Explore all that Downtown Des Moines has to offer with museums, activities, restaurants, breweries, nightlife and more. There will always be something to do in this diverse city– experience localculture and unique attractions. Check out some of our favoritehot spotsbelow to help you decide your next adventure in Downtown Des Moines.
Kid-Friendly
Des Moines Botanical Garden - Visit the vibrant collections of plants and flowersat the Des Moines Botanical Garden.Learn about exotic plant speciesthat you may have never even heard of before!Get your hands dirty andattend a workshop or class, diving deeper into the world ofhorticulturewhile having fun at the same time.
Science Center of Iowa - Where technology and science come together, the Science Center of Iowa is known for itsinteractiveexhibits that provide hands-on learning. Experiment with chemical reactions, build formations, or uncover the world of archeology!
Des Moines Art Center - Immerse yourself in the local and national art scene with ever-changing exhibits at the Des Moines Art Center in Downtown Des Moines. Walk throughthought-provoking collections,explore the outdoor gardensandsculptures,andeven enjoy lunch at the onsite restaurant.
Des Moines Community Playhouse - Known for family-friendly showsand children’s programs, the Des Moines Community Playhousehostsengagingmusical and theatre productions for all ages. Some pastshowsinclude;Tinker Bell, Diary of Anne Frank, Singing in the Rain, and more!
Iowa Cubs - Catch aflyball at Principal Park in Downtown Des Moines! Grab your season tickets for a summer of fun in the grandstands, munching on ballpark hot dogs, or drinking down a pint of your favorite craft brew.
Attractions
Des Moines Civic Center - Home toBroadwaysmash hits and award-winning DesMoines Symphony, the Des Moines Civic Center hoststheatrical productionsandnationally-touringartists. You can seeglobally-recognizedspeakers and get a taste of world cultures, right in Downtown Des Moines!
Pappajohn Sculpture Park - TakeanInsta-perfect snapshot among one of many larger-than-lifesculptures at the Pappajohn Sculpture Park. Located in the heart of Downtown Des Moines and surrounded by fantastic architecture, these sculptures stand tall in a beautiful park perfect for a walk,picnic, or bike ride!
Brenton Skating Plaza - In the winter it's ice skating season, in the summer it becomes an outdoor-concert area full of live music! No matterthetime of the year, check out Brenton Skating Plaza for fun activities all year long.
Iowa State Capitol - You've seen the big gold dome, but have you ever explored what's inside? Visit the Iowa State Capitol and take a guided tour of what makes Iowa's capitol so unique– besides being named one of the country’s mostbeautifulcapital buildings. Check out themagnificent Iowa Law Library, special artifacts, and more!
Restaurants & Breweries
Fong's Pizza - A locally owned pizza favorite, with a convenient location right in Downtown Des Moines! This Eastern fusion pizza is famous among our residents and travelers alike. Order up the famous Crab Rangoon pizza or a plate of their specialty egg rolls.
The Walnut - This restaurant is home in a converted 20's style garage, offering American-style dishes and local craft brews. Order a juicy gourmet burger, sandwiches, and wraps, or snack on spicy corn fritters and pork belly burnt ends.
El Bait Shop - This unique, offbeat cantina is known for their vast selection of 262 craft brews (America's largest selection of craft beerson tap!) and comfort food eats. With live music, it's always a fun dinner out in Downtown Des Moines at El Bait Shop. Check out menu items suchas;the roasted chicken dinner, pot roast, beef stroganoff, pot pies, and more!
Hessen Haus - Authentic German food and beer- what more could you ask for? Hessen Haus is a festive beer hall featuring over 175 European and German brews, along with a full menu of classic German dishes suchas;schnitzel, bratwurst, spaetzle, stroganoff,currywurst, and more!
La Mie Bakery - Breakfast, lunch, dessert, or snacks - La Mie Bakery in Downtown Des Moines will satisfy that sweet tooth craving! The menuoffersa variety of pastries, breakfast platters, quiche, tartines, sandwiches, and more.
Bubba - Craving acomfortingdish of Southern-style favorites? Head over to Bubbato enjoytheupscaleambianceand selection of whiskeys to wash downspicy gumbo, crab cakes, shrimp Po' boy, chicken fried steak or a catfish skillet.
Outdoor Recreation
Principal Riverwalk - A convenient trail along the river of Downtown Des Moines, this paved trail is perfect for spotting art murals and taking in the scenic cityscape of downtown.
Meredith Trail - This trail is perfect for bike riding and walking, weaving you through Pappajohn Sculpture Park and ending along on the river.
Riverpoint Trail - Ending (or starting) at the river in Downtown Des Moines, get a glimpse of the city along this route as you ride past Principal Park, home to the Iowa Cubs, and along the Riverwalk.
