Sights and Sounds of Central Iowa
Exercise and fresh air
Visit the largest skate park in the state right on the river!
11 locals recommend
The Lauridsen Skatepark
901 2nd AvenueVisit the largest skate park in the state right on the river!
Is a fun park to play at for kids of all ages and abilities. There is also an amphitheater that hosts concerts Friday nights during the summer.
Riverview Park
710 Corning AvenueIs a fun park to play at for kids of all ages and abilities. There is also an amphitheater that hosts concerts Friday nights during the summer.
Margo Frankel is small state park nestled in the heart of Des Moines. It has 2 playgrounds, picnic areas and hiking paths.
Margo Frankel Woods State Park
Margo Frankel is small state park nestled in the heart of Des Moines. It has 2 playgrounds, picnic areas and hiking paths.
Grays Lake is a small lake just south of downtown featuring a bike path, playground, swimming area and boat rentals.
26 locals recommend
Grays Lake
Grays Lake is a small lake just south of downtown featuring a bike path, playground, swimming area and boat rentals.
Water Works Park is a great place to take the family for a bike ride, picnic or to play on the new naturescape play area.
13 locals recommend
Water Works Park
2201 George Flagg PkwyWater Works Park is a great place to take the family for a bike ride, picnic or to play on the new naturescape play area.
Cowles Commons is a great place to enjoy a cup of coffee, lunch or sweet treat! It plays host to many outdoor events as well as having a small splash pad for kids to cool off in.
Cowles Commons
221 Walnut StCowles Commons is a great place to enjoy a cup of coffee, lunch or sweet treat! It plays host to many outdoor events as well as having a small splash pad for kids to cool off in.
A great place to ice skate outside with a beautiful view of downtown Des Moines. Skate rental and concessions available.
19 locals recommend
Brenton Skating Plaza
520 Robert D. Ray DrA great place to ice skate outside with a beautiful view of downtown Des Moines. Skate rental and concessions available.
Sightseeing
So many great sights both indoors and outdoors!
53 locals recommend
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
909 Robert D. Ray DrSo many great sights both indoors and outdoors!
Visit the state capital grounds for breathtaking views of the downtown skyline, tour the capital building or visit the many monuments.
56 locals recommend
Iowa State Capitol
1007 E Grand AveVisit the state capital grounds for breathtaking views of the downtown skyline, tour the capital building or visit the many monuments.
Entertainment
Wells Fargo Arena hosts all kinds of events for all walks of life.
28 locals recommend
Wells Fargo Arena
233 Center StWells Fargo Arena hosts all kinds of events for all walks of life.
From traveling exhibits to the IMAX theater the Science Center has something for everyone.
43 locals recommend
Science Center of Iowa
401 W Martin Luther King Jr PkwyFrom traveling exhibits to the IMAX theater the Science Center has something for everyone.
Adventureland is Iowa's biggest outdoor amusement park with many rides, water park and circus.
46 locals recommend
Adventureland Park
305 Adventureland DrAdventureland is Iowa's biggest outdoor amusement park with many rides, water park and circus.
This is Iowa's only accredited zoo, home to the largest male lion in captivity!
47 locals recommend
Blank Park Zoo
7401 SW 9th StThis is Iowa's only accredited zoo, home to the largest male lion in captivity!
A great place for kids to learn and explore. Most ideal for kids 10 and under.
Des Moines Children Museum
1551 Valley West DriveA great place for kids to learn and explore. Most ideal for kids 10 and under.
The amphitheater is located right on the river and is a great place to catch live music.
Simon Estes Amphitheater
75 W Locust StThe amphitheater is located right on the river and is a great place to catch live music.
Fantastic historical site that hosts, concerts, shows and lots of local talent.
16 locals recommend
Hoyt Sherman Place
1501 Woodland AveFantastic historical site that hosts, concerts, shows and lots of local talent.
The Des Moines Art Center has free admission and you can do guided or self-guided tours. There is also a beautiful rose garden and plenty of hiking paths close by!
87 locals recommend
Des Moines Art Center
4700 Grand AveThe Des Moines Art Center has free admission and you can do guided or self-guided tours. There is also a beautiful rose garden and plenty of hiking paths close by!
City/town information
Downtown Des Moines has something for everyone! Lots of unique restaurants, concerts, outdoor venues, farmers market, exciting night life, sporting events and more!
17 locals recommend
Des Moines
Downtown Des Moines has something for everyone! Lots of unique restaurants, concerts, outdoor venues, farmers market, exciting night life, sporting events and more!
Neighborhoods
The historic East Village is minutes away in downtown Des Moines. This neighborhood is home for one of kind shopping, dining and event venues.
64 locals recommend
East Village
The historic East Village is minutes away in downtown Des Moines. This neighborhood is home for one of kind shopping, dining and event venues.
Historic Valley Junction has many local restaurants and and shops. They have a nice farmers market on Thursday nights during the summer.
46 locals recommend
Valley Junction
Historic Valley Junction has many local restaurants and and shops. They have a nice farmers market on Thursday nights during the summer.
Food scene
Smokey Row Coffee
111 E Monroe StThe best place to grab coffee and tea!
Chuck's
3610 6th AvenueChucks has been a local favorite for years! Great pizza, pasta and sandwiches!
A one of kind local restaurant is a must visit for any zombie lover!
44 locals recommend
Zombie Burger + Drink Lab
300 E Grand AveA one of kind local restaurant is a must visit for any zombie lover!
Chicago Speakeasy has a great menu including an extensive salad bar complete with a traditional speakeasy feel!
Chicago Speakeasy
1520 Euclid AveChicago Speakeasy has a great menu including an extensive salad bar complete with a traditional speakeasy feel!
Splash has some of the freshest seafood in the Des Moines area.
8 locals recommend
Splash Seafood Bar & Grill
303 Locust StSplash has some of the freshest seafood in the Des Moines area.
Gateway Market offers great natural grocery shopping as well as dine-in eating.
35 locals recommend
Gateway Market
2002 Woodland AveGateway Market offers great natural grocery shopping as well as dine-in eating.
801 Chophouse
801 Grand AveA nice fine dining experience!
Black Cat Ice Cream
A great local ice cream parlor with fantastic unique flavors!
A local staple for healthy, organic foods and drinks! They also have great coffee and tea. I highly recommend the Pink Dragon smoothie!
Kava DSM
300 West Martin Luther King Junior ParkwayA local staple for healthy, organic foods and drinks! They also have great coffee and tea. I highly recommend the Pink Dragon smoothie!
Bars and Night Life
The Royal Mile
210 4th StA fun local bar featuring English beers
A great local bar with a huge selection of beers on tap. It is also connected to The Highlife Lounge which features a pretty extensive menu for a bar. Both are good for watching games, have nice patios and sometimes host life music.
25 locals recommend
El Bait Shop
200 SW 2nd StA great local bar with a huge selection of beers on tap. It is also connected to The Highlife Lounge which features a pretty extensive menu for a bar. Both are good for watching games, have nice patios and sometimes host life music.
Johnny's Hall of Fame
302 Court AveA great local sports bar in the heart of downtown Des Moines.