Overview
Des Moines, capital of Iowa, is in the western region of the American Midwest. Des Moines is the largest city in Iowa and the annual site of the Iowa State Fair and numerous cultural festivals during warm weather months. History enthusiasts will find 110 historic sites in and around the city as part of the Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area. The city appeals to travelers with an interest in the arts who marvel at the architecture of the State Capitol with its five domes, including the large main dome with its gleaming 23-karat gold surface. The city has a good art museum, a symphony that performs in the downtown Civic Center (along with opera, ballet, and other performing arts), and a big annual arts festival that draws visitors from across Iowa and beyond.
9 sights · 23 things to do · 39 places to eat · 21 bars & cafés · 12 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Des Moines
Capitol Building
One of the more popular state capitols to tour, it is easy to spot it with its sparkling 23-karat gold leaf dome and four-surrounding smaller copper-topped domes. Those wishing to see the inside from a bird's eye view wi…
Salisbury House
The house, built between 1923-1928, features Tudor, Gothic, and Corolean styles all throughout its 42 rooms. Also shelters many artifacts, including objects of art, furniture, tapestries and books. The National Trust for…
Terrace Hill
Since 1971, has served as home for the Governor and First Family of Iowa during his or her term. The site was the home of Iowa's first millionaire, Benjamin Franklin Allen, with construction beginning in 1866 after being…
Des Moines Art Center
The Center boasts a permanent collection of contemporary art from the 19th and 20th centuries, including works from Edward Hopper, Jasper Johns, Georgia O'Keeffe, Henri Matisse, and Francis Bacon. It also boasts a restau…
Science Center of Iowa
The Center hosts six different experience platforms including Science is Where You Find it (including exhibits Kitchen Chemistry and Physics in the Field), When Things Get Moving (including Design a Propeller and Robot R…
Blank Park Zoo
Permanent exhibits and activities, such as "Behind the Scenes" tours and "Feed the Giraffes", all throughout the year. Also hosts several special events throughout the year, including Zoo Brew (geared towards those 21+).…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 86°F; winter lows dip to about 14°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and May.
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- DSM Des Moines International Airport, Des Moines — 4 mi away (major hub). Directions
- FOD Fort Dodge Regional Airport, Fort Dodge — 73 mi away. Directions
Most travelers to Des Moines are likely to come via interstate, on either I-80 (from the east or west) or I-35 (from the north or south). Travelers will not have to worry about encountering any tollways or major traffic jams. Once in the area, those wishing to enter the city will use I-235 to get into Des Moines proper. The majority of area residents get around using their cars, so bringing or renting one is a good idea. The roads are in good shape and most drivers are very courteous.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $69–$150 a night (typical $129), from 5 listed prices.
- Typical meal: about $15 per person at listed restaurants.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$100, mid-range ~$190, comfortable ~$290.
Options are grouped as Budget, Mid-range, Splurge in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Capitol Building, State Historical Society of Iowa Museum, Des Moines Botanical Garden
- Lunch Zombie Burger
- Afternoon Iowa Wolves, Iowa Barnstormers
- Dinner Masao
- Evening Bellhop
Day 2
- Morning Iowa State Fair, Adventureland Amusement Park and Adventure Bay Water Park
- Lunch B-Bops
- Afternoon Des Moines Arts Festival, Hy-Vee Triathlon
- Dinner Tasty Tacos
- Evening Gong Fu Tea
Day 3
- Morning Salisbury House, Des Moines Art Center
- Lunch Maccabbees Glatt Kosher Deli
- Afternoon Des Moines Buccaneers, Salisbury Automobile Classic
- Dinner Waveland Cafe
- Evening Friedrichs Coffee
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
What to eat in Des Moines? Iowa is a meat-and-potatoes kind of place, with generous servings, and the possibility of a piece of pie afterwards. But when you're in Des Moines, keep an eye out for the locally invented steak de burgo, a beef tenderloin featuring garlic, butter, and sometimes a bit of cream.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Because of Iowa's early presidential caucus date, the city is also a hotbed of political dreams and discourse every four years when presidential candidates tour the state and have multiple debates within the city.
The meaning of 'Des Moines' is not clear as local Native Americans, the Moingona, had already been using a term (which meant 'river of the mounds') due to the number of burial mounds which were popular in the area. French Trappist Monks (Moines de la Trappe) called their settlement areas at the mouth of the Des Moines River 'La Rivière des Moines' which, in English, translates to 'the river of the monks.' "De Moyn," which means "middle," may have been used on the map of explorer Jacques Marquette to help others locate the Des Moines River-area (equidistant between the larger Mississippi and Missouri rivers). "Des Moines," today pronounced "duh MOIN," is at the junction of the Des Moines River and the Raccoon River.
Fort Des Moines was settled in 1843 by a group of dragoons from the Sac and Fox Agency (Fort Sanford) led by Captain James Allen. Allen was going to name the area Fort Raccoon, but was instructed by the War Department to use the name Fort Des Moines. In 1846, the fort was dissolved and the city was created.
The city's population was just under 215,000 in 2020, and the metro area had about 700,000 residents.
Climate
Due in part to the moist and rich soils that make Iowa an agricultural powerhouse, summers are filled with very humid air. Coupled with heat, this can result in a very high heat index. The average summer heat index is around 91°F during the day and 68°F at night. Heat waves can see heat indices upwards of around 105°F or higher, with overnight lows around 78°F. This can make outdoor life very uncomfortable (and sometimes dangerous) for those unaccustomed to such conditions, even visitors from hot climates, such as the Southwest, where the heat lacks the coupling of humidity. Rain and thunderstorms are common in the spring and summer; occasionally severe, with tornadoes of varying intensities (though rarely very destructive) sometimes a possibility.
During the winter, it is not at all unusual to have road closures due to snowfall or ice. Iowa is no stranger to heavy snowfall and frigid temperatures in this season either, which can be just as much of a concern to those unaccustomed as the summer heat. Fall is pleasantly cool, and typically more dry than wet.
Tourist information
- Catch Des Moines tourism website
Get in
By car
Most travelers to Des Moines are likely to come via interstate, on either I-80 (from the east or west) or I-35 (from the north or south). Travelers will not have to worry about encountering any tollways or major traffic jams. Once in the area, those wishing to enter the city will use I-235 to get into Des Moines proper. The majority of area residents get around using their cars, so bringing or renting one is a good idea. The roads are in good shape and most drivers are very courteous.
- The main thoroughfare, I-235, runs through the downtown area and is free of tolls. Semi-trailers passing through are advised to avoid I-235 as the traffic is usually heavier, particularly during the morning and evening rush hours (7AM-8AM and 4:30PM-6PM) as people travel to and from work. Additionally, the speed limit on I-235 is 5–10 mph less than on I-80/I-35.
- The city has two interstates surrounding it, I-80 (running east/west) and I-35 (north/south). Chicago is roughly 330 mi (539 km) east of Des Moines while Omaha is about 135 mi (215 km) west of the city. Popular destinations along I-35 include Kansas City, just under 200 mi (320 km) to the south and Minneapolis/Saint Paul to the north, nearly 250 mi (500 km) away.
- Safe-driving tips, road closures due to weather and construction, and other pieces of information, are available from the Iowa Department of Transportation. Wi-fi is available throughout the state at public rest areas.
By plane
Go Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
Des Moines' airport is fairly small for a major airport, consisting of only a single terminal. Although the airport has had a reputation of being expensive in the past, many flights are now more affordable and travelers have noticed, breaking usage records year-in and year-out. Most hotels offer free shuttle service and rental cars are also available. Long-term parking varies in price from $5-12/day. The following airlines have services to Des Moines: Allegiant Air, American, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, and United, all of which operate non-stop flights between Des Moines and their respective major hubs.
By bus
The Burlington Trailways-Jefferson Lines Bus Terminal is at 1501 2nd Ave. Greyhound doesn't serve Des Moines directly but they do offer through-ticketing with both bus lines.
By train
Place Amtrak (Amtrak code OSC)
Nearest Amtrak station is 45 mi (72 km) south in Osceola at Main and E Clay Sts. In the town there are not many traveler services, although there is a casino to help pass the time, so it's best to do any extensive overnight stays in Des Moines. It is also possible to reach Des Moines from Osceola (or vice-versa) by Jefferson Lines bus which leaves from Osceola Amtrak station and arrives at Greyhound bus station in Des Moines.
Get around
By car
The colder weather months (Nov-Feb) often bring snow and ice to area roads. Visitors who park their cars should be prepared in case their car is "snowed in" by snow removal trucks. Also, strict attention to parking rules and snow emergencies is recommended to avoid being towed away at the car owner's expense. During the winter months, a snow brush, ice scraper, and plenty of windshield washer fluid is essential, and many natives opt to carry a shovel, some sand, and a bag of ice melt/road salt in the trunk just in case.
Gasoline is reasonably cheap in the Des Moines area, partially from subsidies afforded to ethanol which is widely available at most gas stations to travelers. The most popular mixture, 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline, is generally considered safe for newer autos (not to be confused with 85% ethanol/15% gasoline blend). Ethanol and its usage can stir up quite a debate even in the corn-loving state of Iowa.
The Des Moines River serves as the marker for street names having the prefix "East" or not (and occasionally "West" when on the western side). This is especially important for streets running north-south. "1st Ave" would be on the west side of the river, E 1st Ave the eastern side and are thus completely different streets. Streets running east-west and which exist on both sides of the river typically have an "East" prefix if east of the river. There are some "West" prefixes for those on the other side of the river but this is less common. Perhaps more confusing, there are streets which lie on both sides of the river, such as Grand Ave, which is "E Grand Ave" east of the river but simply "Grand Ave" west of the river. Unlike the north-south streets, it is possible to arrive at your destination by simply continuing east or west—depending on your final destination. The demarcation for "SE" and "SW" prefixes is a bit more ambiguous but would certainly refer to a street south of Grand Ave/E Grand Ave and either the western or eastern side of the river. For most part, "NW" refers to streets west of the river and "NE" east of it, but not always so. Additionally, there is no standard reference point for determining when a street gains a "NW" or "NE" prefix.
Downtown has several one-way streets to ease traffic flow during rush hours. Turning left is allowed unless otherwise designated.
By rental car
The airport is a popular place to get a rental car and has the following rental companies present next to the baggage claim area: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National. There are other locations throughout the city to rent.
By bus
Place Des Moines Area Regional Transit (DART)
Routes are available throughout the day with some routes running well into the evening. Bus passes may be purchased through MTA. Most buses will accommodate users with bicycles. The bus also provides services for door-to-door pickup and para-transit services. Regular, express, commuter, and downtown shuttle routes are available. $1.75, express fare $2.
- The free D-Line shuttle bus route 42 operates a downtown loop. This bus travels from Western Greenway Park to the State Capitol Building along Grand Avenue and Locus Street. The bus stops at several downtown hotels, the State Historical Society of Iowa Museum, city hall, and central public library. This bus runs Monday through Friday from 6:30AM to 6PM.
By bicycle
Drivers in Des Moines are generally courteous, and there is ample shoulder room or sidewalks to avoid a date with a jalopy. Some corridors to downtown have bike-only lanes and all city buses allow bikes on board.
Des Moines has hundreds of miles of paved hike & bike paths, many that interconnect, making possible long rides that avoid busy streets. Most are smooth asphalt surface while others are pea gravel in good condition. Some of these are converted railroad right of ways and others pass through area parks. There are trails along both the Des Moines River and the Raccoon River and there are multiple trailheads where you can park your car. Several trailheads are close to area craft breweries so you can stop for a refreshing brew along the way or at the end of a ride. Some of the best bike trails include:
- Chichaqua Valley Trail - 25 miles of paved trail
- Neal Smith Trail - 26 mile paved trail along the Des Moines River from downtown Des Moines to Saylorville Lake
- Clive Greenbelt Trail - 12 miles of paved trails through suburban parks and greenspaces (whose lawns are "mowed" by a herd of goats)
- High Trestle Trail - a converted railroad right of way is now a 25-mile ride through rural areas of north Des Moines, a highlight is crossing the bridge over the Des Moines River
- Meredith Trail - 5-mile long pea-gravel surface trail from Principal Park in downtown Des Moines, along the Raccoon River to Grays Park (which has another 2-mile trail around the lake and the Water Works)
By taxi
Place Capitol Cab Company
Place Yellow Cab Company
See
See Capitol Building
One of the more popular state capitols to tour, it is easy to spot it with its sparkling 23-karat gold leaf dome and four-surrounding smaller copper-topped domes. Those wishing to see the inside from a bird's eye view will climb 298 steps before reaching the top from their start on the second floor. Historic flags, some hailing from the U.S. Civil War-era, are on display, and tour staff are available during all hours in which the capitol is open to visitors. Don't overlook the State Law Library, one of the most beautiful and ornate libraries in the world. Cafeteria is on the bottom floor.
See Salisbury House
The house, built between 1923-1928, features Tudor, Gothic, and Corolean styles all throughout its 42 rooms. Also shelters many artifacts, including objects of art, furniture, tapestries and books. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has labeled it a "national treasure" and the property has also been featured on A&E and Home and Garden Television. Hosts many events during the year, including chamber music concerts, Gatsby Gala, Salisbury Automobile Classic, group meetings and Shakespeare on the Lawn.
See Terrace Hill (Governor's Mansion)
Since 1971, has served as home for the Governor and First Family of Iowa during his or her term. The site was the home of Iowa's first millionaire, Benjamin Franklin Allen, with construction beginning in 1866 after being designed by William Boyington (designer of the Water Tower of Chicago which survived the Great Fire). Aptly named as it sits atop the Raccoon River.
See Des Moines Art Center
The Center boasts a permanent collection of contemporary art from the 19th and 20th centuries, including works from Edward Hopper, Jasper Johns, Georgia O'Keeffe, Henri Matisse, and Francis Bacon. It also boasts a restaurant with a 5-star rating from The Des Moines Register, featuring a different menu weekly and open for lunch only.
See Pappajohn Sculpture Park (Western Gateway Park)
Opened in 2009, the sculpture garden was a centerpiece of an urban revitalization project and it occupies most of Western Gateway Park downtown. It showcases more than $40 million in publicly displayed modern art. The sculpture garden is curated by the Des Moines Art Center. Family friendly area with open spaces for picnics, walking trails, and receptacles for dog waste (pick up after your pooch!) A public restroom is available. Parking is in metered spaces on adjacent streets.
See State Historical Society of Iowa Museum
Exhibits include a venture into Iowa's past when glaciers pushed their way through and mammoths roamed the plains, state's frontier and prairie past where kid-friendly activities such as pushing a plow or carrying buckets with a shoulder yoke can be had. Fossil, Native American, wildlife, and Iowa U.S. Civil War flags on display. Cafe Baratta's inside.
See Science Center of Iowa
The Center hosts six different experience platforms including Science is Where You Find it (including exhibits Kitchen Chemistry and Physics in the Field), When Things Get Moving (including Design a Propeller and Robot Run), Who are We? (including Color my World and In Your Genes), Why the Sky? (including Cosmic Video Jukebox and Viewing the Night Sky, in addition to planetarium shows in the 50-foot dome), Small Discoveries (including Bubble Bay and World of Wonder, all geared toward children 7 and under), What on Earth? (including Iowa Habitats, Ant Farm, and the WHO-TV Weather Studio) and limited exhibits in Principal Hall.
See Des Moines Botanical Garden
Particularly popular during cold Iowa winters. Special events and learning modules all throughout the year. Connected to the parking lot is the Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens with a featured Asian pavilion, built in honor of the Asian Americans who immigrated to Iowa in the late 1970s and of former Gov. Ray.
Do
The city and surrounding area has a vast array of activities for all ages, from the annual Iowa State Fair, rated by USA Today as one of the Top 10 best things to do in the summertime in the U.S., to the Des Moines Arts Festival in downtown, also rated as a Top 10 member for the nation's arts festivals, indeed there are plenty of sights and sounds to make your experience a memorable one.
Do Des Moines Arts Festival
Started in the late-1990s after promoters decided to replace the 40-year running "Art in the Park." Attendance of around 250,000 people each year. Over 150 artists--from all over the country--bring their original creations to be seen and purchased. In addition to the various forms of art you'll see, there are also stages offering entertainment and food vendors selling their own edible creations.
Do Iowa State Fair
Each year, the Fair draws around 1 million visitors through its gates. Has a variety of things to see and do, much of it based around agriculture, the arts and food. At night, the beer tents and Grandstand come alive (past performances by Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, The Jackson Five, and Reba McEntire). Park (cheaper) near the capitol building and take an MTA bus over to the fairgrounds, or park closer in front yards of residents (more expensive).
Do Taste of Des Moines
The 1½-day event is still in its infancy but is improving each year. The event typically takes place at Drake University but has been at the zoo or downtown in the past. More than 40 vendors--most of which are local--provide food for hungry patrons. It's a good way to try new creations from area restaurants and for not a whole lot of cash. Alcoholic drinks are also available.
Do Salisbury Automobile Classic
Antique and classic automobiles of a by-gone era are on display in one of the most unique car show settings in the U.S. It has been called the "Pebble Beach of the Midwest" by Old Cars Weekly (in reference to the famous Pebble Beach Auto Councour). All proceeds going to benefit the historic Salisbury House.
Do Hoyt Sherman Place
The venue boasts a multi-million dollar fine art collection and a 1,400-seat performance theater with exceptional acoustics. The gallery and theater are additions to the original 1887 mansion of Des Moines distinguished banker and businessman Hoyt Sherman, which was a society showplace of the grandest scale. Offers gallery and mansion tours and a year-round performance calendar.
Street festivals
During the warm weather months of May through October, the streets of Des Moines frequently play host to a wide range of festivals and celebrations. During these festivals, people of different cultures bring the sounds of their music to parks and stages while food stands spring up, selling dishes and treats that are emblematic of their homelands. Some festivals cross cultural boundaries with celebrations that cross ethnic boundaries, such as the Arts Festival or the annual Pride festival.
Most of the festivals are free to attend though vendors will charge for food and drinks. Be prepared for moderately difficult traffic and parking because streets and bridges will be closed around the festival area or along parade routes.
Festivals usually occur in one of three locations:
- Western Gateway Park
- East Village close to the Des Moines River
- Court Avenue downtown, near Principal Park
The biggest and most popular festivals include:
- CelebrAsian (May), Western Gateway Park: A festival focused on Asian culture, with lots of food, as well as music and dance performances.
- Downtown Farmers' Market(May-October), Court Avenue: Every Saturday, a large farmers market has farmers from surrounding communities selling fresh produce as crowds stroll through the streets with snacks and drinks, enjoying warm weather and friendly vibes.
- Des Moines Arts Festival (June), Western Gateway Park. Features visual arts displays by top artists, as well as film screenings, and musical performances.
- Capital City Pride Festival (June), East Village: A large LGBT celebration with a parade, music and drink.
- Iowa Craft Brew Festival (June), Western Gateway Park: Showcases local and regional craft breweries. (At other times of the year, you can always sample beer from every Iowa craft brewery at the Iowa Tap Room in East Village).
- World Food & Music Festival (August/September), Western Gateway Park. Taste diverse cuisine from around the world prepared by more than 50 food vendors.
- Latino Heritage Festival (September), East Village: Celebrates Latino culture with music, food, and dance. Food vendors set up on one of the bridges over the Des Moines River.
Music
Professional and college sports
While the city is not host to any of the "big league" teams, events are a lot of fun and there's plenty left in your wallet after you've purchased a ticket. Home games are well-attended and oftentimes the team is tops in its own respective league in terms of attendance.
Do Des Moines Buccaneers
United States Hockey League (USHL) Tier 1 team member. Very close to the ice no matter where one sits.
- The Des Moines Menace is a semi-professional soccer team that plays family-friendly games in West Des Moines.
Do Iowa Barnstormers
Arena football team in the new AFL. Tailgaiting in the adjacent parking lot is perhaps just as busy as the game. Bear the name of the team Kurt Warner played for before making it in the NFL.
Do Iowa Cubs
Member of the Triple-A East (one level below the Major Leagues) and the top farm team of the Chicago Cubs. The team is consistently near the top of attendance figures each year. Great view of downtown. Usually have fireworks every Friday night.
Get up and move
Do Living History Farms
An outdoor interactive agricultural museum, Living History Farms gives people of all ages a new way of enjoying history. It has special events throughout the year. Historical interpreters explain and demonstrate the lifestyles of the 1700s Ioway Indians, the 1850 pioneers, the townspeople of 1875, and 1900 farmers.
Do Adventureland Amusement Park and Adventure Bay Water Park
Iowa's largest theme park with over 100 rides, shows, and attractions. The water park has 13 water slides, 6,000-sq ft swimming pool, and a bar where patrons can swim up and order a drink, then perhaps drift away on the longest lazy river in the state.
Do Recreational Trails
For those wanting a chance to see the area at their own pace, 300+ mi of trails available for use. The trails are expanding each year and they offer a great way for visitors to see the quieter parts of the area as well as getting a chance to enjoy the outdoors. Cross-country skiing in the winter.
*
Do Gray's Lake
Busy at all times of day, urbanites of all ages come to breathe in the fresh air or get in their workout before heading heading home or to their cubicle. 167-acre park with a 1.9-mi paved track encircling the lake. Paddle boats, canoes, sailboats and bikes may be rented. A small beach area for swimming. Restrooms and grills provided, while some fishing and bird watching also takes place around the edges.
Do Sleepy Hollow Sports Park
Various sports throughout the summer and winter seasons. Summer options include batting cages, go-Karts, sand volleyball, golf, mini golf, driving range, and climbing wall. Winter sports include skiing, snowboarding, and tubing--lifts available for all. Rental equipment available.
Gambling
Further from Des Moines are two casinos of mention:
Host events
Many of the state athletic tournaments, for both girls and boys take place in Des Moines. For three consecutive weekends, wrestling, girls' basketball, and boys' basketball brings much activity in February and March to the Wells Fargo Arena area and downtown. The state track meet is held at Drake Stadium and boys' soccer tournaments at Cownie Park in May. The boys' baseball tournament, in July, is played at Principal Park.
Learn
Des Moines is home to a few institutions of higher learning, the largest being Drake University with enrollment around 5,000.
Place Drake University
Founded in 1881 and today offers more than 70 degrees of study through three colleges and three schools. DU is the home of the Bulldogs and offers NCAA Division I athletic competition for nearly all varsity sports. Home of the Drake Relays, arguably the nation's top track and field event.
Other
Place World Food Prize
The Prize has been awarded to individuals from all over the world who contribute their talents to help sustain vital crop land, food resources and technologies, and introduce new methods to help end poverty and maintain crop development—anything to further assist the world food supply. First awarded in 1986 and is the brainchild of former Nobel Peace Prize recipient Dr. Norman E. Borlaug. The symposium is held in October.
Buy
The shopping experiences in [https://eastvillagedesmoines.com/ East Village] can be described as progressive, as it's a pedestrian friendly area downtown which offers a variety of small businesses and boutiques. The streets are nicely lined and there's much to do after hours to fill a hungry traveler's stomach. In West Des Moines, the historic [https://www.valleyjunction.com/ Valley Junction] is also an outdoor line-up of shops and local businesses with much to offer, including live music and art and craft fairs throughout the year. [https://www.jordancreektowncenter.com/en.html Jordan Creek Town Center] and [https://valleywestmall.com/ Valley West Mall] both lie in West Des Moines, the former being the state's largest shopping mall with a variety of stores and entertainment, including ice skating in the winter. [https://merlehaymall.com/ Merle Hay Mall] and [https://www.shopsouthridgemall.com/ Southridge Mall] rest on the northwest and southeast corners of the city, respectively. Altoona, on the east side, will have an enclosed outdoor shopping experience available once The Shoppes at Prairie Crossing is completed.
Shop West End Salvage
Fans of home makeover reality TV will make this a high point of their Des Moines trip because the shop was the star of the TV program West End Salvage, which followed owner Don Short and his team as they went into buildings slated for demolition to rescue unique fixtures, trim, advertising signs, and other interesting architectural oddities, all of which would end up for sale in this 4-story warehouse. Visitors are welcomed at a coffee bar and invited to take their cup of latte or macchiato with them as they browse the amazing collection of fascinating treasures from the past.
Eat
What to eat in Des Moines? Iowa is a meat-and-potatoes kind of place, with generous servings, and the possibility of a piece of pie afterwards. But when you're in Des Moines, keep an eye out for the locally invented steak de burgo, a beef tenderloin featuring garlic, butter, and sometimes a bit of cream.
Budget
Eat B and B Grocery, Meat and Deli
Family-owned and -operated since 1922. In 2008, the readers of The Des Moines Register voted their Dad's Killer as the "Best Deli Sandwich" in the city and many subsequent "best of" awards by locals. The Food Network's "Outrageous Food" featured the Killossal Sandwich, a combo of four sandwiches, in May 2011.
Eat B-Bops
Few sit-down restaurants can match the goodness of the most popular menu item, the 1/4-lb. hamburger. If the weather's nice, you can sit under an umbrella and listen to classics from the 1950s and 1960s. The burgers are so good they've won the "Best Burger in Des Moines" award more than 10 years running (per Cityview).
Eat Big Tomato Pizza Co.
Near the downtown nightlife area. Carry out or delivery only.
Eat Fong's Pizza (Downtown)
The original location, founded on January 26th, 2009, in the former King Ying Low, Des Moines' oldest operating Chinese restaurant. Elements of King Ying Low's history and décor were kept and the current Fong's Pizza menu is inspired by a fusion of Asian, Italian, and Polynesian cooking styles paired with the tropical and fun flavors of a Tiki bar.
Eat La Mie Bakery and Restaurant
French-style bakery featuring all the goods you'd imagine, with quality omelets and coffee. High ceilings and modern setting make it a popular place to dine for all 3 meals rather than simply carry out fare. Outdoor patio on the back with a few tables. Can also find offerings at Downtown Farmer's Market.
Eat Tasty Tacos
Local fast food joint rivaling taste of some of the sit-down places.
Eat Waveland Cafe
If you're expecting a fancy diner, then you better get lost. This place is for the real Saturday morning crowd and a good place to recover from a hangover. If it was legal to light up a smoke, this is where you'd get no gruff from fellow patrons.
Eat Zombie Burger
A popular local burger joint with a humorous undead theme — the decor inside is rife with references to zombie flicks — and lots of creative burger and milkshake creations. The menu is full of intriguing options worth exploring but of particular note is "the Walking Ched," a beef patty atop fried mac and cheese with bacon. The fries and shakes are also excellent. A bar in the back serves draft beers and cocktails.
Mid-range
Eat Chuck's Restaurant
If the number of years one's been in business is the standard way to rate, few in Des Moines could mess with Chuck's more than 50-year reign on the northside of Des Moines. Chuck's has proven if you take old classics, such as spaghetti and meatballs, meatloaf, and steak, and treat them with respect, you'll be in the neighborhood for a long time. Excellent pizza.
Eat Drake Diner (North Side Diner in Johnston and West End Diner in West Des Moines)
Drake location is the original location. Favorites such as omelets, French toast, reubens, crinkle-cut fries, and bacon cheeseburgers and Drake's own "Bulldog burger" dominate the menu (all three Diner's feature the Maytag Burger, oozing with Iowa's own Maytag blue cheese). During nice weather, there's a screened-in patio available to sit. Shakes and malts are made with Des Moines's very own Anderson and Erickson Dairy Ice Cream.
Eat Flying Mango
Began as a catering business but when their uniquely smoked Cajun and Creole creations caught on, they soon started to get a bigger loyal following. Full wine list.
Eat Jethro's BBQ
Quickly earning locals' favor. Featured on the third season of the TV series Man v. Food, where host Adam Richman tried (and failed) to conquer the Adam Emmenecker Challenge (named after the former Drake basketball star).
Eat Masao
French-Japanese fusion in the East Village.
Eat Noah's Ark Ristorante
A Des Moines classic specializing in Italian food. Thin crust pizza. Convenient for those visiting the airport.
Eat Maccabbees Glatt Kosher Deli
Central Iowa's only kosher deli offers traditional New York-style Jewish deli sandwiches, as well as kosher groceries, bread, wine, and hard-to-find favorites.
Eat Chicago Speakeasy
A Des Moines classic, the restaurant features a mobster theme. Excellent prime rib (the house specialty), served in several sizes, an extensive salad bar, and a number of seafood offerings. Large portions.
Splurge
Eat 801 Chophouse
Being atop the Principal Building, along with their class of wines, steaks and seafood, 801 has a reputation for the city's nicest restaurant. The fare is amongst the best downtown, with freshness and ingredients resembling the prime rib (rare, get it?) being their ticket to success.
Eat Centro (pronounced Chentro)
Italian fare featuring terrific coal fired pizzas. Specialize in $8.50 martinis.
Eat Christopher's
A restaurant with a great reputation for serving up quality prime rib and Italian dishes for over 50 years. The restaurant is larger than it appears from outside.
Eat Cosi Cucina (Cosi's)
Traditionally known as one of the most authentic Italian restaurants in the area, with over 30 wines by the glass. Fresh bread and minestrone. According to their Website, it was once voted Best Italian Restaurant and Most Romantic Restaurant. Small and also near some other bars and trendy clubs.
Eat Jesse's Embers
Quality surf and turf offerings. A local standby nearing 50 years in the area. Lunch offerings will save you a few bucks from dinner prices.
Eat Tursi's Latin King (The Latin King)
One of the longest-standing restaurants in the area (since 1947), the Italian cuisine and beautiful restaurant setting will please anyone with a desire for a bit of originality. Very busy during the lunch hour, particularly when the state's legislative branch is in session. Small patio available. Full wine list.
Eat Trostel's Greenbriar (Greenbriar)
In 2003, The Des Moines Register awarded the restaurant with 4-stars and several awards from reader polls. Prime rib, seafood, aged steaks, rack of lamb and duck are featured on the menu. For those seeking a casual dining experience, the bar is available in addition to the outdoor patio (during warm months). Live music on various nights.
Eat HOQ
Farm-to-table with ninety percent of HoQ's ingredients being organic, locally sourced within about 50 miles of the restaurant, and fresh from the farm.
Eat Oak Park
High-end American fare with a large wine selection in a building whose architecture was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Cook it yourself
Eat Fareway
Quality meat department. A popular rural grocery chain with several urban locations as well.
Drink
Travelers would likely find the Court District district downtown enjoyable. There, one can find a variety of bars, breweries, dance clubs, live music hot spots and restaurants. It also draws a larger crowd when events downtown take place, such as games for the Iowa Cubs and Barnstormers. East Village rests near the capitol and has several restaurants featuring wine and mixed drinks which can be classified as upscale, but also has bars and live music venues. From the Western Gateway on westwards, bump elbows at any number of sipping places along Ingersoll Avenue.
Alcohol sales cease at 2AM for all locations selling alcohol (stores included) in accordance with state law.
Coffee and tea
Drink Friedrichs Coffee
If you're looking for a down-to-earth but nice atmosphere place where you can get a great cup of java or a nifty shot of espresso, pull up a chair. One of the owners' great-grandfather owned a coffee shop across from a castle in Charlottenburg, Germany and spirit has passed to the next generation. The owners, a husband and wife team, opened their first coffee shop only a few months after returning from Costa Rica.
Drink Gong Fu Tea
Lots of tea pots and bulk tea available as well. Very clean establishment.
Drink Grounds for Celebration
Wonderful place for fresh coffee, tea, and gelato and some lunch items. The coffee beans are from the cafe's privately owned cropland in Panama. Consistently rated as one of Des Moines' best coffeehouses. All locations offer free WiFi.
Drink Zanzibar's Coffee Adventure
Features local art displayed around the coffee house. Great spot to sit and drink a cup or talk, study. Sit at the coffee bar or a table. Serves great breakfast. Sells their amazing beans as well so you can enjoy their coffee at home. Very friendly to all walks of life. Also provides catering services and can be reserved for private parties and meetings. You can also order their beans online or over the phone to be shipped.
Easy Going
Drink Star Bar
Featuring plenty of snack foods (BBQ chicken spring rolls $8), sandwiches (Niman Ranch Jambon Royale $10), and plates such as New York Strip ($20). Outdoor seating available.
Theme bars
Drink Bellhop
Neighborhood tiki bar atmosphere and a mid-century modern Palm Springs resort aesthetic.
Drink el Bait Shop/High Life Lounge
List of 105 beers via tap or bottle from a lot of west coast brewers not so popular in Iowa. Mexican and BBQ fare available, as well as a working shower. Rent fishing supplies, as well.
Drink Ernie's Boondock
Bar in the East Village with vintage decor and small-town atmosphere located in the former Daniel Brothers Super Service Station, built in 1929.
Drink Hessen Haus
If you order a pint, the whole place will look at you and ask, "What's wrong?" so it's best to get a half-liter. Although they do serve the mass-produced American standbys the reason it's popular is for the more than 15 German beers they offer. Serve wine and a full array of cocktails and traditional German food, too.
Craft beer
Drink Court Avenue Restaurant and Brewing Co (CABCO)
Beers made on-site are featured and are the only ones available (Bud Light addicts need not enter). Live music a few nights a week, including jazz. The food is equally delicious. Outdoor patio and gluten-free menu available. Martini specials on Saturdays.
Drink The Royal Mile Bar and The Red Monk
This is the place to go on Court Avenue if you want a good urban setting and a multitude of imported draft and bottled beers to from which to choose--nearly 30 on tap and over 100 bottled brews. More than 85 varieties of Scotch whisky as well. Downstairs is the English pub, Royal Mile, while upstairs is the Belgian themed Red Monk, with a wide variety of Belgian imports, including Trappist ales.
Drink Iowa Tap Room
A "must visit" for drinkers who want to experience Iowa beer in one place since the bar features beers and ciders from every craft brewery in the state of Iowa (even from far-flung places like Dubuque). The center area of the bar is a formidable "turret of taps" with more than 100 draft brews available. The menu focuses on down-home country cooking with specialties like bread pork chops with big desserts like a decadent bread pudding.
Drink Confluence Brewing Company
Large microbrewery whose canned beers are carried in Hy-Vee stores throughout the area, as well as by many bars and restaurants. The brewery has a taproom that welcomes visitors to sample just about everything they brew, including rarer small batch styles and special bottlings of barrel aged beers. The brewery is known for its excellent quality control and its ability to brew both ales and the more technically demanding larger styles. A large outdoor patio deck overlooks a hiking and biking trail that runs between downtown and nearby Grays Lake.
Drink Exile Brewing Company
Brewpub and microbrewery in a historic warehouse, brews a wide range of both ale and lager styles. Casual bar with outdoor patio and a large indoor dining room for dinner. The best beers tend to be their German-style seasonal beers, including dark lagers, a nutty-sweet marzen style (Octoberfest), and similar beers. They also produce a line of hard seltzers. Live music Sunday afternoons starting at 5pm.
Drink Big Grove Brewery
Big brewpub whose dining room was once the showroom of the largest Chevrolet dealer in Des Moines. They kept the big glass windows but replaced the shiny Impalas with a central bar serving the brewery's mostly ale-styles, sours, and seltzers. They do a line of IPAs that are variations on their "Eddy" brand. The best brews are their malty dark beers, when they're available: their coffee stout is luxuriously smooth.
Drink Twisted Vine Brewery
The second incarnation of Twisted Vine is in a restored historic building in the East End. They brew about a dozen beers, both ales and lagers, and also have a full bar with mixed drinks and guest ciders. The tastiest brew is a hefty Belgian Triple. They also do a nice, malty porter and if you're lucky, they'll have their unusual white stout.
Sleep
Several major chains have rooms available in the area. The city does not have a large number of bed and breakfast establishments (although not the case with Iowa in general). Peak booking periods, especially downtown near Wells Fargo Arena, are common for three successive weeks in March when the city hosts the state athletic championships for wrestling, girls' basketball and boys' basketball.
Budget
Mid-range
Stay Des Lux Hotel
Classy moderately priced hotel with interesting quirks and architectural details. Rooms are spacious and comfortably furnished and public spaces filled with antiques and artworks. Some rooms have fireplaces and hot tubs. Definitely an escape from "cookie cutter" hotel chains.
Splurge
Stay Renaissance Savery Hotel
Formerly the historic Savery Hotel, built in the 1800s, it is now operated by Marriott. Features Bos Restaurant, which sources from local and regional vendors to create contemporary Midwestern fare. Connected to the 3.5-mi Des Moines Skywalk. No two rooms are the same. Free 24-hour airport shuttle.
Stay Surety Hotel
Built in 1918 as the Hippie Building, this is a traditional upscale hotel that was renovated in 2018 and is now managed by Marriott as part of their Autograph Collection. Rooms are clean and have firm mattresses with quality linens. Classy restaurant off the lobby with good food and drink. Off-street parking is expensive and in a different building.
Stay safe
In case of an emergency requiring police, fire, or medical assistance, dial 911 for help. The Des Moines Police is the local law enforcement agency. Each suburb also has its own police department, such as the Windsor Heights Police Department.
Des Moines is an extremely safe city during all parts of the day. One can take the evening air without feeling nervous. Just like in all other cities with a sizable number of people, there are areas and neighborhoods that may be more troublesome for some groups of people than others. Visitors are likely to avoid these small pockets, however.
Pickpockets and grand ripoff schemes that plague other cities in the U.S. and around the globe are not pervasive in the area. Still, the best thing to do is use your judgment—if you don't want attention, don't do things to draw people's attention.
Stay healthy
In any emergency which requires medical assistance, call 911.
All hospitals—not clinics—have 24-hour emergency services available.
Go next
Place Bob Feller Museum
Iowa's most famous baseball player, "Rapid Robert" was an 8-time all-star pitcher for the Cleveland Indians and World Series winner (1948). Before making the big leagues, "Bullet Bob" learned how to throw a baseball in Van Meter before starting off on his eventual Hall of Fame career.
Place Historic Covered Bridges of Madison County
When built in the 19th century, few might have guessed the fanfare attributed to the bridges, features of both the novel The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller and later Clint Eastwood-directed movie of the same name. No admission or gate to walk thru.
- If you're interested in seeing larger metropolitan areas, check out the Twin cities or Kansas City, each a 3-4 hour drive north and south, respectively, on Interstate 35.
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