Downtown Des Moines Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Downtown Des Moines
Popular places to visit
Principal Park
Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals.
Iowa State Capitol Building
A city landmark, this interesting building showcases design and architectural features that created a grand impression in the late 1800s and still inspire today.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Experience the tropics in an indoor garden oasis nearly 100 years old alongside a meandering river in this Midwestern city.
John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Whimsical, entertaining and provocative can easily describe the artwork at this outdoor gallery that provides new meaning and life to sculptures.
State Historical Museum of Iowa
Learn about early settlement and battles as well as bicycle races and the movie industry in this museum in Iowa’s state capital.
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Pappajohn Sculpture Park during your travels in Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene and lively festivals.
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Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Des Moines
Court District
Travellers come to Court District for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Science Center of Iowa and Principal Park while you're in town.
Historic East Village
Historic East Village is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Wooly's and Iowa State Capitol Building while you're in town.
Sherman Hill
When in Sherman Hill, you can plan a visit to Hoyt Sherman Place and John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
Columbus Park
While Columbus Park may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Principal Park and Science Center of Iowa.
Woodland Heights
While Woodland Heights isn't home to many top sights, Hoyt Sherman Place and John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park are some notable places to visit nearby.
Capitol Park
While there might not be top attractions in Capitol Park, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and Iowa State Capitol Building.