Des Moines

Iowa

United States

North America

Destinations

A trip to Iowa can be the trip of a lifetime, whether you're getting some much-earned TLC at a renowned wellness spa or experiencing its stunning wilderness, there's plenty of unique and amazing things to do in Iowa for all ages.

Picturesque and Iowa go hand-in-hand; from luscious, rolling cornfields to stunning, fog-lifting state parks. However, Iowa has a lot more to offer than just its beauty. The Hawkeye State is awash with unique and unusual attractions, memories to be made, and experiences to be had. A trip to Iowa can be the trip of a lifetime, whether you're getting some much-earned TLC at a renowned wellness spa or experiencing its stunning wilderness, there's plenty of unique and amazing things to do in Iowa for all ages.
<h2>1. Yee-Haw at the Buffalo Bill Museum</h2>
Established in 1957 in the former LeClaire Women's Club is the Buffalo Bill Museum. Named after the Wild West legend who is native to the small town of LeClaire. Everyone, no matter whether they know of Bill's ties to Iowa or not, knows who the man is, continually fascinating generation after generation. And it all started right here. As well as Buffalo Bill memorabilia, the museum has impassioned regional exhibits and tales of local history of life along the banks of the Mississippi.

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<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1038118" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/shutterstock_1271547088.jpg" alt="One rural barn in the middle of field landscape on the sunset and the stormy sky background." width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>2. Cross the Astounding High Trestle Trail Bridge</h2>
Keen walkers and cyclists have their pick of the bunch when it comes to trails in Iowa. One of the best, however, has to be the High Trestle Trail. This 25-mile trail runs from Ankeny to Woodward, using what used to be a freight line on the Union Pacific Railroad. As well as taking you through five rural towns and stunning Iowan landscape, its landmark bridge is easily the creme de la creme. At half-a-mile in length, Trestle Bridge is the fifth-longest pedestrian bridge in the country. Spanning the Des Moines River Valley, the bridge also has unique architecture. Winding squares, lit up at night, were built to represent a mine shaft as a tribute to the region's strong mining history.

[caption id="attachment_1037654" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/1060236018-1024x768.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/1060236018-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/1060236018-300x225.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/1060236018-768x576.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/1060236018.jpg 1200w" alt="high trestle trail bridge" width="1024" height="768" /> Allison Cherry / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>3. Experience the Infamous Iowa State Fair</h2>
The Iowa State Fair is internationally-acclaimed and nationally-renowned. People of all ages are pulled to Des Moines like magnets each and every August. It makes sense: No state fair in the country can compare to Iowa's, attracting millions of people from around the world each summer. The fair itself began in 1854 and has been held in its current location since 1886. Just think of all the millions upon millions of Americans who have made the journey to experience fun, entertainment, wild rides, and delicious food. The true American experience.

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[caption id="attachment_1038119" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-1038119" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/4896038128_13c0d95843_b-1024x585.jpg" alt="Iowa State Fair" width="1024" height="585" /> Photo credit: Phil Roeder on Visualhunt.com[/caption]


<h2>4. Cruise Through the World's Biggest Truck Stop</h2>
Truck stops seem to be the same throughout the country. That is with one exception: Iowa 80. Iowa 80 is the biggest truck stop in the world. Found along Interstate 80 - hence its name - there doesn't seem to be many things you can't do there. There are countless choices on where to eat, plenty of places to shop for all things road-related, and a trucker museum. In fact, there's even a barbershop, chiropractor, convenience store, library, dentist, and private showers. Iowa 80 is more than a home away from home, it's a home on the road away from home, welcoming anyone and everyone who wants to stop by. Furthermore, even your furry family members are covered: there's a dog groomer on-site, too.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1037668" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/shutterstock_80159491.jpg" alt="Famous Iowa 80 Truckstop on Interstate 80" width="1000" height="669" />


<h2>5. Explore the Midwest's Oldest Museum</h2>
It's the oldest museum west of the Mississippi and is still inspiring Iowa City residents and curious tourists to this day. The University of Iowa Museum of Natural History is filled with comprehensive displays of prehistoric and ancient species. Fossils, taxidermy, skeletons and more are arranged to educate and inspire. The museum itself covers several floors, with one of its most beloved exhibits, the Hall of Birds, located on the top floor alongside the mammal hall. And the best part? It's free to visit, but also welcomes donations of any size.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1037673" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/shutterstock_1414473827.jpg" alt="Specimens of orangutans are in the Museum " width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>6. Take a Ride on the Shortest Railway in the World</h2>
Known as both the Fenelon Place Elevator and the Fourth Street Elevator, Iowa's Dubuque has the shortest and steepest railroad in the world. The funicular will take you from the bottom of Fourth Street to the top of Fenelon Place. What lies in wait for you at the top is something of a marvel. As well as being able to see the entirety of the historic Dubuque and the Mississippi River, you can see Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin all from its observation decks. The view alone is more than worth the trip.

<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1037672" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/shutterstock_1241172283-1-1024x650.jpg" alt="Narrow gauge funicular railway, Dubuque, Iowa. This railway has been called the shortest, steepest scenic railway." width="1024" height="650" />


<h2>7. Marvel At the 8th Wonder of the World</h2>
Described by The Iowan as being a "Miracle in Stone", the West Bend Grotto is the largest man-made shrine in the world. Not only that, the stones and gems it was built from make up the largest collection of precious minerals in the world. The grotto goes back more than a century and is as magnificent to visit now as it was then. On the inside, the separate grottos that make up the shrine each portray a different scene from Jesus' life, and guests can choose to meditate on this or simply admire to their heart's content. In addition to the grotto itself, there's also a museum there in which you'll find displays of precious stones, tools that were used to build the grotto, and every documented year of its history.

<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1037671" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/shutterstock_1105323836-1-1024x768.jpg" alt="Grotto of the Redemption" width="1024" height="768" />


<h2>8. Explore Iowa's Golden Landscape</h2>
While it's true that Iowa's landscape is awash with green, rolling hills and stunning plains, there's more to its magic than first meets the eye. You can get lost driving around the state's roads with a bright green harvest in spring, fading into stunning golden yellows as the year goes on. Iowa's roads are seemingly endless, open to every possibility for photographs or videos that will make people want to know where this place is. Indeed, the Iowan landscape is as magnificent as any other attraction and warrants at least one spot on your bucket list.

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<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1038120" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/shutterstock_95503642.jpg" alt=" Rural landscape with corn fields, rolling hills, and a gravel road " width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>9. Jump Aboard the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad</h2>
Be witness to the true beauty of what Iowa has to offer by hopping aboard the Boone and Scenic Valley railroad. Once you see Iowa from above, you'll understand why so many settlers were moved to plant their roots here for generations. There are daily train rides at 1:30 pm as well as dinner and lunch trains that mix up stunning scenery with satisfied, full tummies. Menus include everything from ribeye steaks to vegetarian and vegan meals. While you're in town, don't forget to check out the museum; it's jam-packed with memorabilia from all eras of Iowan railroading.

<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1037670" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/shutterstock_1215677269-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="Boone Scenic Valley Railroad" width="1024" height="683" />


<h2>10. Visit the Butterflies at Reiman Gardens</h2>
In Ames, the Reiman Gardens alone are one of Iowa's most stunning and tranquil places to go. Home to Elwood the Gnome, the largest garden gnome in the world, they also have an astounding butterfly garden. Home to more than 800 butterflies stretching out across 80 different species, the Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing is a unique, one-of-a-kind thing to see. Something of a tropical paradise, visitors get to spend time in the company and take countless photographs of these beautiful and ethereal animals up-close.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1037669" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/08/shutterstock_427821001.jpg" alt="The Reiman Gardens is a botanic garden on the campus of Iowa State University" width="1000" height="695" />

Weird and Wonderful Things to Do in Iowa

Des Moines is the vibrant state capital of Iowa. With a unique blend of the old and the new, there is a multitude of attractions to keep visitors entertained. From historical landmarks like the old State Capitol building to the quirky Pappajohn Sculpture Park, there are hidden gems to explore around every corner.

Des Moines is the vibrant state capital of Iowa. With a unique blend of the old and the new, there is a multitude of attractions to keep visitors entertained. From historical landmarks like the old State Capitol building to the quirky Pappajohn Sculpture Park, there are hidden gems to explore around every corner. As if you need any other excuse to visit this amazing city, Des Moines is even home to the ‘Greatest Store in the Universe’!
<h2>1. State Capitol</h2>
The most iconic building in Des Moines has to be the State Capitol building. Its shiny 23-carat gold leaf dome is a sight to behold and is clearly seen from many points across the city. Dating from the 1880s, the State Capitol is a stunning example of 19th-century architecture. Inside, you will find many decorative features, including intricate stone carvings and marble work, as well as impressive collections of art. If you want to learn about the history of Des Moines and Iowa, don’t miss the opportunity to visit this fascinating landmark.

[caption id="attachment_1028077" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/05/175419273-1024x683.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/05/175419273-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/05/175419273-300x200.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/05/175419273-768x512.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/05/175419273.jpg 1200w" alt="state capitol des moines" width="1024" height="683" /> DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>2. Pappajohn Sculpture Park</h2>
Downtown Des Moines is where you will find John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park. This 4.4-acre park hosts a privately owned collection of 28 sculptures by well-known artists. Take a gentle stroll and see the giant ‘Spider,’ ‘Thinker on a Rock,’ the ‘White Ghost,’ and the huge ‘Pumpkin.’ If you need a break, why not take a seat at the ‘Seating for Eight and Café Table.’

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1028097" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/05/shutterstock_154136735.jpg" alt="Stainless steel Nomade sculpture by Jaume Plensa in Pappajohn Sculpture Park" width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>3. Des Moines Art Center</h2>
If you are interested in art, Des Moines Art Center is for you. This art-deco style building houses a large collection of modern and contemporary paintings and sculptures. Works by celebrated artists including Rodin, Matisse, Monet, and Warhol are on permanent display. The center also hosts temporary exhibitions and collections throughout the year from local and nationally renowned artists. Wanting to bring art to the masses, Des Moines Art Center is free for all visitors.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1028099" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/05/shutterstock_1054476146.jpg" alt="Des Moines Iowa skyline and public park in USA" width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>4. Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens</h2>
Escape from the city for a few hours and visit the beautiful Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens. The area has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a greenhouse back in 1939. Today, the gardens encompass 14-acres and are home to 1,200 plants and flowers. Highlights include collections of amaryllis, orchids, and bonsai. Events and workshops are hosted throughout the year to educate people on the native plants of the region. Whether taking part in a class or here to see the blooms, Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens will leave you spellbound.

[caption id="attachment_1028080" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/05/164963728-1024x680.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/05/164963728-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/05/164963728-300x199.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/05/164963728-768x510.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/05/164963728.jpg 1200w" alt="des moines botanical gardens" width="1024" height="680" /> Martin Wahlborg / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>5. East Village</h2>
Des Moines’s most diverse and vibrant district is East Village. It’s a historic area where you will find the State Capitol and Iowa State Historical Museum as well as many other buildings listed on the US National Register of Historic Places. East Village is also home to some of the finest restaurants, bars, and nightclubs Des Moines has to offer. The outstanding shopping in the district is topped off with Raygun, the self-proclaimed ‘Greatest Store in the Universe.’ From t-shirts to cutting boards, they sell everything you want and things you didn’t even know you needed! Put on your walking shoes and spend some time getting to know East Village.

[caption id="attachment_1016982" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/03/167641802-1024x683.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/03/167641802-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/03/167641802-300x200.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/03/167641802-768x512.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/03/167641802.jpg 1200w" alt="east village des moines raygun" width="1024" height="683" /> beklaus / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>6. State Historical Museum</h2>
Discover the rich heritage of Iowa at the State Historical Museum. The galleries are full of antiques, artifacts, and ancient manuscripts, offering an intriguing insight into the story of Des Moines and its growth and development over the years. Learn the history of Des Moines and the wider region from the time of its earliest settlers. You can also explore Iowa’s involvement and influence on the silver screen, from the early 1900s to the Hollywood blockbusters of today.

[caption id="attachment_1028103" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-1028103" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/05/GettyImages-503329432-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="Des Moines skyline accros frozen Des Moines River" width="1024" height="683" /> benkrut / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>7. Salisbury House &amp; Gardens</h2>
One of the top places to visit in Des Moines has to be Salisbury House. Built in the 1920s, this glamorous mansion and its ornate botanical gardens are styled on the famous 15th century Kings House in Salisbury, England. Old materials were used to create this impressive home such as English oak woodwork and rafters dating back to Shakespearean times. With historical documents, books, antiques, fine art, and musical instruments, Salisbury House has plenty for you to discover.

[caption id="attachment_1028082" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/05/155284234-1024x780.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/05/155284234-1024x780.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/05/155284234-300x229.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/05/155284234-768x585.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/05/155284234.jpg 1200w" alt="salisbury house gardens" width="1024" height="780" /> stockcam / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>8. Science Center of Iowa</h2>
The Science Center of Iowa is an educational experience which is full of fun for all the family. Many of the science-based exhibits and galleries are interactive for hands-on learning. The planetarium lets you gaze upon the night sky while the six-story dome-shaped IMAX Theater shows films to educate children and adults alike. The Science Center is a great place to spend the day learning about the world around you.

<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1028104" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/05/shutterstock_310207643-1-1024x768.jpg" alt="Science Center of Iowa." width="1024" height="768" />


<h2>9. Downtown Farmers' Market</h2>
If you want to experience the bustle of Des Moines, look no further than the Downtown Farmers’ Market. Held every Saturday between May and November, the market has been bringing rural and urban communities together for 40 years. Three hundred bakers, farmers, and artists display their wares from fresh meats, cheeses, and vegetables to unique arts and crafts. Sample some of the excellent street food while enjoying the entertainment provided by musicians and street performers.

[caption id="attachment_1028105" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-1028105" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/05/anne-preble-198119-unsplash-1-1024x712.jpg" alt="farmer's market" width="1024" height="712" /> Photo by Anne Preble on Unsplash[/caption]


<h2>10. Blank Park Zoo</h2>
Starting life as a children’s zoo in 1966, the 25-acre Blank Park Zoo is today dedicated to educating people on environmental and conservation issues. The zoo is home to a huge variety of animal species’ from across the world. See colorful birds in the Free Range Aviary, stroll along the African Boardwalk, wonder at the creatures of the deep in the Aquarium of the Discovery Center, and enjoy an Australia Adventure with koalas and kangaroos. Blank Park Zoo is a day out not to be missed.

[caption id="attachment_1028085" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/05/1011250094-1024x683.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/05/1011250094-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/05/1011250094-300x200.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/05/1011250094-768x512.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/05/1011250094.jpg 1200w" alt="blank park zoo des moines" width="1024" height="683" /> patrick8484 / Getty Images[/caption]

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Weird and Wonderful Things to Do in Iowa

What to Do in Des Moines