Spring Things to Do  

Fun is in full bloom come springtime in Greater Des Moines, where winter malaise inspires the itch for adventure once the snow melts. Scratch that itch with our all-new spring itinerary, chock full of ideas that will put some extra pep in your step.

DAY 1 

Morning

Today you’re going to get artsy, so dress accordingly. Perhaps a wide brimmed hat and horn-rimmed glasses will complete your look. Start off with brunch at Motley School Tavern in the charming Beaverdale neighborhood. Everything at this buzzy spot hits the mark, but our faves are the wild mushroom omelet and the perfect pancakes, topped with your choice of blueberry, lemon curd, or cranberry, which are as photogenic as they are delicious. 

Continue to explore Beaverdale by hitting up Beaverdale Books, one of the best hidden treasures in the metro, where you’re assured of finding a good book to curl up with, perhaps with a cup of joe next door at Grounds for Celebration. Head a couple of blocks north (stopping to snap at photo in front of the “Timeless Beaverdale” mural on the side of Uptempo Music) to check out Vinyl Cup Records, one of the coolest record shops in town, complete with complementary drinks and a listening room. We told you that hat and horn-rimmed glasses would come in handy. 

Afternoon

It’s now time to hit up the Des Moines Art Center, which has many things going for it, not the least of which is free admission! Beautifully situated amongst the rolling hills and oak trees of Greenwood Park, this internationally acclaimed museum is home to 19th and 20th century artists such as Edward Hopper and Georgia O’Keeffe and always interesting rotating exhibits, with more than 5,000 works of art in total. After you’re done, get lost driving around looking at some of the homes south of Grand, many of which are works of art in and of themselves.

Once you get your bearings, it’s time to make your way downtown, but not before stopping to nab a scrumptious sandwich at Manhattan Deli on Ingersoll, which locals overwhelmingly voted the best sandwiches in town. Everything here is great, but the warm subs like Truly Delicious, Tuesday Special (available every day), and Manhattan are a few fan favorites. Get your sandwich and homemade brownie to go, because that will serve as lunch for your picnic at Pappajohn Sculpture Park.

Located in Western Gateway Park, this is a 4.4-acre park with over 30 works of art is the crown jewel of downtown and the perfect spot to unwind, toss a frisbee, and take an obnoxious amount of selfies. Download the visitor guide to find out more information on each unique piece, but if you only remember one thing, make sure to snap a photo in front of or inside the Nomade, one of the most photographed spots in the state.  

Head a few blocks south for a caffeine break at Horizon Line Coffee, where you can get the most underrated cup of coffee in the U.S., served in a cool, reusable glass jar. These claims, much like our art and coffee, are BOLD.

Evening 

For dinner, it’s back to the Sculpture Park...or right across from it at least. There you’ll find D’jango, the most approachable French restaurant this side of Paris. So approachable in fact, that if Coq Au Vin isn’t your thing, you will find arguably the best burger and onion rings in town here as well. 

Down the road just a way is Hello, Marjorie, a chill cocktail lounge with major ‘50s living room vibes, presuming it’s Don Draper’s living room. Not only will you find delightful drinks with a literary bent (“The Editor’s Note” is a fan favorite), but an iconic neon sign with the Jack Kerouac quote “The prettiest girls in the world live in Des Moines.” If that doesn’t end up on your Instagram feed, you’re doing it wrong. Pro tip: Right behind Hello, Marjorie in the same building is Good News, Darling, an intimate cocktail parlor from the same owners that offers a dark, hip feel with progressive, rotating cocktails. Ask about it at the host stand at Hello, Marjorie and they’ll walk you back. Date night, anyone?  

Following your after-dinner drinks, you’ve got your choice of live music, depending on what is playing that evening. Check out some area rock or a country superstar at Wells Fargo Arena. Build up your street cred by checking out indie bands and up-and-coming artists at Wooly’s in the East Village. Find those not too big, not too small, juuuuust right sized bands at the historic Val Air Ballroom (and check out their new dive bar and supper club even if there’s not a show going on). Or check out nationally acclaimed jazz and cabaret acts at Noce Jazz and Cabaret. Keep up to date on all the upcoming shows with our Setlist feature, highlighting all of the must-catch concerts in the region. No matter your choice, you’ll be singing the praises of Des Moines after.

DAY 2 

Morning 

Today will include a little slice of history and a big slice of fun. Start with brunch at St. Kilda Collective in Historic Valley Junction. Located in a 106-year-old brick building that used to be the home to Valley Auto Ford (the original dealership sign is still painted in brick), this comfortable and stylish space is part breakfast café, part bakery, and part farm-to-table restaurant. The avocado toast is as good as advertised.  

After brunch, take a stroll down charming 5th Street to explore all that Valley Junction has to offer. You’ll find kitschy and classy in the vintage shops, clothing boutiques, and art galleries within a lively district sprinkled with quaint cafes and bars, as well as artsy murals.  

Check out local favorite Hinge for stylish (and affordable) fashions and home goods. Bozz Prints will outfit your home or closet with hip prints and T-shirts with a Midwest bent. The Winchester Public House is a prohibition-style pub with signature cocktails, and Bix & Co and G. Migs offer a sports bar atmosphere with food that is far from ordinary. The Hall, a German-style beer hall in a converted rail barn offers more than 50 beers on tap, giant TV screens, and an eclectic food menu just a few minutes away.  

Of course, once the spring calendar turns over to May, you’d be remiss not to hit up the Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market.  Every Saturday morning from May – October, 25,000 shoppers turn nine city blocks in the Historic Court District into a feast for the senses, with more than 300 vendors selling everything from produce and pupsas to bouquets and baked goods. If it’s happening while you’re here, you don’t want to miss it!

Afternoon 

You’re off to the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates, one of Des Moines’ great free museums recognizing great achievements in agriculture and food security (you are Iowa, after all). The building itself is over a century old and used to be home to the original Des Moines Public Library. Inside it is adorned with beautiful artwork, photography, mosaics and stained glass, making it no wonder that this also serves as one of the metro’s most popular event spaces.  

Speaking of food, assuming you didn’t eat your way through Valley Junction or the Farmers’ Market, make your way to Big Grove Brewery, where the food is just as great as their beer. (Pro tip: The equally delicious Lua Brewing is right across the street if you want to brewery hop.) If the weather cooperates, enjoy your meal and cold beverage on their massive patio, replete with fire pits for those colder days and evenings.   

Since this itinerary has a decidedly aesthetic vibe, you’re probably going to be feeling like you need to upgrade your own digs. Lucky for you, you’re right next door to West End Architectural Salvage, a four-story showcase of everything awesome. Containing one-of-a-kind salvaged pieces (think dressers, tables, chairs, mirrors, and lighting), it rose to fame with its eponymous show on HGTV.  

The excitement of your inevitable remodel that you just planned in your head as you wandered through West End Salvage is going to require creative juices. There are plenty of creative juices to be found in the form of fermented grapes at Jasper Winery. Their modern tasting room is yet another design style to consider. Now that you’ve seen all the different design styles, it’s time to try all the different wine styles. Cheers! 

Evening  

For dinner, we have Oak Park on the menu. This rave-worthy New American restaurant is housed in a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired building on Ingersoll Avenue and leans into French cooking techniques with dishes that are as delicious as they are accessible. Recently named one of USA Today’s 44 Restaurants of the Year, make sure you book a reservation well in advance to sample their seasonal dishes like the bacon glazed pork chop and potato gnocchi.  

From there it’s a nightcap at The Contrary. Located in the effortlessly hip East Village, this new kid on the block has made its new neighborhood even cooler. That’s thanks to some swanky lighting, an upscale yet comfortable vibe, a massive red velvet sofa, and a DJ booth that spins a mix of hip-hop R&B, jazz, and funk. And we haven’t even gotten to the cocktails. The menu highlights their host of classic and progressive drinks and even includes photos for those who decide with their eyes. No matter how it looks, rest assured it will taste great.  

You can return to the hotel (you’ve earned it) at this point, but we’d be remiss not to recommend a show at Hoyt Sherman Place if there is one in town. Built in 1877 and home to the Des Moines Women’s Club since 1907, it is part of both the National Historic Register of Places and the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. There is truly no cooler (and more elegant) place to catch a concert or a comedy show.

Don’t Miss These Spring Events  

Drake Relays (late April) 

Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival (early May) 

CelebrAsian (late May) 

Des Moines Farmer’s Market (May – October) 

Other Family Friendly Spring Ideas 

Science Center of Iowa 

Blank Park Zoo 

Jester Park 

Living History Farms 

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden 

Or just check out our whole Des Best Family Fun list!

Need more travel inspiration? Check out the rest of The Catch List itineraries here. And add ideas to your Des Moines bucket list with our Des Best lists and videos!