10 Des Moines Spots Everyone Should Check Out at Least Once

More Than Just Flyover Country

If you’ve lived in Iowa your whole life but haven’t explored Des Moines, it’s time to change that. The city has some of the state’s best historical sites, cultural landmarks, and outdoor attractions.

These places aren’t just for tourists, they’re key parts of Iowa’s history and identity.

The Iowa State Capitol

You’ve seen the gold dome from the highway, but this is the only five-domed capitol building in the country. The 23-karat gold leaf covering the dome isn’t just for looks. It symbolizes the strength and importance of Iowa’s government.

Inside, the grand staircases, murals, and historic legislative chambers make it one of the most detailed state capitol buildings in the U.S. Free guided tours run on weekdays, so you can actually step inside and see it all.

Pappajohn Sculpture Park

If you think this is just a patch of grass with random sculptures, you haven’t really walked through it.

The park has over 20 massive works from world-famous artists, including pieces by Jaume Plensa, Barry Flanagan, and Ai Weiwei. Each sculpture is placed intentionally to interact with the skyline and surroundings.

The best part? It’s open 24/7, and free audio tours are available, so you can learn about the artwork at your own pace.

Living History Farms

This outdoor museum spans 500 acres and covers four different time periods in Iowa’s farming history. It’s one of the oldest museums of its kind in the country.

You can walk through a working 1700s Ioway Native American farm, an 1850s pioneer farm, a 1900s horse-powered farm, and a recreated 1875 town.

Instead of just looking, you get hands-on experiences like candle-making, corn-husking, and blacksmithing.

The East Village

This historic neighborhood has transformed into one of the busiest spots in Des Moines. Over 90 businesses operate here, many inside buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Every year, it hosts unique events like the World Food & Music Festival, where you can sample dishes from around the globe.

Whether you’re interested in historic architecture, independent shops, or festivals, this area offers something beyond the usual chain stores.

Des Moines Art Center

The Des Moines Art Center proves you don’t need to leave Iowa to see world-class art. The museum has works by Henri Matisse, Andy Warhol, and Georgia O’Keeffe, and it’s completely free to visit.

Outside, the sculpture garden features pieces by Auguste Rodin and Henry Moore.

The center itself is architecturally significant, designed by three different world-renowned architects, giving each wing a distinct look.

Salisbury House & Gardens

Built between 1923 and 1928, this mansion was designed to look like a Tudor-style English estate.

It’s packed with original furnishings and artwork dating from the 16th to the 20th centuries. The house also holds a collection of over 10,000 rare books, including first editions and historical documents like a page from a Gutenberg Bible.

Walking through feels like stepping into another era, and everything inside has a story.

Gray’s Lake Park

This is one of the best spots in Des Moines for a scenic walk. The 1,400-foot-long lighted bridge over the lake gives you one of the best skyline views in the city, especially at night.

There’s also a beach area for swimming and sunbathing during the summer, and if you don’t feel like walking, you can rent a boat or bike instead. It’s one of the most used parks in the state for a reason.

The Historic Jordan House

Known as one of the oldest structures in Polk County, this house was built in the 1850s. It was once a stop on the Underground Railroad, and much of its original structure remains.

The house is now on the National Register of Historic Places and offers guided tours that dive into its history. If you’ve never been, you’re missing an important piece of Iowa’s past.

High Trestle Trail Bridge

At 13 stories tall and half a mile long, this bridge is one of the most unique in the country. It was designed to honor the area’s coal mining history, with steel frames lit up in blue to resemble mine shafts.

The bridge is part of a 25-mile-long biking and walking trail between Ankeny and Woodward. It has won multiple design awards, including the 2015 American Architecture Award.

Iowa State Fairgrounds

The Iowa State Fair is one of the biggest in the country, drawing over a million visitors each year.

It hosts one of the world’s largest livestock shows and features more than 100 events throughout the year, including concerts, trade shows, and sporting events. The Grandstand, built in 1909, has hosted some of the biggest acts in music history.

Even if you aren’t a fan of fair food, the sheer size and scale of the event make it something you should see at least once.