Things to do in Des Moines
Des Moines is the state capital of Iowa and it is a blend of new and old. If you visit Des Moines, you will find unusual attractions as well as more traditional ones, such as the State Capital building and Pappajohn Sculpture Park. You will also discover historical landmarks, museums, and mansions. There is a Downtown Farmers' Market where you can buy everything that is local to Des Moines and Iowa.
For families traveling with young children, there are a plethora of things to do in the city to include Blank Park Zoo, which has an outstanding collection of mammals from all over the earth. Beyond the zoo, there are also science museums, botanical parks, and many other educational attractions spread across the city.
Here are some of the best things to see and do in Des Moines, IA.
For families traveling with young children, there are a plethora of things to do in the city to include Blank Park Zoo, which has an outstanding collection of mammals from all over the earth. Beyond the zoo, there are also science museums, botanical parks, and many other educational attractions spread across the city.
Here are some of the best things to see and do in Des Moines, IA.
Salisbury House and Gardens
The Salisbury House and Gardens date back to the 1920s and offers visitors a peek back into the history of a fabulous mansion and splendid botanical gardens Visitors will find, once inside the house, a concert hall, library, and art museum. This Des Moines attraction is one of the top choices for anyone traveling to Iowa. The mansion is modeled from a famous 15th-century royalty house in Salisbury. Click here for more information.
Blank Park Zoo
The zoo is located in the heart of Des Monies sprawling across 25 acres. Opened in 1965, the facility has a goal of educating and preserving issues related to conservation and environmentalism. The zoo is broken up into main exhibits across its main Discovery Center. Of note are the Meredith Alpine Exhibit and the Free Range Avairy. The species of animals span across the world so you can expect to witness mammals, birds, and fish from African to Australia. Also, don't miss the Aquarium of the Discovery Center, the Austrailia Adventure, which showcases kangaroos and koalas, as well as the African Boardwalk.
Downtown Farmers’ Market
Des Moines Farmers' Market is located in the Historic Court District. The market is a great destination for locals and tourists alike to support the local farmers and vendors sell their products. Vendors naturally include farmers, but also artisans, bakers, and other dealers who produce some remarkable quality products. The Des Moines Farmers' Market is over 40 years old, which is a testimony to is quality. The market represents dealers from all 58 Iowa counties so a shopper can expect to find local flowers, vegetables, fruits, herbs, and meats. The market is also home of a variety of forms of entertainers, to include musicians and street performers.
Des Moines Art Center
Opened in the late 1940s, the Art Center is the ideal stop for those interested in modern art and lovers of art in general. The Center was built using an Art Deco architectural style and contains works including paintings, sculptures, and other forms of art. There are traveling and permanent collections, of the which artists such as Matisse and Rodin have presentative pieces on display. There are also regional Midwestern art pieces that are indigenous to the state of Iowa as well.
State Historical Museum
The Museum is committed to showcasing everything that represents the state of Iowa. Visitors can learn all about the states and how it came to be part of the Union. Exhibits display historical artifacts to include period documents, antiques, and other pieces native to the area. The museum also showcases the story of Des Moines as a city and its legacy from its founding days.