1
Iowa State Capitol
Historical landmark
Legislative building known for elegant, 1800s architecture & vast gilded dome, with tours available.
4.80 (1.3K reviews)
2
Mainframe Studios
Arts organization
👍👍 I'm a Des Moines transplant. Some locals suggested I come here for First Friday. What a wonderful experience! It was so interesting to see everyone's craft and grab some unique gifts for my loved ones. The availability of food and drinks while we walked through also elevated the whole experience. I...
4.80 (324 reviews)
3
St. Ambrose Cathedral
Catholic cathedral
😐 This is a very nice church compared to other churches, but when you compare it to other Cathedrals it's terrible. But Fr.Nipin was the light in the darkness.
4.80 (222 reviews)
4
MaST Center Aquarium
Aquarium
Highline College's marine biology center features an aquarium housing over 250 native species.
4.80 (186 reviews)
5
Rotary Riverwalk Park
Park
😐 This is a nice walk and a suprisingly pleasent area. Only 3 stars because Des Moines and much of the USA have this weird idea of isolating things rather than complimenting things. This walk and the Asian park are isolated from other things. In my humble opinion, the road the goes along the park n...
4.80 (135 reviews)
6
Terrace Hill Historic Site
Historical landmark
This historic mansion offering guided tours has been the residence of Iowa's governors since 1971.
4.80 (118 reviews)
7
The Wallace Centers of Iowa
Non-profit organization
👍👍 The Wallace House has weekly farm to table dinners that are wonderfully prepared and presented. It's a limited menu that usually highlights Iowa products. SometimesChef Katie visits tables at the end of service and talks about the food.
Be sure to make reservations in advance.
4.80 (40 reviews)
9
Gray's Lake Park
Park
167-acre park featuring a 1.9-mi. lighted walking path around a lake with small boat rentals.
4.70 (2K reviews)
10
Salisbury House & Gardens
Museum
Furnished 1920s stone mansion housing an art museum, library, concert venue & botanical garden.
4.70 (433 reviews)
12
Basilica of St. John
Catholic church
👍👍 In early summer of 2003 while on break from choir at my parish, I attended a mass at the Basilica. My original plan was to circulate through other local parishes till school started. After just one mass, however, I knew I would not be going anywhere else in the future. Having been a military bride i...
4.70 (161 reviews)
13
Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge
Bridge
👍👍 Nice place to walk and check out the downtown area. There is a parking lot off on 2nd Ave for easier access to bridge. Typically I will park at principal park and walk through river walk.
4.70 (150 reviews)
15
Ewing Park Flow Trails Trailhead
Park
👍👍 Best all around biking area in Des Moines -- bmx pump track, 3 great flow trails, one with many jumps as well as several singletrack trails in the woods. Well maintained by CITA with new features including two wooden burns added last month. Check it out for yourself!
4.70 (42 reviews)
16
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Sculpture museum
Park housing a sculpture garden, dedicated chess & picnic tables, the Central Library & more.
4.60 (4.9K reviews)
18
Ewing Park
Park
Spacious park with playgrounds, an 18-hole disc golf course, a pond & a lilac arboretum.
4.60 (765 reviews)
19
Fort Des Moines Park
Park
Community recreation space with large picnic shelters, a playground & trails, plus a fishing lake.
4.60 (495 reviews)
20
Des Moines Art Center
Art center
Free-admission art museum/school focused on modern & contemporary works, with a restaurant & shop.
4.60 (406 reviews)