What to Do in Des Moines Today? 12 Cool Things to Do & See

Looking for something unique and exciting to do in Des Moines? Whether you are looking for famous attractions, family-friendly fun, or just want to stroll around, Des Moines comes with abundant of activities that cater to all interests.

From exploring the local attractions to outdoor fun and cultural experiences, explore Des Moines now to make your day memorable. So, if you wondering what to do in Des Moines today? Read this blog post till the end to discover fantastic things.

What to Do in Des Moines Today?

Here is a curated list of 12 things to do in Des Moines right now.

Explore Local Attractions

1. Iowa State Capitol

The Iowa State Capitol is also known as the Iowa Statehouse. Last year, this famous attraction welcomed more than 75,000 visitors from different states. If you want to visit this place with more than 10 people, you can call them at 515.281.5591 to book your guided tour or reservations.

Address

• 1007 East Grand Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 50319

Phone

• 515.281.5591

Opening Days & Hours

• Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Saturday: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

2. Des Moines Art Center

Des Moines Art Center is a contemporary art museum, which features rotating exhibitions and a permanent collection including works by renowned artists.

If you are looking for what to do in Des Moines today free, head towards to this art center to explore exhibits, collections, and artifacts.

Address

• 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312

Phone

• (515) 277-4405

Opening Days & Hours

• Tuesday & Wednesday: 10 AM–4 PM
• Thursday & Friday: 10 AM–7 PM
• Saturday & Sunday: 10 AM–5 PM
• Monday: Closed

Outdoor Fun

3. Gray’s Lake Park

Gray’s Lake Park is an ideal place to visit for various recreational activities. Enjoy a relaxing day by the water with opportunities for walking, biking, or renting a paddleboat.

The park also offers scenic views of the city skyline. Go to gray’s Lake Park if you are looking for what to do in Des Moines today for couples.

Address

• 2101 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50315.

Opening Days & Hours

• Monday-Sunday: 5 AM–10 PM

Phone

• (515) 242-2855

4. Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Pappajohn Sculpture Park comes with an open-air gallery featuring works by notable artists, set in a beautiful urban park. Back in 2009, this antique park was formed with only 24 sculptures and now it has more than many sculptures. Other than sculptures, there are various outdoor activities to enjoy.

Address

• 1330 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309

Opening Days & Hours

• Open whole week: 6 AM–12 AM

Phone

• (515) 237-1386

Family-Friendly Activities

5. Science Center of Iowa

If you are interested in engaging with hands-on exhibits and interactive displays that make learning about science fun for all ages, the Science Center of Iowa is one of the best things to do in Des Moines for young adults. This antique place includes exhibits, programming, and artifacts.

Address

• 401 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50309

Phone

• (515) 274-6868

Opening Days & Hours

• Thursday-Monday: 9 AM–4 PM
• Tuesday & Wednesday: Closed

6. Blank Park Zoo

Visit the zoo to see a variety of animals, enjoy educational programs, and participate in fun family activities and incredible things to do. Blank Park Zoo features different types of weekend programs for both kids and adults and old exhibits about wildlife. We assure you that it would be a great recreational experience for you.

Address

• 7401 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315

Phone

• (515) 285-4722

Opening Days & Hours

• Monday-Sunday: 9 AM–5 PM

Local Markets and Shopping

7. Des Moines Downtown Farmers’ Market

If it’s market day, explore Des Moines Downtown Farmers’ Market offering fresh produce, artisan goods, and local crafts. If you want to participate in upcoming events & search for outdoor events in Des Moines today, explore this marketplace as your first priority.

Event Date

• September 7, 2024

Event Time

• 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Event Venue

• Historic Court District

8. Jordan Creek Town Center

Shop at this large mall with a wide range of retail stores, dining options, and entertainment. Jordan Creek Town Center is not only a famous shopping mall but also a shopping hub for shoppers. When shopping from here, do not forget to enjoy the community discounts program.

Address

• 101 Jordan Creek Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50266

Phone

• (515) 224-5000

Opening Days & Hours

• Monday-Thursday: 10 AM–8 PM
• Friday & Saturday: 10 AM–9 PM
• Sunday: 11 AM–6 PM

Dining and Nightlife

9. Historic East Village

Shop, eat, drink & enjoy here. It’s located in the Iowa state capitol and was built back in 1927-1928. Discover a variety of dining options in this trendy neighborhood, from upscale restaurants to cozy cafes. Historic East Village will allow you to explore local shops and enjoy a lively atmosphere.

Address

• 602 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309

Phone

• (515) 283-4192

10. West End Architectural Salvage

West End Architectural Salvage is a famous dining and nightlife place where you can enjoy Southern and American cuisine in a quirky, eclectic setting. Additionally, it features a coffee bar and a four-story showcase for antiques & goods salvaged around the globe for amazing tourist experience.

Address

• 22 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50309

Opening Days & Hours

• Monday-Friday: 9 AM–5 PM
• Saturday: 9 AM–4 PM
• Sunday: 12–4 PM

Phone

• (515) 243-4405

Sports and Recreation

11. Principal Park

Enjoy watching a game at one of the popular “Principal Park” baseball stadiums. Also, it’s home to the Iowa Cubs, and enjoy a classic American pastime.

This park was formerly known as Sec Taylor Stadium. Not only it’s famous for baseball matches but also you could enjoy picturesque views of the river.

Address

• 1 Line Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309

Seating Capacity

• 11,500

Phone

• (515) 243-6111

12. The Fort Des Moines Museum & Education Center

Explore the history of the Fort Des Moines area through exhibits and artifacts. Looking for the best things to do in Des Moines this weekend for adults? Visit this amazing place.

The Fort Des Moines Museum & Education Center showcases African-American WWI officers and WAC women of WWII exhibits.

Address

• 75 E Army Post Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315

Opening Days & Hours

• Only open on Saturday: 10 AM-4 PM

Phone

• (515) 400-3678

Downtown Des Moines Events Today

Downtown Farmers’ Market

Des Moines Events Next 3 Days

Wellmark YMCA Hiring Event

Date: Tuesday, Sep. 10, 2024 4:00 p.m.

Location: Wellmark YMCA, 501 Grand Ave., 50309

Pricing: Free

Learn at Lunch Speaker Series

Date: Thursday, Sep. 12, 2024 12:00 p.m.

Location: The Register Room, Capital Square, 400 Locust Street, Suite 119, Des Moines, IA , 50309

Pricing: Free

Architecture on the Move

Date: Friday, Sep. 13, 2024 5:00 p.m.

Location: 400 Locust St., 400 Locust St., 50309

Pricing: $20

Conclusion!

What to do in Des Moines today? No matter what type of interests you have, Des Moines offers a diverse range of activities and attractions to make your day enjoyable.

Whether you’re looking for cultural enrichment, outdoor adventure, family friendly destination, or just a relaxing break, there’s something in Des Moines that will surely make your day special.

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