One Day in Des Moines – A First-Time Visitor Itinerary
If you only have one day in Des Moines, resist the temptation to spend it driving between every attraction on a top-ten list. The center
1 October 2026
No Comments
Discover the places and experiences that make Des Moines worth exploring. From the gold-domed Iowa State Capitol and public art to museums, markets, sports and major events, this is where we collect our favorite things to see and do in Iowa’s capital.
If you only have one day in Des Moines, resist the temptation to spend it driving between every attraction on a top-ten list. The center
Directly west of the Iowa State Capitol, the State Historical Museum of Iowa is a useful stop if you want some context for everything you
The Iowa State Fair is not just another event on the Des Moines calendar. For a short period every August, it becomes one of the
Pappajohn Sculpture Park is one of those attractions that fits easily into almost any Des Moines itinerary. It sits in the Western Gateway area of
If your Des Moines visit includes a Saturday between spring and fall, the Downtown Farmers’ Market is one of the easiest recommendations I can make.
The Iowa State Capitol is the kind of landmark that makes you stop even if government buildings are not normally high on your sightseeing list.