Des Moines Travel Guide

Discover the top attractions, food and drink scene, cultural customs, safety and health tips, and transportation options in Des Moines with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Des Moines

Located in the heart of Iowa, Des Moines is a bustling city known for its vibrant culture, breathtaking natural beauty, and welcoming people. The city is home to numerous attractions, including museums, art galleries, parks, and historical landmarks, making it an ideal destination for travelers with varying interests. Whether you’re a foodie, an adventure-seeker, or a history buff, Des Moines has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Des Moines

To make the most out of your Des Moines trip, we’ve compiled a list of top attractions to visit:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. State Historical Museum of Iowa
  2. Salisbury House & Gardens
  3. Des Moines Art Center
  4. World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
  5. Pappajohn Sculpture Park
  6. Iowa State Capitol

Natural Attractions of Des Moines: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Gray’s Lake Park
  2. Walnut Woods State Park
  3. Des Moines Botanical Garden
  4. Water Works Park
  5. High Trestle Trail
  6. Saylorville Lake

Hiking/Biking Routes of Des Moines

Des Moines is known for its scenic biking and hiking trails. Here are some of the top routes to explore:

  1. Principal Riverwalk
  2. Des Moines Water Trails
  3. Raccoon River Valley Trail
  4. Clive Greenbelt Trail
  5. Jordan Creek Trail
  6. Iowa Great Lakes Trail

Best Things to Do in Des Moines: Activities and Tours

  1. Des Moines Farmers’ Market
  2. Iowa State Fair
  3. Adventureland Park
  4. Iowa Cubs Minor League Baseball
  5. Des Moines Ghost Tours
  6. Iowa Craft Beer Tour

Week-Long Itinerary for Des Moines

Day 1: State Historical Museum of Iowa and State Capitol Tour Day 2: Adventureland Park and Iowa Cubs Game Day 3: Salisbury House & Gardens and Des Moines Botanical Garden Day 4: Des Moines Farmers’ Market and Jordan Creek Trail Hike Day 5: Gray’s Lake Park and Pappajohn Sculpture Park Day 6: Iowa State Fair and Iowa Craft Beer Tour Day 7: Water Works Park and Raccoon River Valley Trail

Food and Drink Scene of Des Moines

Des Moines is a food lover’s paradise, boasting an impressive culinary scene that celebrates the best of traditional comfort foods and modern cuisine. Here are some of the must-try dishes in Des Moines:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Iowa Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
  2. Maid-Rite Sandwich
  3. Snickers Bar Salad
  4. Sweet Corn
  5. Dutch Letters
  6. Chicken Spiedini

Local Beverages

  1. Templeton Rye Whiskey
  2. Madhouse Brewing Company’s Psychotic Reaction IPA
  3. Exile Brewing Company’s Gigi Barocco Stout
  4. Captain’s Quarters Bloody Mary
  5. Boesen’s Iced Tea

Where to Stay in Des Moines: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Embassy Suites by Hilton Des Moines Downtown
  2. Des Lux Hotel
  3. Surety Hotel
  4. AC Hotel Des Moines East Village
  5. Hyatt Place Des Moines Downtown
  6. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Des Moines

What to Buy in Des Moines: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Handmade chocolates from Chocolaterie Stam
  2. Prairie Hill Pavilion Honey
  3. Jams and Preserves from La Quercia
  4. Handmade ceramics from Artisan Gallery 218
  5. Wooden Cutting Boards from Raygun Home Series

Local Culture and Customs of Des Moines

Des Moines is a friendly and welcoming city that values community, hospitality, and hard work. Visitors can expect a warm welcome at most establishments and should be prepared to greet locals with a smile and good manners.

Best Time to Visit Des Moines

The best time to visit Des Moines is from May through September, when the weather is mild and most of the outdoor attractions are open. The Iowa State Fair, which takes place in August, is a major highlight and attracts visitors from all over the state and beyond.

Do’s and Don’ts of Des Moines

Do:

  1. Try the Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
  2. Explore the city’s many scenic biking and hiking trails
  3. Attend a Minor League Baseball Game
  4. Visit the State Historical Museum of Iowa
  5. Be polite and friendly to locals

Don’t:

  1. Underestimate the city’s traffic and parking
  2. Litter or damage public property
  3. Attempt to visit outdoor attractions in the winter
  4. Make assumptions about Iowan culture or politics

Safety and Health

Safety in Des Moines

Des Moines is generally a safe and welcoming city, but visitors should take basic precautions, like locking their car doors and avoiding deserted or unfamiliar areas at night. Bike thefts can be relatively common in some areas, so take proper precautions when locking up your bike and do not leave it unattended.

Health in Des Moines

For travelers, it’s recommended to pack your own personal first-aid kit. Iowa is known for its hostile weather conditions, so make sure to dress appropriately. Most public places practice hygiene and COVID-19 precautions, so there’s nothing to worry about.

Getting to Des Moines: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Des Moines

  1. Des Moines International Airport
  2. Eastern Iowa Airport
  3. Quad City International Airport

Bus Stations Near Des Moines

  1. Des Moines Greyhound Station
  2. Burlington Trailways Station
  3. Jefferson Lines Station

Other Options

  1. Amtrak Station in Osceola, about an hour away from Des Moines

How to Get Around in Des Moines

Des Moines has a few public transport options for getting around the city, but driving or biking are the most popular. A bike-sharing programs like “BCycle” and “The Des Moines Bike Collective” are available, so visitors can rent a bike and use it to explore the city on their own.

Where to Go Next from Des Moines: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Amana Colonies
  2. Cedar Rapids
  3. Ames
  4. Pella
  5. Lake Red Rock
  6. Okoboji

Conclusion

From its natural beauty and culturally significant attractions to its dynamic food scene and vibrant community, Des Moines is a must-visit destination for any traveler. With this comprehensive guide, you’re sure to have an unforgettable trip to this welcoming and charming Midwestern city.

Des Moines skyline Des Moines skyline Even on a cloudy day, two of the capitol domes still glisten Even on a cloudy day, two of the capitol domes still glisten Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens along the Des Moines River Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens along the Des Moines River