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Des Moines

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Des Moines
Ten years ago Des Moines almost literally sank: the flood of 1993 caused significant damage to the downtown area as well as the local economy. Today the revitalised capital city and cultural centre of Iowa is a versatile destination that everyone will enjoy. Culture and art enthusiasts can roam through the Des Moines Art Center, spend the weekend museum-hopping or attend a Broadway-calibre performance at the Civic Center. Golfers can spend their time and energy teeing up at any of the area's fine championship courses. The Blank Park Zoo and the Iowa State Fairgrounds should be on the list for families; and gardeners will savour the fantastic blooms at the Botanical Center and the Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden. Enjoy Des Moines' variety and sample all this "big city with a small town heart" has to offer.
 
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Don't-Miss Attractions
Where to Stay
Recommended Reading
Where to stay
Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown
Renaissance Savery Hotel
Des Moines Marriott Downtown
Radisson Hotel Des Moines Airport
Holiday Inn Express Des Moines/Drake University



Don't-Miss Attractions
TripAdvisor's editorial team reviewed our attractions database and selected the best local attractions to highlight in this itinerary. Some are popular, some are off the beaten track, but all are worth a visit.
Signature attractionSignature attraction
Iowa State Fairgrounds: 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 fairground hosts events all year round with three outdoor stages, show rings, baseball fields and a multimedia centre, and also houses a 160-acre campsite.
Address: E. 30th St. and University Ave., Des Moines, Iowa
Phone: 515-262-3111
Free
MuseumsMuseums
Des Moines Art Center: 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 centre, which also offers art classes, consists of three buildings, each designed by a celebrated architect: Eliel Saarinen, I.M. Pei and Richard Meier.
Address: 4700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa
Phone: 515 277 4405
Admission fee
Garden delightsGarden delights
Des Moines Botanical Center: Renowned for its huge collection of the Midwest's ornamental and native plants, this 14-acre centre bordering the Des Moines River features a domed conservatory that houses over 1000 varieties of exotic plants from all over the world. The centre also has an impressive herb garden, tropical and desert plants, and one of the best bonsai collections in the USA.
Address: 909 East River Drive, Des Moines, Iowa
Phone: 515-323-8900
Admission fee
Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden: 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 made up of many mini-gardens, complete with annuals, perennials, bulbs and typical garden structures like fences and gates.
Address: Des Moines, Iowa
Free
Animal attractionAnimal attraction
Blank Park Zoo: A wide variety of animals are housed in natural settings at this 22-acre, relatively small zoo, dedicated to caring for 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, stroking and riding animals.
Address: 7401 S.W. Ninth St., Des Moines, Iowa
Phone: 515-285-4722
Admission fee
Worth a side tripWorth a side trip
Living History Farms: This 600-acre open-air site recreates village life from five different Iowa eras, covering 300 years. Visitors travel through time, at their own pace, hosted by "villagers" dressed in costume and re-enacting the daily life of each period.
Address: 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale, Iowa
Phone: 515 278 5286
Admission fee
Things to doMore attractions
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Des Moines Trip Lists

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Where to Stay
Our editorial team selected local hotels and resorts that have good reputations and good deals. Because we know travellers' budgets differ vastly, we chose hotels at different price points rather than listing the city's top five hotels, which might all be in the same price range.
Moderate hotelsModerate hotels
Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown
Popularity index: #3 in Des Moines
EmbassySuites.com Book Today and Get Our Best Rates. Guaranteed.
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
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Renaissance Savery Hotel
Popularity index: #6 in Des Moines
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Des Moines Marriott Downtown
Popularity index: #8 in Des Moines
Marriott.com Get Marriott's Best Rate Guarantee & Earn Rewards
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Priceline.com More Ways to Save on Hotels. Save up to 50% on Top Brands.
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Budget hotelsBudget hotels
Radisson Hotel Des Moines Airport
Popularity index: #5 in Des Moines
Radisson.com Receive 25% off standard rates at participating hotels worldwide.
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Priceline.com More Ways to Save on Hotels. Save up to 50% on Top Brands.
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Holiday Inn Express Des Moines/Drake University
Popularity index: #9 in Des Moines
HIExpress.com Find the best price on our website or your first night is free.
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
Priceline.com More Ways to Save on Hotels. Save up to 50% on Top Brands.
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Recommended Reading
"In the Spotlight, Ready for Its Close-Up"  New York Times (free registration required), 2 Dec 2007
Des Moines is becoming a destination even during non-election years.
"36 Hours In: Des Moines"  New York Times (free registration required), 9 Oct 2005
Des Moines continues to change with the times.
"The beat goes on"  Boston.com / Boston Globe, 15 Jul 2007
Fans of Jack Kerouac will enjoy this trip made along the path featured in “On the Road.”
"Try these Midwest city escapes"  latimes.com / Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb 2008
Six urban destinations that offer cultural attractions, interesting neighborhoods, shopping and fine dining.
 View all articles, guide books and user reviews about Des Moines