Things to Do in Des Moines

We’re so excited to welcome you to Des Moines! Whether you’re here for the weekend or just have a little extra time before or after the celebration, here are a few local spots to explore while you’re in town.

Downtown & Photo-Worthy Stops

Pappajohn Sculpture Park

A beautiful downtown outdoor sculpture park and one of Des Moines’ most iconic photo spots. It’s a great quick stop for a walk, photos, and a little fresh air. The park is located downtown and features more than 30 sculptures across 4.4 acres.

Iowa State Capitol

A must-see Des Moines landmark with beautiful architecture, a gold dome, and impressive interior spaces. Tours are available Monday through Saturday, and the Capitol is located at 1007 East Grand Avenue.

East Village

A charming downtown neighborhood with local boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants, and cocktail spots. It’s a great area to walk around, shop, or grab a casual bite.

Arts, Culture & Gardens

Des Moines Art Center

A great stop for art lovers. Admission is always free, and the Art Center includes a museum, art school, and sculpture park.

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

A beautiful indoor/outdoor garden near downtown and the East Village. It’s a peaceful place to explore, take photos, or enjoy a slower morning before wedding festivities.

Salisbury House & Gardens

A historic house museum with beautiful architecture, gardens, and old-world charm. A lovely option for guests who enjoy history, design, and quiet sightseeing.

Food, Drinks & Local Exploring

Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market

If you’re in town on Saturday morning, the Downtown Farmers’ Market is a local favorite with food vendors, coffee, flowers, produce, and handmade goods. It’s a fun way to experience the city.

Historic East Village Restaurants & Shops

Spend some time exploring local restaurants, boutiques, and coffee shops in the East Village. It’s one of the easiest areas for guests to enjoy without needing a full itinerary.

Des Moines Breweries & Cocktail Bars

Des Moines has a growing food and drink scene, especially downtown and in the East Village. Great for guests looking for a relaxed evening before or after wedding events.

Family-Friendly Options

Blank Park Zoo

A great option for guests traveling with children. Blank Park Zoo is Des Moines’ local zoo and is home to hundreds of animals.

Gray’s Lake Park

A peaceful outdoor spot for walking, relaxing, or enjoying views of the water and downtown skyline.

Outdoor & Relaxed Activities

Des Moines Riverwalk

A scenic downtown walking area along the river, perfect for a casual stroll.

Principal Riverwalk / Downtown Trails

Downtown Des Moines connects to a large trail system, and the Greater Des Moines area has more than 800 miles of trails for guests who enjoy walking, biking, or being outdoors.

Water Works Park

A large outdoor park with trails, green space, and peaceful areas to walk or unwind.

Spare Time Entertainment — West Des Moines

A great all-in-one entertainment spot with bowling, arcade games, laser tag, escape rooms, food, and drinks. This is a good option for families, groups, or guests who want something casual and fun near Jordan Creek.

Escapology — Clive

A private escape room experience where groups work together to solve clues, crack codes, and escape a themed room within one hour. Great for couples, families, or small groups of friends.

Smash Park — West Des Moines

A lively indoor/outdoor entertainment venue with pickleball, darts, axe throwing, arcade games, food, drinks, and weekly events. This is a fun option for adults, groups, or guests looking for a social atmosphere.

Dave & Buster’s — West Des Moines

Located near Jordan Creek, Dave & Buster’s offers arcade games, food, drinks, and a sports-bar atmosphere. A good pick for families, groups, or guests who want an easy entertainment option.

Putts & Pins — West Des Moines

A fun spot featuring tech-infused mini golf, duckpin bowling, arcade games, food, and drinks. This would be a great option for guests who want something playful and different.

Ricochet — Downtown Des Moines

A downtown game bar with ping pong, pool, foosball, darts, shuffleboard, Skee-Ball, cornhole, and other social games. Best for adult guests looking for a fun night out downtown.

Up-Down Arcade Bar — East Village

A retro arcade bar with classic arcade games, drinks, and a fun nightlife vibe. Please note this is typically a 21+ venue, though they do offer select family hours on certain Sundays.

Science Center of Iowa — Downtown Des Moines

A great indoor option for families with kids or guests looking for something interactive during the day. The Science Center offers exhibits and live programs in downtown Des Moines.

Adventureland Resort — Altoona

For guests staying longer or traveling with kids, Adventureland is a larger amusement park option just outside Des Moines in Altoona. It usually operates seasonally, so guests should check hours before going.