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Des Moines

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Things to do in Des Moines

Attractions (38)

Tours (1)

Nightlife (4)

Shopping (4)

Traveller recommended attractions
Map
Ranked #1 of 38 Attractions in Des Moines
4.5 of 5 stars 23 reviews
Attraction type  Parks
Distance  2.2 miles from city centre
Map | Photos
Ranked #2 of 38 Attractions in Des Moines
4.5 of 5 stars 68 reviews
Owner description: Sometimes billed as America's Classic State Fair, with its traditional competitions, agricultural exhibits and food displays,... more » Owner description: Sometimes billed as America's Classic State Fair, with its traditional competitions, agricultural exhibits and food displays, this August event - the hottest draw in town - also features one of the world's largest livestock shows. The 400-acre fairgrounds hosts events year-round with three outdoor stages, show rings, baseball fields and a multimedia center, and also houses a 160-acre campground. « less
Attraction type  State Parks
Distance  3.1 miles from city centre
Map | Photos
Ranked #3 of 38 Attractions in Des Moines
4.5 of 5 stars 33 reviews
Owner description: This internationally acclaimed museum houses impressive works by artists of the 19th and 20th centuries, including Edward... more » Owner description: This internationally acclaimed museum houses impressive works by artists of the 19th and 20th centuries, including Edward Hopper, Georgia O'Keefe and Henri Matisse. The center, which also offers art classes, consists of three buildings, each designed by a celebrated architect: Eliel Saarinen, I.M. Pei and Richard Meier. « less
Attraction type  Art Museums
Distance  3.4 miles from city centre
| Photos
Ranked #4 of 38 Attractions in Des Moines
4.5 of 5 stars 16 reviews
Map | Photos
Ranked #5 of 38 Attractions in Des Moines
4.5 of 5 stars 20 reviews
Attraction type  Parks
Distance  1.1 miles from city centre
Map | Photos
Ranked #6 of 38 Attractions in Des Moines
4.5 of 5 stars 24 reviews

Principal Park continues to rate as one of the top minor league facilities in the country. The stadium, which was built prior to the start of the 1992 season, has seen over seven... more »

Attraction type  Arenas/ Stadiums/ Fields
Distance  0.7 miles from city centre
Map | Photos
Ranked #7 of 38 Attractions in Des Moines
4.5 of 5 stars 16 reviews
Des Moines' cutting edge, hip neighborhood.
Attraction type  Neighbourhoods
Distance  1.7 miles from city centre
Map
Ranked #8 of 38 Attractions in Des Moines
4.5 of 5 stars 9 reviews

The Salisbury House & Gardens is a historic manor home in the heart of Des Moines.  Built in the 1920's by Carl Weeks (cosmetics company owner), the house was always intended... more »

Attraction type  Historic Sites; Art Museums; History Museums
Distance  3.0 miles from city centre
Map | Photos
Ranked #9 of 38 Attractions in Des Moines
4 of 5 stars 73 reviews
Attraction type  Amusement/ Theme Parks; Water Parks
Distance  7.0 miles from city centre
Map | Photos
Ranked #10 of 38 Attractions in Des Moines
4.5 of 5 stars 8 reviews
Attraction type  History Museums
Distance  0.3 miles from city centre
Map
Ranked #11 of 38 Attractions in Des Moines
4 of 5 stars 26 reviews
Attraction type  Science Museums
Distance  0.5 miles from city centre
Map | Photos
Ranked #12 of 38 Attractions in Des Moines
4 of 5 stars 29 reviews
Owner description: Reputed for its huge collection of the Midwest's ornamental and native plants, this 14-acre center bordering the Des Moines... more » Owner description: Reputed for its huge collection of the Midwest's ornamental and native plants, this 14-acre center bordering the Des Moines River features a domed conservatory that houses over 1000 varieties of exotic plants from throughout the world. The center also has an impressive herb garden, tropical and desert plants, and one of the best bonsai collections in the U.S. « less
Attraction type  Gardens
Distance  0.4 miles from city centre
Map
Ranked #13 of 38 Attractions in Des Moines
5 of 5 stars 2 reviews
Attraction type  Symphonies
Distance  0.1 miles from city centre
Map | Photos
Ranked #14 of 38 Attractions in Des Moines
4 of 5 stars 77 reviews
Owner description: A wide variety of animals are housed in natural settings at this 22-acre, relatively small zoo, dedicated to caring for the... more » Owner description: A wide variety of animals are housed in natural settings at this 22-acre, relatively small zoo, dedicated to caring for the over 800 animals, educating the public about different species, and generating fun experiences for children, such as crawling through simulated prairie dog tunnels and feeding, petting and riding animals. « less
Attraction type  Zoos
Distance  4.9 miles from city centre
Map
Ranked #15 of 38 Attractions in Des Moines
4.5 of 5 stars 3 reviews
Attraction type  Speciality Museums
Distance  0.3 miles from city centre
Map
Ranked #16 of 38 Attractions in Des Moines
4.5 of 5 stars 4 reviews
Owner description: Right in the heart of the city is a half-block long blaze of beauty - Better Homes and Gardens' testing ground for various... more » Owner description: Right in the heart of the city is a half-block long blaze of beauty - Better Homes and Gardens' testing ground for various landscape designs that the company documents and photographs. The area is one large area made of many mini-backyards, complete with annuals, perennials, bulbs and typical backyard structures like fences and gates. « less
Attraction type  Gardens
Distance  1.3 miles from city centre
Map
Ranked #17 of 38 Attractions in Des Moines
4 of 5 stars 20 reviews
Attraction type  Landmarks/ Points of Interest
Distance  0.4 miles from city centre
Map
Ranked #18 of 38 Attractions in Des Moines
4 of 5 stars 5 reviews
Historic Governor's mansion.
Attraction type  Government Buildings; Historic Sites
Distance  1.8 miles from city centre
Map
Ranked #19 of 38 Attractions in Des Moines
4 of 5 stars 8 reviews
Owner description: Originally founded in 1894 and listed by the USGA as one of the first 100 clubs established in the U.S., this course... more » Owner description: Originally founded in 1894 and listed by the USGA as one of the first 100 clubs established in the U.S., this course continues to pose a challenge to golfers of all abilities due to its bold elevation changes and well-guarded greens. « less
Attraction type  Golf Courses
Distance  3.8 miles from city centre
Map
Ranked #20 of 38 Attractions in Des Moines
4.5 of 5 stars 3 reviews
Attraction type  Biking Trails
Distance  5.5 miles from city centre
Map
Ranked #21 of 38 Attractions in Des Moines
4.5 of 5 stars 3 reviews
Attraction type  Convention Centres
Distance  0.5 miles from city centre
Ranked #22 of 38 Attractions in Des Moines
5 of 5 stars 1 review
Attraction type  Spas
Map
Ranked #23 of 38 Attractions in Des Moines
5 of 5 stars 1 review
Attraction type  Speciality Shops; Sports Camps/ Clinics
Distance  5.3 miles from city centre
Ranked #24 of 38 Attractions in Des Moines
5 of 5 stars 1 review
Attraction type  Landmarks/ Points of Interest
Map
Ranked #25 of 38 Attractions in Des Moines
4 of 5 stars 4 reviews
Attraction type  Jogging Paths/ Tracks; Biking Trails
Distance  7.7 miles from city centre
Map
Ranked #26 of 38 Attractions in Des Moines
3.5 of 5 stars 2 reviews
Attraction type  Theatres
Distance  0.4 miles from city centre
Ranked #27 of 38 Attractions in Des Moines
4.5 of 5 stars 2 reviews
This relatively flat course is perfect for seniors who like to walk and golfers who are new to the game.
Attraction type  Golf Courses
Map
Ranked #28 of 38 Attractions in Des Moines
3.5 of 5 stars 3 reviews
Owner description: Considered an excellent golf facility for intermediate players, this complex offers a nine-hole par 3 course with narrow... more » Owner description: Considered an excellent golf facility for intermediate players, this complex offers a nine-hole par 3 course with narrow fairways and water hazards that demand accuracy off the tees. « less
Attraction type  Golf Courses
Distance  4.3 miles from city centre
Ranked #29 of 38 Attractions in Des Moines
4 of 5 stars 1 review
Owner description: An Arnold Palmer Signature Course which has recently been selected to host the Allianz SR PGA TOUR Championship and is noted... more » Owner description: An Arnold Palmer Signature Course which has recently been selected to host the Allianz SR PGA TOUR Championship and is noted for its bold elevation changes and magnificent vistas. « less
Attraction type  Golf Courses; Tours
Map
Ranked #30 of 38 Attractions in Des Moines
3.5 of 5 stars 2 reviews
Owner description: Renowned for excellent playing conditions, this 18-hole bent grass course offers large, fast greens and fairways that are... more » Owner description: Renowned for excellent playing conditions, this 18-hole bent grass course offers large, fast greens and fairways that are heavily lined with pines. « less
Attraction type  Golf Courses
Distance  12.4 miles from city centre
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