{"id":81452,"date":"2023-03-10T11:51:06","date_gmt":"2023-03-10T19:51:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=81452"},"modified":"2023-05-11T12:18:50","modified_gmt":"2023-05-11T19:18:50","slug":"fun-things-to-do-in-des-moines-iowa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/fun-things-to-do-in-des-moines-iowa\/","title":{"rendered":"16 Fun Things to do in Des Moines, Iowa for Newcomers"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Des Moines, Iowa is a vibrant city full of surprises and has plenty of fun activities to keep you entertained. From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, there\u2019s no shortage of fun things to do in Des Moines.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So whether you\u2019re curious to learn what <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/living-in\/IA\/Des-Moines\/6\/5415\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">living in Des Moines<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is like or thinking about <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/5415\/IA\/Des-Moines\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">buying a house<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or renting an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/5415\/IA\/Des-Moines\/apartments-for-rent\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">apartment in Des Moines<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, keep reading to see the best of what this Midwestern gem has to offer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-81453\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Des-Moines-Iowa-skyline-GI.jpg\" alt=\"Des Moines, Iowa skyline\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Des-Moines-Iowa-skyline-GI.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Des-Moines-Iowa-skyline-GI-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Des-Moines-Iowa-skyline-GI-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Des-Moines-Iowa-skyline-GI-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Des-Moines-Iowa-skyline-GI-225x150.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Des-Moines-Iowa-skyline-GI-945x630.jpg 945w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Des-Moines-Iowa-skyline-GI-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Visit the Iowa State Fairgrounds<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you happen to be in Des Moines during the state fair, you&#8217;re in for a treat. But even if you&#8217;re not, the fairgrounds are worth a visit. You can see the famous butter cow sculpture, check out the vintage car museum, or catch a horse race.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Explore the Pappajohn Sculpture Park<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Located in downtown Des Moines, this park features over 30 works of art by world-renowned sculptors, including Louise Bourgeois, Jaume Plensa, and Richard Serra. The sculptures range in size and style, from abstract pieces to more representational works.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visitors can stroll through the park on their own or take a guided tour to learn more about the art and the artists behind it. The park is free and open to the public year-round.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Learn about Iowa history at the State Capitol<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Iowa State Capitol building is not only an impressive architectural feat, but it&#8217;s also full of history. Take a guided tour to learn about the building&#8217;s construction and the state&#8217;s political history.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-81454\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Des-Moines-Iowa-State-Capitol.jpg\" alt=\"Des Moines, Iowa State Capitol\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Des-Moines-Iowa-State-Capitol.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Des-Moines-Iowa-State-Capitol-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Des-Moines-Iowa-State-Capitol-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Des-Moines-Iowa-State-Capitol-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Des-Moines-Iowa-State-Capitol-225x150.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Des-Moines-Iowa-State-Capitol-945x630.jpg 945w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Des-Moines-Iowa-State-Capitol-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Enjoy a beer at Confluence Brewing Company<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Des Moines has a thriving craft beer scene, and Confluence Brewing Company is one of the city&#8217;s best breweries. Sample some of their unique brews in their taproom or on their outdoor patio.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Take a walk along the Des Moines Riverwalk<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Des Moines Riverwalk is a 1.2-mile trail that winds along the Des Moines River. It&#8217;s a popular spot for locals and visitors alike to walk, run, bike, or simply enjoy the views of the river and the city skyline.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Along the trail, you&#8217;ll find public art installations, gardens, and several restaurants and shops. The Riverwalk is accessible year-round and is a great way to explore the city and get some exercise at the same time.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. Catch a game at Principal Park<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Looking for fun things to do in Des Moines for sports lovers? Principal Park has you covered. Located on the Des Moines Riverwalk, Principal Park is home to the Iowa Cubs, a minor league baseball team affiliated with the Chicago Cubs. Grab a hot dog and a beer and enjoy a game in this beautiful stadium.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-81455\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Principal-Park.jpg\" alt=\"Principal Park\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Principal-Park.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Principal-Park-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Principal-Park-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Principal-Park-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Principal-Park-225x150.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Principal-Park-945x630.jpg 945w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Principal-Park-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7. Visit the Des Moines Art Center<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Des Moines Art Center is home to an impressive collection of contemporary and modern art, including works by Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, and Georgia O&#8217;Keeffe. The museum also hosts special exhibitions and events throughout the year.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8. Take a tour of the Salisbury House and Gardens<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This mansion turned museum was built in the 1920s by cosmetics magnate Carl Weeks and features impressive architecture, including a Tudor-style Great Hall and a library modeled after one in England&#8217;s Warwick Castle.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visitors can take guided tours of the house to learn about its history and architecture, as well as explore the gardens, which feature fountains, sculptures, and a variety of plants and trees. Salisbury House and Gardens also hosts special events and educational programs throughout the year.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9. Go shopping at the East Village<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/neighborhood\/528302\/IA\/Des-Moines\/Historic-East-Village\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">East Village<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a trendy neighborhood in downtown Des Moines that has a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries. Browse the boutiques for unique clothing and accessories, grab a cup of coffee or a bite to eat at one of the many cafes and restaurants, or check out the local art galleries.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">East Village is also home to several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Des Moines Farmers&#8217; Market and the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.80-35.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">80\/35 Music Festival<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10. Explore the Blank Park Zoo<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spending a day at the Blank Park Zoo is one of the many fun things to do in Des Moines for people of all ages. The zoo is home to over 800 animals from around the world, including lions, tigers, giraffes, and zebras. Guests can walk through the exhibits and see the animals up close, as well as attend educational programs and special events. The zoo also features a carousel, a train ride, and a playground for kids.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-81456\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Zebra.jpg\" alt=\"Zebra\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Zebra.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Zebra-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Zebra-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Zebra-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Zebra-225x150.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Zebra-945x630.jpg 945w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Zebra-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">11. Tour the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates is a museum and event space dedicated to the science of food and agricultural research. Take a guided tour to learn about the work of the World Food Prize laureates and explore the many fascinating exhibits.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12. Go ice skating at Brenton Skating Plaza<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Brenton Skating Plaza is open during the winter months and offers ice skating for visitors of all ages and skill levels. The rink is situated on the Des Moines River and offers beautiful views of the city skyline.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Brenton Skating Plaza also hosts several special events throughout the winter, including music performances and themed skating nights. In the summer months, the rink transforms into a roller rink.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">13. See a show at the Des Moines Civic Center<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Des Moines Civic Center is home to several resident companies, including the Des Moines Symphony, the Des Moines Metro Opera, and the Ballet Des Moines. The Civic Center hosts a variety of performances throughout the year, including Broadway shows, comedy acts, and concerts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The center also features a variety of spaces for meetings and events, as well as a restaurant and bar. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/desmoinesperformingarts.org\/venues\/des-moines-civic-center\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check the schedule<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and grab tickets for a night out on the town.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">14. Visit the Iowa State Historical Museum<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Iowa State Historical Museum is a great place to learn about the state&#8217;s history, from its earliest inhabitants to the present day. The museum features interactive exhibits, artifacts, and educational programs.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15. Take a scenic drive through the Loess Hills<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Loess Hills are a unique geological formation located just outside of Des Moines. Take a walk or a scenic drive through the hills and enjoy the beautiful views of the countryside.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-81457\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Loess-Hills.jpg\" alt=\"Loess Hills\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Loess-Hills.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Loess-Hills-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Loess-Hills-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Loess-Hills-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Loess-Hills-225x150.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Loess-Hills-945x630.jpg 945w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Loess-Hills-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">16. Explore the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to experience Iowa&#8217;s natural beauty. Take a hike through the prairie or visit the bison and elk herds that roam the refuge.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you&#8217;re a local or a visitor, there are plenty of fun things to do in Des Moines. From exploring art in the sculpture park to enjoying a cold beer at a local brewery, there&#8217;s something for everyone in this vibrant city.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Explore the vibrant city of Des Moines, Iowa with these 16 fun things to do. From art museums to outdoor activities, there&#8217;s something for everyone in this Midwestern gem.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":554,"featured_media":81453,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"default","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[2656],"tags":[34695,34389,34621],"coauthors":[34335],"class_list":["post-81452","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-local-insights","tag-desmoinesia","tag-gpt","tag-ia"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.7 (Yoast SEO v28.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>16 Fun Things to do in Des Moines, Iowa | Redfin<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover 16 exciting things to do in Des Moines. 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