Discover Downtown Des Moines Iowa Map

Located in the heart of Iowa, Downtown Des Moines is a vibrant and diverse city with many attractions, hidden gems, and outdoor adventures to offer. Whether you’re a foodie, an art lover, a history buff, or an adventure seeker, there is something for everyone in this beautiful city. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll explore the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, and much more.

Top Attractions

Downtown Des Moines is home to many top attractions that you won’t want to miss. The most famous of these is the Iowa State Capitol Building, a stunning architectural masterpiece that offers tours to visitors. Other notable attractions include the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, the Des Moines Art Center, and the Science Center of Iowa.

Hidden Gems

If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, Downtown Des Moines has plenty of hidden gems to discover. Some of our favorites include the Des Moines Social Club, a community arts organization that hosts a variety of events and performances, and the Des Moines Farmers’ Market, which takes place every Saturday morning and offers a wide variety of fresh produce and handmade goods.

Food Scene

Downtown Des Moines has a thriving food scene, with many top-rated restaurants and cafes. Some of our favorites include the Cheese Bar, which specializes in gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, and Zombie Burger, a horror-themed restaurant that serves up delicious burgers and milkshakes.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Traveling on a budget? Downtown Des Moines has plenty of affordable options, from free attractions like the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park to budget-friendly restaurants like Fong’s Pizza, which serves up tasty pies at reasonable prices.

Outdoor Adventures

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll love the many outdoor adventures that Downtown Des Moines has to offer. From hiking and biking trails to kayaking and fishing on the Des Moines River, there is plenty to keep you busy and active.

Historical Landmarks

Downtown Des Moines is steeped in history, and there are many historical landmarks to explore. Some of our favorites include the Salisbury House, a beautiful 42-room mansion, and the State Historical Museum, which showcases Iowa’s rich history.

Family-Friendly Activities

Traveling with kids? Downtown Des Moines has plenty of family-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained. Some of our favorites include the Blank Park Zoo, the Des Moines Botanical Garden, and the Iowa State Fair.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

If you’re looking for something truly unique, Downtown Des Moines has plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences to offer. Some of our favorites include the Escape Chambers, a live-action puzzle game, and the Des Moines Art Route, a self-guided tour of the city’s public art installations.

Natural Wonders

Downtown Des Moines is home to many natural wonders, from the Des Moines River to the nearby Ledges State Park. If you’re a nature lover, be sure to explore everything this beautiful city has to offer.

Vibrant Nightlife

After the sun goes down, Downtown Des Moines comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene. From live music venues like Wooly’s and Vaudeville Mews to craft beer bars like El Bait Shop and The Iowa Taproom, there is plenty to keep you entertained all night long.

Local Markets

If you’re looking for local goods and produce, Downtown Des Moines has plenty of markets to explore. Some of our favorites include the Downtown Farmers’ Market, which takes place every Saturday morning, and the Historic East Village Farmers’ Market, which offers a wide variety of locally grown produce and handmade goods.

Beaches and Mountains

While Downtown Des Moines may not have any beaches or mountains of its own, there are plenty of nearby destinations where you can enjoy these natural wonders. Some of our favorites include Lake Red Rock, a beautiful lake surrounded by rolling hills and forests, and the Okoboji area, which boasts several beautiful lakes and beaches.

Cultural Immersion

If you’re interested in cultural immersion, Downtown Des Moines has plenty of opportunities to explore. Some of our favorites include the Des Moines Asian Festival, which celebrates the city’s Asian heritage with food, music, and dance, and the Latino Heritage Festival, which showcases the city’s vibrant Latino culture.

Art and Music Scene

Downtown Des Moines has a thriving art and music scene, with many galleries, theaters, and music venues to explore. Some of our favorites include the Des Moines Civic Center, which hosts a variety of Broadway shows and performances, and the Des Moines Playhouse, which offers a wide range of plays and musicals.

Walking Tours

If you’re interested in exploring Downtown Des Moines on foot, there are plenty of walking tours to choose from. Some of our favorites include the Downtown Des Moines Self-Guided Walking Tour, which takes you through the city’s historic buildings and landmarks, and the Downtown Des Moines Art Tour, which showcases the city’s public art installations.

Architectural Marvels

Downtown Des Moines is home to many beautiful and historic buildings, from the Iowa State Capitol Building to the Salisbury House. If you’re interested in architecture, be sure to explore everything this beautiful city has to offer.

Historical Sites

With a rich history spanning hundreds of years, Downtown Des Moines is home to many historical sites and landmarks. Some of our favorites include the State Historical Museum, which showcases Iowa’s rich history, and the Living History Farms, a living museum that tells the story of Iowa’s agricultural heritage.

Biking Routes

If you’re a biking enthusiast, Downtown Des Moines has plenty of biking routes to explore. Some of our favorites include the Des Moines River Trail, which takes you along the beautiful Des Moines River, and the High Trestle Trail, a scenic trail that crosses a spectacular bridge over the Des Moines River.

Wellness Retreats

If you’re looking to relax and unwind, Downtown Des Moines has plenty of wellness retreats to choose from. Some of our favorites include the East Village Spa, which offers a variety of spa treatments and services, and the Des Moines Botanical Garden, which features beautiful gardens and tranquil spaces to explore.

Adventure Sports

If you’re an adrenaline junkie, Downtown Des Moines has plenty of adventure sports to offer. Some of our favorites include the Sky Zone Trampoline Park, which offers a variety of trampoline-based activities, and the Climb Iowa, an indoor rock climbing gym with over 10,000 square feet of climbing space.

With so much to see and do in Downtown Des Moines, you’ll never be bored. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there is always something new and exciting to discover in this beautiful city.