Des Moines

As the capital city of Iowa, Des Moines is a diverse collection of vibrant neighborhoods, awe-inspiring attractions, rave-worthy restaurants, and iconic events. Come see what truly makes Des Moines Des Best!  

Food and Drink 

Taste what makes Des Moines different! Whether it’s sampling authentic dishes like Steak de Burgo or a breaded pork tenderloin, discovering a hidden gem neighborhood spot, or indulging in a five-course meal prepared by a chef nominated for a James Beard award, the eclectic food scene will have you coming back for seconds. Both Harbinger and Clyde’s Fine Diner come with resumes filled with James Beard nominations and menus filled with innovative yet accessible crowd pleasers. Speaking of crowd pleasers, Iowa Taproom is a great way to get a literal taste of Des Moines, with elevated Iowa classics like the tenderloin and ham balls, along with more than 99 Iowa beers on tap. The brewery scene is buzzing, with veteran stalwarts like Confluence Brewing Company and Exile Brewing rubbing elbows with newer upstarts Lua Brewing and Big Grove, whose patio in and of itself makes for destination drinking (and dining). Hidden gems and local favorites abound, with Lachele’s serving up the best smash burger in town and Simon’s (and their delectable Steak de Burgo) serving as the most likely answer when you ask a local to name their favorite special occasion restaurant. And just because it’s in the middle of the heartland doesn’t mean you won’t find global flavors. Acclaimed restaurants like Aposto (Italian), Lucky Lotus (Thai), Open Sesame (Mediterranean), and Miyabi 9 (Sushi) bring bold flavors and all the fire emojis.

Parks and Outdoors    

You’ll have a field day exploring the abundance of trails, parks, and waterways in Des Moines. Look up ‘picturesque urban oasis’ and one of the first results may very well be Gray’s Lake. This 167-acre lake is ringed by a 2-mile trail, illuminated bridges, and a view of the Des Moines skyline. It’s practically screaming for a picnic and a game of catch. Kayak and canoe rentals are also available. Easter Lake is one of the city’s true hidden gems, tucked away on the southeast side of Des Moines, offering a swimming beach, rentals, picnic area, and 4-mile path around the lake. Fun fact: At 1,500 acres, Water Works Park on the south side is almost twice the size of New York’s Central Park. That means plenty of room to stretch your feet and go for a run, hike, or bike ride. It’s also a great gathering place in the summer, hosting national concerts at the Lauridsen Amphitheater and local shows at the Killinger Family Stage. And make sure to check out the Des Moines Biergarten, one of the coolest places to eat, drink, and be merry in the metro. For a park with decidedly more concrete than trees, there’s Lauridsen Skatepark along the Des Moines River. The 88,00-square-foot attraction is the largest of its kind in the country, featuring a promenade, flow bowl, amoeba pool, snake run, skateable WOW art piece, and plenty of benches and grassy areas for those who’d rather just watch the action.  

Arts and Culture    

It’s easy to take an art adventure in Des Moines, with something for every taste. If you come to Des Moines without visiting the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, were you even really here? This 4.4-acre park in the heart of Western Gateway Park has world-class artwork from more than 30 celebrated artists, including the selfie-mandatory “Nomade” sculpture. It also serves as the backdrop to the Des Moines Arts Festival in June, when more than 200,000 people come to experience 200 art vendors, free live music, demonstrations, and eclectic eats. It’s a 12-time winner of the coveted Grand Pinnacle Award, reflecting the “best festival in the world.” The Des Moines Art Center is a free museum showcasing modern and contemporary art that makes the perfect rainy-day getaway. On the performing arts side, visitors and locals alike sing the praises of the setlist of options. Wells Fargo Arena for the big, glossy spectacle concerts; the Des Moines Civic Center for first-run Broadway tours and shows like “Hamilton,” “Beetlejuice,” and “Wicked”; and Hoyt Sherman Place for a night out in a 1,200-seat,100-year-old Victorian theater. Bravo, indeed!

Festivals and Events

May through September is prime time for festivals in Des Moines, which has earned its reputation as one of the premier event capitals of the Midwest. The locally grown, nationally recognized Downtown Farmers’ Market is your meal ticket to fresh fun, happening every Saturday morning from May through October, with 25,000 turning nine city blocks in the Historic Court District into a feast for the senses, with more than 300 vendors selling everything from produce and papusas to bouquets and baked goods. The granddaddy of all Iowa events is the iconic Iowa State Fair, drawing more than a million guests over 11 fun-filled days every August. It’s a foodie’s paradise found, with more than 60 foods on a stick, a see-and-be-seen craft beer tent, and unique food creations that you can only find at the fair. Summer nights don’t get more classic than a corn dog and lemonade, a scenic ride on the sky glider, and then singing at the top of your lungs during one of the nightly Grandstand concerts. Des Moines is also home to many diverse festivals that celebrate the melting-pot nature of Iowa’s capital city. Some of those include CelebrAsian in May, Capital City Pridefest and Juneteenth in June, World Food & Music Festival in August, and Latino Heritage Festival in September. Mark your calendars for these annual events to honor the cultures that shine here in the heart of the Midwest!

Attractions and Things to Do

Whether it’s cool vibes or hot new attractions, Des Moines has something to offer everyone year-round. The Blank Park Zoo is Iowa’s largest zoo with over 100 different animal species, including giraffes, sea lions, penguins, and the impossibly charming red pandas. The Science Center of Iowa is the place to discover big-time fun for your pint-size little ones, with permanent exhibits like Brick by Brick (LEGO) and Why the Sky (Planetarium), along with the always popular traveling dinosaur exhibits that stomp into town every so often. As the number one minor league market in the country, there are also plenty of ways to root, root, root for the home team. The I-Cubs are the AAA affiliate of the Chicago Cubs and call beautiful Principal Park home, while the Iowa Wild (AHL affiliate of the Minnesota Wild), Iowa Wolves (G League affiliate of the Minnesota Timberwolves), and Iowa Barnstormers (Indoor Football League) make for a hat trick of family fun at Wells Fargo Arena. Des Moines is also full of cool neighborhoods ready to be explored. Try out the Drake neighborhood Dogtown for college vibes, Beaverdale for quaint shops and restaurants, Historic Court Avenue for date nights and late nights, The Avenues of Ingersoll and Grand for a foodie’s paradise, and Historic East Village for a hipster’s haven, where you’ll find New York City vibes (and plenty of walkable shopping and eateries) coupled with an “Iowa Nice” attitude. Make sure to stop by Raygun to commemorate your trip to the capital city with a Des Moines: Hell Yes T-shirt.

Des Best of Des Moines

To see what locals voted the best places to eat, play, shop, explore, and more, check out Des Best lists and videos here. From brunch and burritos to boutiques and bars, it’s never been easier to start making your ‘best of’ Des Moines bucket list.

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