Are you looking to explore all of the amazing attractions near Des Moines, Iowa? There’s so much to see, do and learn. For your next adventure, here are 10 amazing places in Des Moines to check out.

1. Iowa State Capitol Building
Iowa State Capitol, 1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319, USA
Flickr/Alan
Des Moines is the capitol of Iowa, and the Iowa State Capitol Building is an interesting and beautiful place to explore more about our state. The building houses the Iowa Senate, Iowa House of Representatives, the Office of the Governor, and the Offices of the Attorney General, Auditor, Treasurer, and Secretary of State. Guided tours are available for interested visitors.
2. Gray’s Lake Park
Gray's Lake Park, 2101 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50315, USA
Flickr/Michael Leland
Des Moines has a total of 60 miles of trails, and the trail that loops around Gray Lake at Gray's Lake State Park is a gorgeous place to take in the city.
3. Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Flickr/Jason Mrachina
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Center is a gorgeous place of natural beauty right in the middle of a city. Free-flying birds, fascinating plants and extensive gardens are just a few of the sights to enjoy here.
4. Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Pappajohn Sculpture Park, 1330 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Flickr/Jason Mrachina
In downtown Des Moines, the Pappajohn Sculpture Park is a collection of two dozen sculptures that are truly one-of-a-kind. The sculptures are illuminated at night for an extra special view of the park.
5. Des Moines Art Center
Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312, USA
Flickr/Andy Langager
The Des Moines Art Center houses a large collection of 20th and 21st century modern and contemporary art, along with art from all over the world.

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6. Salisbury House
Salisbury House Drive, Salisbury House Dr, Des Moines, IA 50312, USA
Flickr/Carl Wycoff
Salisbury House was built by Carl Weeks and his wife, Edith. Modeled after the King's House in Salisbury, England, the house contains a massive 42 rooms and measures around 22,000 square feet. To explore the house, just sign up for a tour.
7. State Historical Museum
State Historical Building, 600 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50319, USA
Flickr/Lee Wright
This Museum in Des Moines contains three floors of exhibits celebrating Iowa’s rich history, contributions and heritage.
8. East Village
East Village, Des Moines, IA, USA
Flickr/Justin Berndt
East Village is a part of downtown Des Moines, with great shopping and restaurants.
9. Science Center of Iowa
Science Center of Iowa, 401 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Flickr/Carl Wycoff
The Science Center of Iowa contains interactive galleries & learning labs with a science focus. There’s also a planetarium & IMAX theater.
10. Robert D Ray Asian Gardens
Robert D. Ray Asian Garden, Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Flickr/Paul Adams
The Chinese Cultural Center of America built this beautiful Asian Garden, with a Chinese pagoda, pond, landscaped gardens and many sculptures.

Aren’t all of these attractions in Des Moines Iowa exciting? Are there any awesome spots you think we’ve missed?  Want to learn more about all of the amazing destinations that Iowa offers, take a look at our list of things to do in Iowa. 

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More to Explore

Attractions Near De Moines Iowa

Sara Dager | July 25, 2022

What unique road trips in Iowa can I take?

If you're looking to see the best and most of the Hawkeye State, road trips are one of the most ideal ways to do just that. We have put together lots of one and two day road trips in Iowa that will help you explore the state. Want to try some of the best pie in Iowa? Try our pie themed road trip! Or perhaps you prefer sweet to spooky? Well, this tour of haunted places in Iowa will be right up your alley. Maybe you just want to see some lovely scenery, then our Iowa leaf peeping trip is the one for you!

Are there any covered bridges in Iowa?

Iowa is home to nine covered bridges, six of which are historic, so it is a great state for those lovers of a good bridge. The covered bridges in Iowa are really something special, so much so that they inspired a book and a movie based on the book, both called the Bridges Of Madison County. We love the feeling you get that you've traveled back in time when you are admiring or crossing these special bridges. If you want to travel the same route that the characters did in the book, you can follow the covered bridges scenic byway in Iowa.

What are the best free things to do in Iowa?

There are so many fun and free things to do in Iowa. Of course there is all our gorgeous nature, with a metric ton of hiking trails and state parks to explore, there is no shortage of fresh air and gorgeous scenery. In particular we recommend these low key hikes in Iowa for the perfect mix of exercise and leisure. If you'd rather stay inside, there are still lots of fun options! The Iowa Museum of Natural History is free and fascinating, as is the Des Moines Art Center and the Railroad Museum.

 

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