Attractions and Places To See around Des Moines - Top 13

Des Moines offers several excellent trails for outdoor enthusiasts. The Neal Smith Trail is a 26-mile paved, traffic-free path running along the Des Moines River, perfect for both cycling and walking. Another great option is the Trestle to Trestle Trail, a 3.7-mile asphalt trail connecting Des Moines to Johnston, offering scenic views of wooded forests and the Des Moines River. For a unique experience, the Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge provides pedestrian and cycling paths with a glass floor section over the river.

Yes, Des Moines has many family-friendly options. The Trestle to Trestle Trail is noted as family-friendly for walks and bike rides. Beyond the trails, the Science Center of Iowa offers hands-on interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and an IMAX theater. The Blank Park Zoo is another popular choice for animal lovers, and Living History Farms provides interactive historical experiences for all ages.

For hiking and birdwatching, Brown's Woods is an excellent choice. It's the state's largest urban forest, spanning 486 acres with over 4 miles of moderate hiking trails through mature oak and hickory trees. It's also a crucial stopover for migratory birds, making it a popular spot for birdwatching. Other natural spaces include Water Works Park along the Raccoon River and Ledges State Park, known for its sandstone ledges and scenic views.

Des Moines boasts several significant historical and cultural sites. The Iowa State Capitol Building is an architectural marvel offering guided tours. Salisbury House & Gardens and Terrace Hill (Iowa's historic governor's mansion) provide glimpses into the region's past. For cultural enrichment, the Des Moines Art Center features modern and contemporary art, and the State Historical Museum of Iowa offers free exhibits on the state's rich history.

Yes, several attractions in Des Moines are wheelchair-accessible. The Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge, the Neal Smith Trail, and the Saylorville Lake Visitor Center are all noted as wheelchair-accessible. Additionally, many urban parks like Gray's Lake Park and Pappajohn Sculpture Park offer paved paths suitable for wheelchairs.

Many outdoor areas in Des Moines are dog-friendly. For example, Brown's Woods welcomes dogs, provided they are kept on a six-foot leash, and owners clean up after their pets. It's always a good practice to check specific park rules before visiting, but generally, leashed dogs are permitted on most trails and in many parks.

Beyond visiting specific attractions, the Des Moines area offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can enjoy easy hikes on trails like the Rollercoaster Mountain Bike Trail or Ewing Park Nature Trail Loop. For cycling, explore routes like the Raccoon River Valley Trail or the Great Western Trail. You can find more detailed information and routes for these activities in our guides for easy hikes, general hiking, and road cycling routes around Des Moines.

The Saylorville Lake Visitor Center is the best place to learn about the lake. Located at its southeast corner, it offers scheduled events, a theater, interactive displays, and maps. You can also find a butterfly garden nearby. The center provides restrooms and water, making it a convenient stop for visitors.

Des Moines is home to several unique architectural sights. The Iowa State Capitol Building is renowned for being the only five-domed capitol in the United States. Salisbury House & Gardens, modeled after a historic English estate, showcases distinctive architecture. The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates is housed in a beautifully restored 1903 library building, and the Travelers Umbrella is an iconic, large neon sign that lights up the city skyline.

For a relaxing day outdoors, consider Gray's Lake Park, an urban oasis with a 1.9-mile lighted walking path around a picturesque lake, where you can also rent paddleboats or kayaks. The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden offers a serene environment with diverse plant collections. Pappajohn Sculpture Park provides a peaceful setting to enjoy modern art outdoors, and Water Works Park offers expansive green spaces along the Raccoon River for picnics and strolls.

Visitors frequently appreciate the blend of urban landmarks, cultural institutions, and natural areas. The Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge is often highlighted for its unique design and river views. The extensive network of trails, like the Neal Smith Trail, is popular for providing traffic-free routes through the city. The community also values the well-maintained parks and the opportunities for both city exploration and outdoor recreation.

Yes, Brown's Woods is a popular spot for both foraging and birdwatching. Visitors are permitted to collect nuts, fruits, or edible mushrooms for non-commercial use, provided no plants are harmed. The preserve also serves as a crucial stopover for migratory birds, attracting species like warblers and vireos, especially during spring and fall.