Planning Your Des Moines Getaway
Essential Information for Your Trip
– Location: United States, Iowa
– Time Zone: GMT -6 (Central Standard Time)
– Languages: English
– Currency: USD (United States Dollar)
Des Moines Weather: A Month-by-Month Snapshot
- January: Bundle up! It’s the chilliest month with average highs around 30°F (-1°C) and lows around 15°F (-9°C). Expect a chance of snow.
- April: Spring is in the air! Temperatures begin to climb, reaching average highs of 60°F (16°C) and lows around 40°F (4°C). Be prepared for some rainy days.
- July: Summer sizzle! The hottest month brings average highs around 85°F (29°C) and lows around 65°F (18°C). It can get pretty humid.
- October: Ah, fall! Enjoy pleasant weather with average highs around 60°F (16°C) and lows around 40°F (4°C). The foliage is stunning.
Des Moines: A City Overview
Des Moines, Iowa’s capital, is a vibrant blend of Midwestern hospitality and urban excitement. It’s a growing hub for business, arts, and culture, with a dynamic downtown featuring both modern skyscrapers and historic gems. Its diverse economy, spanning insurance, finance, agriculture, and technology, attracts a smart, young workforce. You’ll find a friendly, welcoming vibe here, making it ideal for both leisure and business travelers. Plus, with its amazing museums, beautiful parks, and a food scene that’s really taking off, there’s something here for everyone!
When to Visit Des Moines: Finding Your Perfect Season
Seasonal Pros and Cons: Choosing the Right Time
- Spring (April-May):
Pros: Flowers in bloom, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds.
Cons: Rain showers are common, and there’s a chance of late frosts. - Summer (June-August):
Pros: Warm, sunny days, outdoor events galore!
Cons: Humid weather, peak season prices, more tourists. - Fall (September-October):
Pros: Gorgeous foliage, mild temperatures, harvest festivals.
Cons: Shorter days, the occasional early frost. - Winter (November-March):
Pros: Fewer crowds, festive holiday events, potential for snow activities.
Cons: Cold and snowy weather, some attractions might have shorter hours.
Getting to Des Moines & Visa Information
Flights, Trains, Visas, and Airport Transfers
- Flights: Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is the main airport, connecting you to the world through major airlines.
- Trains: Unfortunately, Amtrak doesn’t directly serve Des Moines.
- Visa Details: Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. Check the U.S. Department of State website for the most up-to-date information.
- Airport Transfers: Taxis, ride-sharing services (Uber, Lyft), and rental cars are all readily available at the airport.
Fun Fact: Did You Know?
Des Moines used to be called Fort Raccoon! It started as a military outpost in 1843 at the meeting point of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers. The name changed to Des Moines in 1857.
Notable People From Des Moines
- Bill Bryson (Author)
- Shawn Johnson (Olympic Gymnast)
- Cloris Leachman (Actress)
Top 10 Des Moines Attractions: Don’t Miss These!
- Des Moines Art Center
- Description: A must-see art museum with a diverse collection spanning different eras and styles.
- Address: 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
- Iowa State Capitol Building
- Description: An architectural gem with a gleaming golden dome and intricate details inside.
- Address: 1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
- Description: A peaceful escape with diverse plant collections, a conservatory, and lovely outdoor gardens.
- Address: 909 Robert D Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Science Center of Iowa
- Description: A hands-on science museum with fun for all ages, plus a planetarium and IMAX theater.
- Address: 401 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Pappajohn Sculpture Park
- Description: A vibrant outdoor space showcasing modern sculptures by famous artists.
- Address: 1330 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Blank Park Zoo
- Description: Meet animals from around the world, including lions, tigers, giraffes, and penguins!
- Address: 7401 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315
- Iowa Historical Museum
- Description: Dive into Iowa’s history through interactive exhibits and artifacts.
- Address: 600 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50319
- East Village
- Description: A hip neighborhood with unique boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries.
- Address: East of the Des Moines River, Des Moines, IA
- Gray’s Lake
- Description: A popular park with a lake, walking trails, and a beach – perfect for a relaxing day.
- Address: 2101 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321
- Principal Riverwalk
- Description: A beautiful walking path along the Des Moines River, connecting you to downtown attractions.
- Address: Downtown Des Moines, IA
Des Moines Hidden Gems: Off the Beaten Path
- Salisbury House & Gardens
- Description: A historic mansion and museum inspired by a 15th-century English manor.
- Address: 4025 Tonawanda Dr, Des Moines, IA 50312
- State Law Library
- Description: Located inside the State Capitol Building, this library is a beautiful sight and home to a vast collection of legal documents.
- Address: 1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319 (Inside the Capitol)
- Des Moines’ Underground Tunnels
- Description: A network of climate-controlled skywalks and tunnels connecting downtown buildings – a lifesaver in extreme weather!
- Address: Downtown Des Moines, IA (access points vary)
Local Festivals & Events in Des Moines
- Iowa State Fair (August): A huge agricultural fair with livestock shows, concerts, tons of food, and carnival rides. Don’t miss it!
- Des Moines Arts Festival (June): A juried art fair featuring talented artists from across the country.
- 80/35 Music Festival (July): A multi-genre music festival with both big names and local favorites.
- World Food & Music Festival (September): A celebration of diverse cuisines and cultures from around the globe.
Day Trips From Des Moines: Explore Beyond the City
- Amana Colonies (1.5 hours): A historic German settlement with seven villages offering unique shops, restaurants, and cultural experiences.
- Madison County Covered Bridges (1 hour): Explore the famous covered bridges of “The Bridges of Madison County” fame.
- Pella (1 hour): A charming Dutch town known for its Tulip Time festival and authentic Windmill.
Des Moines Photography Spots: Instagram-Worthy Locations
- Pappajohn Sculpture Park: Capture unique angles of the sculptures with the city skyline in the background.
- Iowa State Capitol Building: The golden dome and grand staircase are iconic photo ops.
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden: The conservatory and outdoor gardens provide lush and colorful backdrops.
- High Trestle Trail Bridge: This unique bridge with 41 steel frames designed to look like a coal mine shaft makes for a striking image.
Where to Stay & How to Get Around Des Moines
Recommended Length of Stay
3-4 days
Top Des Moines Hotels: Sorted by Budget
– Budget-Friendly Hotels
- Super 8 by Wyndham Des Moines Airport:
- Address: 181 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321
- Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Merle Hay:
- Address: 4747 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines, IA 50323
- Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Fairgrounds:
- Address: 1111 E 38th Ct, Des Moines, IA 50317
– Mid-Range Hotels
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Des Moines Downtown:
- Address: 101 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Hyatt Place Des Moines Downtown:
- Address: 418 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Holiday Inn Des Moines-Airport/Conference Ctr, an IHG Hotel:
- Address: 6111 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321
- Residence Inn Des Moines Downtown:
- Address: 601 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
– Luxury Hotels
- The Surety Hotel:
- Address: 206 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Hotel Renovo:
- Address: 11130 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, IA 50322 (Slightly outside Des Moines)
Getting Around Des Moines: Transportation Options
- Public Transport: DART (Des Moines Area Regional Transit) offers bus services throughout the city.
- Taxis & Ride-Sharing: Taxis, Uber, and Lyft are readily available.
- Bikes: Des Moines has a growing network of bike trails. B-cycle offers bike-sharing options.
- Walking: Downtown Des Moines is very walkable, especially thanks to the skywalk system!
Preparing for Your Des Moines Trip
What to Pack for Des Moines
- Comfortable walking shoes: A must for exploring the city!
- Layers: Pack layers for fluctuating temperatures, especially in spring and fall.
- Sunscreen & hat: Protect yourself from the sun in the summer.
- Umbrella or raincoat: Especially during the spring months.
- Formal wear: If you plan on fine dining or attending special events.
Useful Apps for Visiting Des Moines
- Google Maps: For getting around.
- Yelp: For finding the best restaurants.
- DART: For bus schedules and routes.
- Uber/Lyft: For quick and easy ride-sharing.
Des Moines Safety Tips & Local Customs
- Do: Be friendly and open-minded. Midwesterners are known for their hospitality!
- Do: Explore the local food scene – you won’t be disappointed.
- Don’t: Be afraid to ask for directions or recommendations.
- Be aware: Pay attention to your surroundings, especially at night.
- Respectful Behavior: Be respectful of local customs and traditions.
Des Moines Food, Fun & Finds: Your Local Guide
Top Des Moines Restaurants: A Culinary Adventure
- HoQ Restaurant (Farm-to-Table):
- Description: Focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
- Address: 303 E 5th St #105, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Location: East Village
- Zombie Burger + Drink Lab (Unique Burgers):
- Description: A themed burger joint with creative and unusual burger combinations.
- Address: 300 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Location: East Village
- Eatery A (Mediterranean):
- Description: Wood-fired pizzas and delicious Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
- Address: 2932 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
- Location: Ingersoll Avenue
- Proudfoot & Bird (Upscale American):
- Description: Modern American cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
- Address: 1440 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Location: Downtown
Must-Try Des Moines Dishes: A Taste of Iowa
- Pork Tenderloin Sandwich: A breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet, bigger than the bun!
- Loose Meat Sandwich: Seasoned ground beef served on a bun – a local favorite.
- Scotcheroos: A no-bake dessert with peanut butter, butterscotch, and chocolate – pure deliciousness!
- Iowa Sweet Corn (seasonal): Freshly picked sweet corn, especially during the summer months.
Des Moines Nightlife & Entertainment
- Up-Down Des Moines (Arcade Bar):
- Description: Retro arcade games and a fantastic selection of beers.
- Address: 500 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Location: East Village
- Vaudeville Mews (Live Music):
- Description: An intimate venue hosting both local and touring musicians.
- Address: 212 4th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Location: Downtown
- Juniper Moon (Cocktail Bar):
- Description: Known for its craft cocktails and stylish atmosphere.
- Address: 200 SW 8th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Location: Downtown
Des Moines Shopping: Souvenirs & Unique Finds
- Historic East Village (Shopping District):
- Description: An eclectic mix of boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries.
- Address: East of the Des Moines River, Des Moines, IA
- Des Moines Farmers’ Market (Seasonal):
- Description: Local produce, crafts, and food vendors (May-October).
- Address: Historic Court District, Des Moines, IA
- Raygun (T-shirts & Gifts):
- Description: Humorous and Iowa-themed t-shirts and gifts – perfect souvenirs!
- Address: 400 E Locust St Suite 101, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Location: East Village
