9 Fun Things to Do in Downtown Des Moines, Iowa
I spent a lot of my life in Des Moines, Iowa, and was recently back in town for a quick visit. Des Moines is a city unlike any other. Here you’ll find small-town charm mixed with big city vibes, the friendliest people, and tons of unique cultural experiences. These 9 things to do in downtown Des Moines are some of my favorites, and you’re sure to fall in love with them too.
1. Wander Pappajohn Sculpture Park
In this 4.4 acre park, you can enjoy viewing the works of some of the world’s most celebrated artists. But people also come to Pappajohn Sculpture Park for more than just art. Here you can also take in a view of the downtown Des Moines skyline or have a relaxing picnic with your significant other, friends, or family.
Location: 1330 Grand Ave, Des Moines
Hours: sunrise-sunset, daily
Cost: FREE
2. Explore Science Center of Iowa & Watch A Movie at the IMAX Dome Theater
Live to be a lifelong learner? Explore the many mysteries of science and technology at the Science Center of Iowa exhibits including force and motion, a planetarium, zoology, meteorology, and other interactive activities. But something else that makes this place special is the six-story IMAX Dome Theater that is usually showing one current hit and a few other documentary-style films related to science or nature. Regardless of your experience here, it’s fun for all ages!
Location: 401 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, Downtown Des Moines
Hours: Sunday: 12pm-5pm, Tuesday-Saturday: 10am-5pm, Closed Mondays
Cost: $18/adult, $14/child, $14/seniors (Prices based on full experience tickets which include science center admission and IMAX)
3. Shop Historic Valley Junction
While Valley Junction isn’t located in downtown Des Moines, it is definitely something worth venturing a little further out for. This charming renovated railroad district in Downtown West Des Moines is full of charming boutiques, art galleries, antique shops, restaurants, and other specialty shops.
On Thursdays in the summertime, you can visit the Valley Junction Farmers Market where vendors come from all around to sell fresh produce, baked goods, beautiful fresh cut flowers, and unique crafts or jewelry.
Location: 137 5th St, West Des Moines
Hours: Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm, Closed Saturday & Sunday
4. Head to the Downtown Farmers Market
Support local farmers and businesses with this one-of-a-kind farmers market in downtown Des Moines. The farmer’s market is one of the top things to do in downtown Des Moines and offers a variety of locally grown produce, Iowa fresh cut meats, live music, and more. Sip on a fresh-squeezed lemonade while browsing through the many unique goods and food stands.
Location: Capital Square, 400 Locust St, Downtown Des Moines
Hours: Saturdays from 7am-12pm (Changes seasonally)
5. Take A Relaxing Walk Through the Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens
The Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens and the Chinese cultural center of downtown Des Moines offer a stunning Asian pavilion, lush gardens, a tranquil pond, and several small waterfalls to walk through in downtown Des Moines.
The Character Garden displays six granite boulders arranged in a circle and is carved with the Chinese characters representing citizenship, responsibility, fairness, respect, caring, and trustworthiness. Escape the downtown hustle to this small place of solitude.
Location: Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines
Hours: Open 24 Hours
6. Take A Tour of the Iowa State Capitol Building
The Iowa State Capitol Building may not be something that would normally intrigue most travelers, but it has wildly beautiful architecture on the outside and inside. On the outside you’ll the 23-carat gold dome can be seen from many places in downtown Des Moines as it glistens in the sunlight.
If you enjoy history, you can also schedule a guided tour of The Capitol and see the governor’s office, legislative areas, and the old Supreme Courtroom.
Location: 1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines
Hours: Monday-Friday: 7am-5pm, Saturday: 9am-4pm, Closed Sundays
7. Try A Unique Twist on Pizza at Fong’s Pizza
Before Fong’s Pizza was Fongs, it was King-Ying-Low, the oldest Chinese restaurant in downtown Des Moines since 1908. After King-Ying-Low closed, Fongs was born.
Inspired by the Asian decor, the local owners decided to preserve it and thus creating a unique pizza joint complete with Asian-inspired pizza like the Crab Rangoon or Sweet & Sour Chicken, and appetizers like the Chinese Cheesesticks, which are mozzarella sticks wrapped in egg roll wrappers.
Location: 223 4th St, Des Moines
Hours: Sunday-Saturday: 11am-2am
8. Grab Some Apocalyptic Grub from Zombie Burger + Drink Lab
Zombie Burger is a “post-apocalyptic chic” restaurant in downtown Des Moines’ East Village that offers intriguing combinations of burgers, including vegan options; and hand-mixed shakes (spiked or not!). Try out The Walking Ched, which includes a bun made of fried mac & cheese or They’re Coming To Get You Barbara, which has a bun made with grilled cheese sandwiches.
Location: 300 E Grand Ave, Des Moines
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11am-12am, Friday & Saturday: 11am-2am
9. Go Shopping at RAYGUN
Looking for a one-of-a-kind souvenir cause you’ve been blessed by the Midwest? Check out RAYGUN. Also in downtown Des Moines’ East Village, RAYGUN offers hilarious, sarcastic, and at times, thought-provoking designs on t-shirts, coasters, cards, sweatpants, glasses, mugs, and SO much more.
Location: 505 East Grand Ave, Des Moines
Hours: Sunday: 11am-5pm, Monday-Friday: 10am-7pm, Saturday: 9am-8pm
READ MORE: Budget-Friendly Road Trips in the Midwest U.S.A.
So, are you ready to see that Iowa is more than “just cornfields?” If so, make one of your next stops these fun things to do in downtown Des Moines!
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