Des Moines
A hub in the Midwest that is full of big-city sites
Eighty-four thousand people live in Des Moines, which is the state capital and largest city in Iowa. This busy hub in the Midwest is full of places to shop, see live shows, enjoy the arts, and more.
Going out to eat, shopping, and more shopping
Des Moines has an artsy feel to it. Between the Iowa State Capitol and downtown’s buildings is the lively Historic East Village, which is home to a wide range of shops, restaurants, bars, and people. Valley Junction, a historic railroad area built in the 1890s and located “at the intersection of hip and history,” is on the west side of town. It has more than 150 specialty stores, art galleries, fashion boutiques, restaurants, and antique shops. Want to find more old things? You can find a wide range of treasures at the Brass Armadillo Antique Mall, which has more than 450 antiques and collectibles sellers.
Fun events and festivals
Before you go, check the schedules. There’s a good chance you’ll find a thrilling event or interesting show. It’s August, and the famous Iowa State Fair lasts for 11 days. However, the Iowa State Fairgrounds are busy all year with events like beer festivals, animal shows, and Native American culture gatherings. The Iowa Events Center and the Des Moines Civic Center are two other places that host a range of artistic events. Theater performances are often held at the Metro Opera and the Des Moines Community Playhouse.
Family-friendly places to visit
Every day is a holiday in Des Moines. Some must-sees are the interesting Pappajohn Sculpture Park, the fun Blank Park Zoo, the beautiful Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Gray’s Lake Park, which is a great place to be outside. Minor league baseball games are played at Principal Park, horse races are held nearby at Prairie Meadows, and there are many trails in the city that you can use to walk or ride your bike. There are many breweries and bars in the city, like the Confluence Brewing Company, where you can get food and drinks.