Des Moines

Understand

Because of Iowa's early presidential caucus date, the city is also a hotbed of political dreams and discourse every four years when presidential candidates tour the state and have multiple debates within the city. The meaning of 'Des Moines' is not clear as local Native Americans, the Moingona, had already been using a term (which meant 'river of the mounds') due to the number of burial mounds which were popular in the area. French Trappist Monks (Moines de la Trappe) called their settlement areas at the mouth of the Des Moines River 'La Rivière des Moines' which, in English, translates to 'the river of the monks.' "De Moyn," which means "middle," may have been used on the map of explorer Jacques Marquette to help others locate the Des Moines River-area (equidistant between the larger Mississippi and Missouri rivers). "Des Moines," today pronounced "duh MOIN," is at the junction of the Des Moines River and the Raccoon River. Fort Des Moines was settled in 1843 by a group of dragoons from the Sac and Fox Agency (Fort Sanford) led by Captain James Allen. Allen was going to name the area Fort Raccoon, but was instructed by the War Department to use the name Fort Des Moines. In 1846, the fort was dissolved and the city was created. The city's population was just under 215,000 in 2020, and the metro area had about 700,000 residents.

Climate

Due in part to the moist and rich soils that make Iowa an agricultural powerhouse, summers are filled with very humid air. Coupled with heat, this can result in a very high heat index. The average summer heat index is around 91 °F (33 °C) during the day and 68 °F (20 °C) at night. Heat waves can see heat indices upwards of around 105 °F (41 °C) or higher, with overnight lows around 78 °F (26 °C). This can make outdoor life very uncomfortable (and sometimes dangerous) for those unaccustomed to such conditions, even visitors from hot climates, such as the Southwest, where the heat lacks the coupling of humidity. Rain and thunderstorms are common in the spring and summer; occasionally severe, with tornadoes of varying intensities (though rarely very destructive) sometimes a possibility. During the winter, it is not at all unusual to have road closures due to snowfall or ice. Iowa is no stranger to heavy snowfall and frigid temperatures in this season either, which can be just as much of a concern to those unaccustomed as the summer heat. Fall is pleasantly cool, and typically more dry than wet.

Tourist information Catch Des Moines tourism website

Getting there

By car Most travelers to Des Moines are likely to come via interstate, on either I-80 (from the east or west) or I-35 (from the north or south). Travelers will not have to worry about encountering any tollways or major traffic jams. Once in the area, those wishing to enter the city will use I-235 to get into Des Moines proper. The majority of area residents get around using their cars, so bringing or renting one is a good idea. The roads are in good shape and most drivers are very courteous.

The main thoroughfare, I-235, runs through the downtown area and is free of tolls. Semi-trailers passing through are advised to avoid I-235 as the traffic is usually heavier, particularly during the morning and evening rush hours (7AM-8AM and 4:30PM-6PM) as people travel to and from work. Additionally, the speed limit on I-235 is 5–10 mph less than on I-80/I-35. The city has two interstates surrounding it, I-80 (running east/west) and I-35 (north/south). Chicago is roughly 330 mi (539 km) east of Des Moines while Omaha is about 135 mi (215 km) west of the city. Popular destinations along I-35 include Kansas City, just under 200 mi (320 km) to the south and Minneapolis/Saint Paul to the north, nearly 250 mi (500 km) away. Safe-driving tips, road closures due to weather and construction, and other pieces of information, are available from the Iowa Department of Transportation. Wi-fi is available throughout the state at public rest areas.

By plane 1 Des Moines International Airport (DSM IATA), 5800 Fleur Dr, ☏ +1 515-256-5050. Des Moines' airport is fairly small for a major airport, consisting of only a single terminal. Although the airport has had a reputation of being expensive in the past, many flights are now more affordable and travelers have noticed, breaking usage records year-in and year-out. Most hotels offer free shuttle service and rental cars are also available. Long-term parking varies in price from $5-12/day. The following airlines have services to Des Moines: Allegiant Air, American, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, and United, all of which operate non-stop flights between Des Moines and their respective major hubs.

By bus The 2 Burlington Trailways-Jefferson Lines Bus Terminal is at 1501 2nd Ave. Greyhound doesn't serve Des Moines directly but they do offer through-ticketing with both bus lines.

Jefferson Lines, 1501 2nd Ave, ☏ +1 515-283-0074. Regional transport, primarily the Midwest but also the South, Great Plains, Rocky Mountains and parts of Canada. Burlington Trailways, 1501 2nd Ave, ☏ +1 515-243-5283, toll-free: +1-800-992-4618,

Getting around

By car The colder weather months (Nov-Feb) often bring snow and ice to area roads. Visitors who park their cars should be prepared in case their car is "snowed in" by snow removal trucks. Also, strict attention to parking rules and snow emergencies is recommended to avoid being towed away at the car owner's expense. During the winter months, a snow brush, ice scraper, and plenty of windshield washer fluid is essential, and many natives opt to carry a shovel, some sand, and a bag of ice melt/road salt in the trunk just in case. Gasoline is reasonably cheap in the Des Moines area, partially from subsidies afforded to ethanol which is widely available at most gas stations to travelers. The most popular mixture, 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline, is generally considered safe for newer autos (not to be confused with 85% ethanol/15% gasoline blend). Ethanol and its usage can stir up quite a debate even in the corn-loving state of Iowa. The Des Moines River serves as the marker for street names having the prefix "East" or not (and occasionally "West" when on the western side). This is especially important for streets running north-south. "1st Ave" would be on the west side of the river, E 1st Ave the eastern side and are thus completely different streets. Streets running east-west and which exist on both sides of the river typically have an "East" prefix if east of the river. There are some "West" prefixes for those on the other side of the river but this is less common. Perhaps more confusing, there are streets which lie on both sides of the river, such as Grand Ave, which is "E Grand Ave" east of the river but simply "Grand Ave" west of the river. Unlike the north-south streets, it is possible to arrive at your destination by simply continuing east or west—depending on your final destination. The demarcation for "SE" and "SW" prefixes is a bit more ambiguous but would certainly refer to a street south of Grand Ave/E Grand Ave and either the western or eastern side of the river. For most part, "NW" refers to streets west of the river and "NE" east of it, but not always so. Additionally, there is no standard reference point for determining when a street gains a "NW" or "NE" prefix. Downtown has several one-way streets to ease traffic flow during rush hours. Turning left is allowed unless otherwise designated.

By rental car The airport is a popular place to get a rental car and has the following rental companies present next to the baggage claim area: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National. There are other locations throughout the city t

See

1 Capitol Building, E 9th and Grand Ave, ☏ +1 515-281-5591. M–F 8AM–4:45PM, Sa 8AM-4PM, closed Su. One of the more popular state capitols to tour, it is easy to spot it with its sparkling 23-karat gold leaf dome and four-surrounding smaller copper-topped domes. Those wishing to see the inside from a bird's eye view will climb 298 steps before reaching the top from their start on the second floor. Historic flags, some hailing from the U.S. Civil War-era, are on display, and tour staff are available during all hours in which the capitol is open to visitors. Don't overlook the State Law Library, one of the most beautiful and ornate libraries in the world. Cafeteria is on the bottom floor. Free. (updated Mar 2023) 2 Salisbury House, 4025 Tonawanda Dr, ☏ +1 515-274-1777, fax: +1 515-274-0814. Tour schedule varies. The house, built between 1923-1928, features Tudor, Gothic, and Corolean styles all throughout its 42 rooms. Also shelters many artifacts, including objects of art, furniture, tapestries and books. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has labeled it a "national treasure" and the property has also been featured on A&E and Home and Garden Television. Hosts many events during the year, including chamber music concerts, Gatsby Gala, Salisbury Automobile Classic, group meetings and Shakespeare on the Lawn. $7, aged 6-12 $3, 65+ $6. 3 Terrace Hill (Governor's Mansion), 2300 Grand Ave, ☏ +1 515-281-7205. Mar-Dec: Tu-Sa every 60 min from 10:30AM-1:30PM. Since 1971, has served as home for the Governor and First Family of Iowa during his or her term. The site was the home of Iowa's first millionaire, Benjamin Franklin Allen, with construction beginning in 1866 after being designed by William Boyington (designer of the Water Tower of Chicago which survived the Great Fire). Aptly named as it sits atop the Raccoon River. 4 Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Sculpture Park at 13th St and Grand Ave, ☏ +1 515-277-4405, fax: +1 515-271-0357, [email protected]. Tu W F 11AM-4PM, Th 11AM-9PM, Sa 10AM-4PM, Su noon-4PM, closed M. The Center boasts a permanent collection of contemporary art from the 19th and 20th centuries, including works from Edward Hopper, Jasper Johns, Georgia O'Keeffe, Henri Matisse, and Francis Bacon. It also boasts a restaurant with a 5-star rating from The Des Moines Register, featuring a different menu weekly and open for lunch only. Free, Center and Sculpture Park. 5 Pappajohn Sculpture Park (Western Gateway Park), 1330 Grand Ave.. Opened in 2009, the sculpture garden was a centerpiece of an urban revitalizati

Do

The city and surrounding area has a vast array of activities for all ages, from the annual Iowa State Fair, rated by USA Today as one of the Top 10 best things to do in the summertime in the U.S., to the Des Moines Arts Festival in downtown, also rated as a Top 10 member for the nation's arts festivals, indeed there are plenty of sights and sounds to make your experience a memorable one.

Des Moines Arts Festival (downtown in Western Gateway Park). 3-day weekend in June. Started in the late-1990s after promoters decided to replace the 40-year running "Art in the Park." Attendance of around 250,000 people each year. Over 150 artists--from all over the country--bring their original creations to be seen and purchased. In addition to the various forms of art you'll see, there are also stages offering entertainment and food vendors selling their own edible creations. Free. 1 Iowa State Fair (Fairgrounds). 10 days in Aug. Each year, the Fair draws around 1 million visitors through its gates. Has a variety of things to see and do, much of it based around agriculture, the arts and food. At night, the beer tents and Grandstand come alive (past performances by Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, The Jackson Five, and Reba McEntire). Park (cheaper) near the capitol building and take an MTA bus over to the fairgrounds, or park closer in front yards of residents (more expensive). $10, $6 for kids 60+, 5 and under free. Taste of Des Moines. October. The 1½-day event is still in its infancy but is improving each year. The event typically takes place at Drake University but has been at the zoo or downtown in the past. More than 40 vendors--most of which are local--provide food for hungry patrons. It's a good way to try new creations from area restaurants and for not a whole lot of cash. Alcoholic drinks are also available. $5, free before 5PM. Salisbury Automobile Classic. Antique and classic automobiles of a by-gone era are on display in one of the most unique car show settings in the U.S. It has been called the "Pebble Beach of the Midwest" by Old Cars Weekly (in reference to the famous Pebble Beach Auto Councour). All proceeds going to benefit the historic Salisbury House. $10, children free. 2 Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave, ☏ +1 515-244-0507. The venue boasts a multi-million dollar fine art collection and a 1,400-seat performance theater with exceptional acoustics. The gallery and theater are additions to the original 1887 mansion of Des Moines distinguished banker and businessman Hoyt Sherman, which was a society showplace of the grandest scale. Offers gallery a

Buy

The shopping experiences in 1 East Village can be described as progressive, as it's a pedestrian friendly area downtown which offers a variety of small businesses and boutiques. The streets are nicely lined and there's much to do after hours to fill a hungry traveler's stomach. In West Des Moines, the historic 2 Valley Junction is also an outdoor line-up of shops and local businesses with much to offer, including live music and art and craft fairs throughout the year. 3 Jordan Creek Town Center and 4 Valley West Mall both lie in West Des Moines, the former being the state's largest shopping mall with a variety of stores and entertainment, including ice skating in the winter. 5 Merle Hay Mall and 6 Southridge Mall rest on the northwest and southeast corners of the city, respectively. Altoona, on the east side, will have an enclosed outdoor shopping experience available once The Shoppes at Prairie Crossing is completed.

7 Downtown Farmer's Market, Court District. May-Oct 7AM-noon. Get a taste of rural Iowa each Saturday morning. Fresh produce, pastries, wines, cheeses, art and jewelry, and more are all available for those wishing to taste and view. Event takes place rain or shine. Free. 8 West End Salvage, 22 9th St, ☏ +1 515-243-4405. Daily 9AM-4PM. Fans of home makeover reality TV will make this a high point of their Des Moines trip because the shop was the star of the TV program West End Salvage, which followed owner Don Short and his team as they went into buildings slated for demolition to rescue unique fixtures, trim, advertising signs, and other interesting architectural oddities, all of which would end up for sale in this 4-story warehouse. Visitors are welcomed at a coffee bar and invited to take their cup of latte or macchiato with them as they browse the amazing collection of fascinating treasures from the past. (updated Apr 2026)

Eat

What to eat in Des Moines? Iowa is a meat-and-potatoes kind of place, with generous servings, and the possibility of a piece of pie afterwards. But when you're in Des Moines, keep an eye out for the locally invented steak de burgo, a beef tenderloin featuring garlic, butter, and sometimes a bit of cream.

Budget 1 B and B Grocery, Meat and Deli, 2001 SE 6th St, ☏ +1 515-243-7607. Family-owned and -operated since 1922. In 2008, the readers of The Des Moines Register voted their Dad's Killer as the "Best Deli Sandwich" in the city and many subsequent "best of" awards by locals. The Food Network's "Outrageous Food" featured the Killossal Sandwich, a combo of four sandwiches, in May 2011. B-Bops. Few sit-down restaurants can match the goodness of the most popular menu item, the 1/4-lb. hamburger. If the weather's nice, you can sit under an umbrella and listen to classics from the 1950s and 1960s. The burgers are so good they've won the "Best Burger in Des Moines" award more than 10 years running (per Cityview). $3-7. 2 B-Bops, 3815 E 14th St, ☏ +1 515-262-8825. 3 B-Bops, 4820 SE 14th St, ☏ +1 515-256-8908. 4 B-Bops, 1105 73rd St, Windsor Heights, ☏ +1 515-279-5757. 5 B-Bops, 4565 86th St, Urbandale, ☏ +1 515-334-0727. 6 B-Bops, 3635 8th St SW, Altoona, ☏ +1 515-967-8788. 7 B-Bops, 2205 SE Delaware Ave, Ankeny, ☏ +1 515-963-1928. 8 Big Tomato Pizza Co., 2613 Ingersoll Ave (1/2 mi W of MLK, Jr Pkwy), ☏ +1 515-288-7227. Very late delivery. Near the downtown nightlife area. Carry out or delivery only. $4 slice, $25 pie. 9 Fong's Pizza (Downtown), 223 4th Street, ☏ +1 515-323-3333, [email protected]. The original location, founded on January 26th, 2009, in the former King Ying Low, Des Moines' oldest operating Chinese restaurant. Elements of King Ying Low's history and décor were kept and the current Fong's Pizza menu is inspired by a fusion of Asian, Italian, and Polynesian cooking styles paired with the tropical and fun flavors of a Tiki bar. (updated May 2020) 10 La Mie Bakery and Restaurant, 841 42nd St (1 block N of I-235 in Roosevelt Shopping area), ☏ +1 515-255-1625. Closed Su. French-style bakery featuring all the goods you'd imagine, with quality omelets and coffee. High ceilings and modern setting make it a popular place to dine for all 3 meals rather than simply carry out fare. Outdoor patio on the back with a few tables. Can also find offerings at Downtown Farmer's Market. $2 goodies, omelette and coffee $10. Tasty Tacos. M-Sa 11AM-10PM. Local fast food joint rivaling taste of some of the sit-down places. $6. 11 Tasty Tac

Drink & nightlife

Travelers would likely find the Court District district downtown enjoyable. There, one can find a variety of bars, breweries, dance clubs, live music hot spots and restaurants. It also draws a larger crowd when events downtown take place, such as games for the Iowa Cubs and Barnstormers. East Village rests near the capitol and has several restaurants featuring wine and mixed drinks which can be classified as upscale, but also has bars and live music venues. From the Western Gateway on westwards, bump elbows at any number of sipping places along Ingersoll Avenue. Alcohol sales cease at 2AM for all locations selling alcohol (stores included) in accordance with state law.

Coffee and tea 1 Ritual Cafe, 1301 Locust St Ste D (downtown on 13th St between Grand and Locust), ☏ +1 515-288-4872. A locally owned coffee shop that serves fair trade organic coffee and espresso as well as the only all-vegetarian menu in town and live music on weekends. The coffee is hot and the food is fresh. Friedrichs Coffee. If you're looking for a down-to-earth but nice atmosphere place where you can get a great cup of java or a nifty shot of espresso, pull up a chair. One of the owners' great-grandfather owned a coffee shop across from a castle in Charlottenburg, Germany and spirit has passed to the next generation. The owners, a husband and wife team, opened their first coffee shop only a few months after returning from Costa Rica. $2. 2 Friedrichs Coffee, 4126 University Ave, ☏ +1 515-279-2919. 3 Friedrichs Coffee, 1821 22nd St #101, West Des Moines, ☏ +1 515-223-5203. 4 Friedrichs Coffee, 4632 NW 86th St, Urbandale, ☏ +1 515-727-4344. 5 Gong Fu Tea, 414 E 6th St (East Village), ☏ +1 515-288-3388, fax: +1 515-288-2991, [email protected]. M-F 7AM-6PM, Sa 7AM-5PM, closed Su. Lots of tea pots and bulk tea available as well. Very clean establishment. Grounds for Celebration, [email protected]. Wonderful place for fresh coffee, tea, and gelato and some lunch items. The coffee beans are from the cafe's privately owned cropland in Panama. Consistently rated as one of Des Moines' best coffeehouses. All locations offer free WiFi. 6 Grounds for Celebration, 2709 Beaver Ave, ☏ +1 515-255-4683. 7 Grounds for Celebration, 6601 University Ave, Windsor Heights, ☏ +1 515-271-5022. 8 Zanzibar's Coffee Adventure, 2723 Ingersoll Ave, ☏ +1 515-244-7694, [email protected]. M-Th 7AM-9PM, F Sa 7AM-11PM, Su 8AM-6PM. Features local art displayed around the coffee house. Great spot to sit and drink a cup or talk, study. Sit at the coffee bar or a table. Serves

Sleep

Several major chains have rooms available in the area. The city does not have a large number of bed and breakfast establishments (although not the case with Iowa in general). Peak booking periods, especially downtown near Wells Fargo Arena, are common for three successive weeks in March when the city hosts the state athletic championships for wrestling, girls' basketball and boys' basketball.

Budget 1 Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport, 1901 Hackley Ave, ☏ +1 515-256-0603. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Includes breakfast, wifi, indoor pool, and in-room appliances. (updated Apr 2026)

Mid-range 2 Clarion Inn Des Moines Airport, 1810 Army Post Rd, ☏ +1 515-207-7329. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Indoor pool, fitness room, breakfast, Mexican restaurant and buffet attached. $69. (updated Apr 2026) 3 Hampton Inn, 7060 Lake Dr, West Des Moines, ☏ +1 515-223-4700, [email protected]. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Complimentary breakfast, free high-speed Internet access, business center, indoor pool and whirlpool, and fitness center. (updated Apr 2026) 4 Ramada by Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Center, 5000 Merle Hay Rd, ☏ +1 515-200-2398. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM. Offers guests the opportunity to enjoy the only indoor water park in the Des Moines area. (updated Apr 2026) 5 Des Lux Hotel, 800 Locust St, ☏ +1 515-288-5800. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Classy moderately priced hotel with interesting quirks and architectural details. Rooms are spacious and comfortably furnished and public spaces filled with antiques and artworks. Some rooms have fireplaces and hot tubs. Definitely an escape from "cookie cutter" hotel chains. $150 (Apr 2026). (updated Apr 2026)

Splurge 6 AC Hotel by Marriott Des Moines East Village, 401 E Grand Ave, ☏ +1 515-518-6060. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Posh, upscale hotel. Rooms are modern, and the hotel features a rooftop bar and lounge with views of the nearby Iowa State Capitol. (updated Apr 2026) 7 Butler House on Grand B and B, 4507 Grand Ave, ☏ +1 515-991-1780, toll-free: +1-866-288-5370, [email protected]. Picked as one of 2006 Top Ten Most Romantic Inns by American Historic Inns. $105-190. (updated Apr 2026) 8 Embassy Suites by Hilton Des Moines Downtown, 101 E Locust St (next to Simon Estes Amphitheater along the Des Moines River), ☏ +1 515-244-1700, toll-free: +1-800-EMBASSY (3622779), fax: +1 515-244-2537, [email protected]. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: noon. (updated Apr 2026) 9 Hotel Fort Des Moines, 1000 Walnut St, ☏ +1 515-528-7733, toll-free: +1-80

Go next

9 Bob Feller Museum, 310 Mill St, Van Meter, ☏ +1 515-996-2806, [email protected]. Tu-Sa 10AM-3PM, Su noon-4PM. Iowa's most famous baseball player, "Rapid Robert" was an 8-time all-star pitcher for the Cleveland Indians and World Series winner (1948). Before making the big leagues, "Bullet Bob" learned how to throw a baseball in Van Meter before starting off on his eventual Hall of Fame career. $5, children and seniors $3. Historic Covered Bridges of Madison County, Winterset. When built in the 19th century, few might have guessed the fanfare attributed to the bridges, features of both the novel The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller and later Clint Eastwood-directed movie of the same name. No admission or gate to walk thru. 10 Iowa Speedway, 3333 Rusty Wallace Dr, Newton (about 30 mi (48 km) east of Des Moines via I-80), ☏ +1 866-787-8946. Iowa's largest racetrack, featuring Indy Car Series, ARCA Remax Series, USAC Racing, Rolex Sports Car Series, ASA Late Model Series, USAC Silver Crown, and USAR. 11 Knoxville Raceway, 1000 N Lincoln St, Knoxville, ☏ +1 641 842-5431. Roughly 30 min southeast of Des Moines. The Raceway holds 24,000 spectators and is filled each August when the Knoxville Nationals take place. The dirt track features sprint car racing and events start in April and last through October. 12 National Balloon Classic, Launch field 3 mi (5 km) E of Indianola via Hwy 92, ☏ +1 515-961-8415. Hot air balloon competitions. 13 National Balloon Museum, 1601 N Jefferson Way, Indianola, ☏ +1 515-961-3714, [email protected]. 1 May - 23 Dec: M-F 9AM-4PM, Sa 10AM-4PM, Su 1-4PM; 24 Dec-30 Apr: M-Sa 10AM-2PM, Su 1-4PM, check website for holiday closings. Also houses the U.S. Ballooning Hall of Fame. 14 Reiman Gardens, 1407 University Blvd, Ames, ☏ +1 515-294-2710, fax: +1 515-294-4817, [email protected]. 9AM-4:30PM daily, extended summer hours, closed Thanksgiving, 1 Jan and 25 Dec. Iowa State University's campus features Reiman Gardens, which also includes an indoor butterfly garden. $8, 65+ $7, aged 4-14 $4. If you're interested in seeing larger metropolitan areas, check out the Twin cities or Kansas City, each a 3-4 hour drive north and south, respectively, on Interstate 35.