My Favorite Things to do in Des Moines, Iowa
There is always something to do in Des Moines
I've been wanting to create this guide ever since I moved back to Des Moines in late 2020 and was on a mission to explore all the things my new (again) city had to offer. My favorite thing about Des Moines is that there is ALWAYS something to do, whether it's something new, something tried-and-true or something seasonal. Knowing my list will never be complete, I've decided to just create it based on my current favorites and update it as I discover new (and new-to-me) things.
RoCA, Court Ave.
About me
Before diving into this guide, you should probably know a bit about me as the creator. I'm a brand photographer based in Des Moines, Iowa. I'm a wife and mama, raising a teen, a tween and a rescue pup. When I'm not cheering on my kids at the ballpark or soccer field, I spend my free time in Des Moines exploring restaurants, bars, coffee shops, clothing shops, gift shops, book stores, live music, hotels, trails, beaches, gardens, farms, art and sporting events. I'm typically up for just about anything. I prefer wine over beer and I love spending time outdoors, whether it's a patio, poolside or in nature.
This guide is for anyone who craves similar experiences unique to Des Moines, Iowa, whether you live here full time or you're just visiting for the weekend. The beauty of Des Moines is that you can experience so many different things in one day, one weekend, one lifetime.
And everywhere you go, people are genuinely happy to be there and ready to have a good time.
Union Railway Bridge, Downtown to East Village
How this guide works
I have categorized everything by neighborhood, for the most part. This guide includes the neighborhoods where I spend the majority of my free time as well as some can't miss annual events. (It does not include all Des Moines neighborhoods...yet.)
This list is by no means all encompassing, it's just a starting point based on things I have experienced and enjoyed. Also, almost every place on the list is unique to Des Moines so you know you're getting an experience you can't get anywhere else.
Note: all photos were taken with my iPhone (with the exception of the header photo taken with my DSLR) when I was out and about experiencing each of these things myself. I have ONLY included things I have actually done.
Storyhouse Bookpub
East Village
Marne for modern, sustainable women's wear.
Janes for sylish littles + their mamas.
Fontenelle Supply for men's clothes + accessories.
Indie House for elevated home decor + design.
Porchlight for home goods + gifts.
Storyhouse Bookpub for new + used books for all.
Raygun for witty tees + goods.
Daisy Chain for coffee (+ local honey.)
Eden for quality skincare.
Ephemera for cards + gifts.
Kin for intentional goods + aura readings.
Subsect for skateboards + apparel.
Wooly's for live music.
Republic on Grand for rooftop eats + drinks.
Clyde's for elevated diner fare.
The Purveyor for wine + snacks.
New Northwestern for cocktails.
Peace Tree for beer.
Ernies for a cozy dive bar vibe.
Bellhop for tiki drinks.
Coa Cantina for margaritas.
Breakfast Club for fun brunch vibes.
Nosh for light lunch + snacks.
Des Moines Botanical Garden for a tropical escape.
And soooo many more places to explore!
Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market
Downtown / Court Ave. / West End
Northern Vessel for coffee (especially cold brew latte.)
Homegrown for brunch + lunch.
Lua for patio beers + food.
Roca for shared plates.
Fresko for brunch/lunch/dinner.
Bubba for elevated Southern fare.
Django for comfortable French cuisine.
Mulberry Street Tavern for nostalgic vibes + worldly fare.
Secret Admirer for frozen patio drinks + cocktails.
Hello Marjorie for a 70s vibe cocktail lounge.
In Confidence for a hidden speakeasy with creative cocktails.
Chu Chu's for my favorite cronuts + donuts.
CKD for a mix of modern + vintage goods.
Golden Hour for luxury candles.
The Cave for wine + live music.
Moglea for hand painted cards + goods.
Pappajohn Sculpture Park for art.
Principal Park for Iowa Cubs baseball.
West End Architectural Salvage for 4 floors of antiques + drinks.
Lauridsen Skatepark for the largest public skatepark in the country.
Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market for food, produce, flowers + more!
Cheese Bar
Ingersoll / 42nd Street
Cheese Bar for wine, bubbles + bites.
Eatery A for mediterranean, pizza + a great happy hour.
Harbinger for well crafted small plates.
Lachele's for the best burger diner in town.
The Bartender's Handshake for craft cocktails at a neighborhood bar.
Creme for cakes, desserts + the BEST cinnamon rolls.
La Mie for baked goods, breakfast + lunch.
Chain & Spoke for coffee alongside bicycles.
Preservation for stylish + sustainable women's clothing.
Restoration Jungle for plants + pots.
Wildflower for flowers + gifts.
Rumors for amazing vintage clothing connected to Rogue Planet Music record shop.
Des Moines Art Center for an extensive collection in a beautiful space.
Greenwood Park for hiking trails amidst tall trees.
Des Moines Playhouse for talented community theater productions.
Valley Junction Farmers Market
Valley Junction + Adjacent
St. Kilda Collective for brunch, lunch + dinner.
Coopers on Fifth for a delicious dinner.
Tavern for my favorite pizza.
Coffee Cats for enjoying your brew while playing with adoptable cats.
Reading in Public for an all inclusive selection of books (+ coffee.)
Hinge for women's clothing + home decor.
Bings for humorous cards + gifts.
Bozz Prints for Iowa printed goods both classic + clever.
Paws & Pints for a huge outdoor dog park + bar.
Raccoon River Park for water recreation + 3 mile walking trail.
Either/Or for indoor/outdoor dining + great decor.
ValAir ballroom for indoor concerts at a historic venue.
Eggs + Jam for a 90s hip hop brunch.
The Trendy Gardener for indoor plants + design (and free mimosas while waiting for brunch next door at Eggs + Jam!)
Valley Junction Thursday evening farmers market + live music during summer
6th Avenue, Highland Park
Highland Park / Oak Park
Des Moines Mercantile for local goods + gifts.
Slow Down for coffee + good vibes.
Cha Cha's Highland Bakery for my other favorite donuts.
Art Terrarium for all the plants.
The Collective for sustainable home goods + supplies.
The Little Book for little readers (+ young adults too!)
Divine Times Vintage for the ultimate throwback.
And other amazing places opening soon!
Gray’s Lake, Des Moines
South of Downtown / Fleur Drive
Grays Lake for a beautiful walk with a view of downtown.
Lauridsen Amphitheatre at Water Works Park for outdoor summer concerts.
Popup beer garden at Water Works Park for summer beers under tall trees (after a walk around Gray's Lake.)
Jasper Winery for summer time Thursday evenings.
Fleur Cinema & Cafe for indie films + drinks.
Skips for classic dishes served in a cozy house since 1981. (This was my dad's favorite restaurant in Des Moines.)
Brenton Arboretum
Worth a drive outside of Des Moines
Rose Farm
Pepperharrow
Rusty Stars Alpacas
Bridges of Madison County (Holliwell Bridge is a fav!)
Madison County Fall Crawl
Indianola town square (for shopping at Soulfull, Adorn + Feed & Foster, plus breakfast/lunch at Petit Cafe)
Indianola Balloon Classic
Jester Park Nature Area
Brenton Arboretum
Ledges State Park
Center Grove Orchard
Middlebrook Mercantile
Tulip Time
Hinterland
View from Surety hotel room at Christmas
Where to stay
Hotel: Surety downtown or AC Hotel in East Village
Airbnb: Foxcroft Estate in Ankeny (worth the short drive to downtown)
Glamping: Iris Aisle or Pepperharrow in Madison County (disclaimer: I haven't stayed overnight at either of these, but I have seen them in person)
What's next
I will continue to add to this list as I explore other neighborhoods and businesses in and around Des Moines. I've been wanting to create this guide for quite some time so I can easily share with others. I was finally prompted to do so when I was interviewed by Redfin for an article they created about living in Des Moines. It was fun to see what others shared about what they loved about Des Moines, the similarities and differences. Des Moines truly has something for everyone.
PERSONAL BRANDING + HEADSHOTS
Are you ready to invest in yourself and your business with professional photography?
Whether you need a few new headshots or a library of custom images for your website, social media + marketing needs, I'm happy to discuss the right option for you!
