Best Things to Do in Des Moines, Iowa

Do you think this is a comprehensive list of things to do in Des Moines, Iowa? Or would you add some places, events, or sites we’ve missed? Des Moines is one of the most vibrant, bustling river cities in the state of Iowa, with a history of habitation dating back to prehistoric times.

▬Contents of this video▬
00:00 - Intro
00:20 - Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens
00:54 - Wooly’s
01:30 - High Trestle Trail
02:00 - Smash Park
02:38 - Pappajohn Sculpture Park
03:09 - Great Escape
03:38 - Historic East Village
04:14 - Climb Iowa East Village
04:45 - Des Moines Downtown Farmers’ Market
05:20 - The Dinner Detective - Des Moines
05:55 - Brenton Skating Plaza
06:29 - State Historical Museum of Iowa
06:59 - Outlets of Des Moines
07:20 - Outro

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Today, it’s best known as a center for culture, boasting several art and history museums and performing arts centers. History buffs will love browsing the extensive collection at the State Historical Museum of Iowa, while lovers of contemporary music will get the chance to see some of America's best performers on stage at the iconic Wooly's. Art enthusiasts have things to do in Des Moines, Iowa, too. For example, they can browse fine sculptures from around the world at the Pappajohn Sculpture Park. Murder mystery mavens can enjoy the interactive theatre of The Dinner Detective. If you prefer a more active vacation, Des Moines doesn't disappoint either.

The hot summers and chilly winters make it a great place for year-round outdoor things to do in Des Moines, Iowa. Wander the exquisitely tended gardens at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens or head off on an adventure on the High Trestle Trails 25-mile hiking paths, which run through four counties and five towns and cross the Des Moines River. If you’re visiting in winter, be sure to strap on your ice skates and head to the Brenton Skating Plaza. This is just a sample of the things to do in Des Moines, Iowa, for visitors in America and worldwide.

There are countless more day trips, foodie adventures, and cultural marvels in the area. So if you want to build your Des Moines, Iowa bucket list, watch on for more inspiration. If you liked this video, give it a thumbs up and share it. And be sure to head to the ViewCation channel to subscribe and hit that notification bell.

Best Things to Do in Des Moines, Iowa

[jeffwamser]

A few corrections you really should make:

1) That is NOT the Great Escape in the Des Moines Metro. The Great Escape you narrate is in Pleasant Hill, a suburb east of Des Moines. If you intended to show the theme park, it's called Adventureland and none of the footage you showed was from there. Your footage appears to be from The Great Escape and Hurricane Harbor owned and operated by Six Flags in Queensbury, New York.
2) The High Trestle Bridge isn't close to Des Moines. It's a 35-mile bike ride from downtown Des Moines, and if you'd rather walk it, you would drive 35 miles to Woodward and walk to the bridge from there.
3) The Outlets of Des Moines aren't in 'the center' of Des Moines. They're in another suburb called Altoona, northeast of Des Moines.

Nice video, but give people reasonable expectations. And the Great Escape footage is just flat-out wrong and misleading.

[DrumLuv]

I'm about to spend a week I'm des moines this summer. Looking forward to visiting some of these areas!

[michaelaustin]

So not a lot going on in Des Moines then.

[fahimanwar]

Where was the clip in the thumbnail? Didn't see it in the video.

[MissKittys]

Best and largest nightclub in Iowa is in the suburbs. Miss Kitty’s. And no it’s not a strip club.