Unique Things to do in Des Moines, IA from 12 Local Experts: Explore Like a Pro
While it’s best known as the capitol city of Iowa, there are plenty of unique things to do in Des Moines that make it stand out. This spirited city hosts a rich art scene, diverse culinary experiences, and lots of local staples and traditions. To help us discover all the must-sees in the city, we reached out to some local residents for expert advice.
Whether you’re living in an apartment in Des Moines, IA, renting a house in the city, or buying a home in the area, there is something for everyone in this Midwestern hub.
What stands out most from a new Des Moines resident
Cristin and her husband Jarrett, founders of Wake Up Iowa, have been roasting and selling coffee in eastern Iowa for over a decade. Their new location serves espresso in the Lower Beaver neighborhood, where they have already discovered a number of unique things to do in Des Moines. Here are some of Cristin’s top recommendations:
- The art scene: “You need not look far to find a thriving art community in Des Moines,” she says. “From First Friday art openings at Mainframe Studio to local performing artists, like Ramona and the Sometimes. Their shows at various lounges around town engage with audiences in charming and hilarious ways, and have drawn crowds ranging in ages from Gen Z all the way to the Silent Generation.”
- The Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens: This unique and expansive experience brings natural beauty to its visitors year round. “It offers an inviting dose of vitamin D during the short winter days that will not disappoint,” adds Cristin.
- The culinary scene: “There is such a variety of cuisine in Des Moines,” Cristin shares. “As a result of Former Governor Robert Ray’s invitation for Tai Dam refugees to resettle in Iowa in 1975, there is no shortage of delicious Vietnamese food in Des Moines. My favorite Vietnamese destinations in the area are Pho 515 in C Fresh Market and TNT Vietnamese.”
Exciting outdoor recreation awaits
Some of the best unique things to do in Des Moines involve getting outside to explore the city’s natural beauty. “For me, Gray’s Lake Park is a fantastic place to experience the outdoors here, especially in the warmer months,” shares Deep from local artisan cafe Mayalu Coffee. “If it’s above 40 degrees outside, you’ll see locals walking or running on the paths of this community hub.”
Canoe There is a Des Moines video production company that specializes in outdoor documentary, tourism, and economic development. They had some excellent recommendations to add to help you explore outdoors:
“Between Des Moines’s bustling downtown, quaint neighborhoods, local shops, and famous bike trails lies a hidden network of beauty and exploration that is just beginning to be tapped. Des Moines’s ICON Water Trails is an up and coming recreational feature that offers countless miles of paddling, boating, swimming, fishing, and more. The crown jewel, the Des Moines River, will soon also feature a white water paddling course in the middle of its downtown right next to Lauridsen Skatepark, the largest skatepark in the country.”
Looking for bikeable cities? Whether you’re just trying to get from point A to point B, or looking for an out of the box way to see the sites, hopping on an e-bike is a great way to explore all the unique things to do in Des Moines. Blanca from family-style Mexican restaurant El Fogon in West Des Moines can’t recommend it enough:
“We love riding our bikes all over the Des Moines metro. There are countless beautiful, well-maintained bike trails that stretch for miles. We’ve even ridden up to 40 miles in a single day. We got our e-bike from Bike World on 50th Street. We had such a great experience with them. Since then, we’ve made incredible memories exploring the DSM metro on two wheels.”\
See the spirit of the city through its art scene
“Des Moines has a lot to offer with its art scene,” shares professional multimedia artist Ben Schuh. “From the Pappajohn Sculpture Park downtown to the Des Moines Art Center, the collections are on display at no charge. Take in numerous iconic murals throughout the city before visiting one of the several amazing galleries and studios, like Mainframe Studios, a dedicated building with five floors supporting local artists and arts based organizations.”
“An event I never want to miss is the annual Des Moines Arts Festival in June,” adds Brittany, owner of Pointed North boutique, which you can find online or at various pop ups around Des Moines. “It’s a weekend reserved for our city to show off with music, art, and food. There’s an addictive buzz to the atmosphere that makes it my favorite weekend of the summer. Meet unique artists from all over the country, discover a new band, and mingle with friends. You might even find something you didn’t expect to love.”
Shop small in Highland Park
Des Moines is defined by its neighborhoods. From busy downtown hubs to peaceful hideaways, there are a variety of spots to get to know in this city. “Spending a day in the historic Highland Park neighborhood is one of the most charming ways to explore Des Moines,” says Shelby from the local Art Terrarium where you can find beautiful houseplants, pottery, and even plant care workshops to help you with your indoor garden. “Stroll through this vibrant area and discover its unique mix of local hidden gems, from an independent bookstore to a sustainable home goods shop, cozy coffee spots, a delightful bakery, and vintage shops filled with treasures.”
“Highland park used to be a bustling part of town when we used streetcars, and has now been given new life by small business owners,” adds Laura, owner of Laura Wills Photography. “It’s a place I really enjoy visiting. As a small business owner myself, shopping locally is one of my favorite unique things to do in Des Moines. I was introduced to a number of other small businesses at a pop-up event at the local Kalon Bridal Studio, which was a great way to shop baked goods, handmade wooden goods, and so much more. I also love the unique and useful items from Des Moines Mercantile, and grabbing a coffee from The Slow Down is always necessary.”
Try these local eats and special treats
When considering what unique things to do in Des Moines, you can’t forget to dig into the local cuisine to help picture life in Des Moines, IA. You’ll find a hang out fit for every craving in these neighborhood hidden gems.
“I frequent many of the incredible coffee shops Des Moines has to offer,” shares Alecca, owner of Alecca Synclair Photography. “Places like Chain & Spoke, Northern Vessel, and Horizon Line are all perfect for a midday getaway, a place to meet a friend, or a spot to get some work done.” As a small business owner herself, Alecca especially loves the way local small businesses like these shops create spaces for the community to work, gather, and create.
Pay a visit to Chuck’s Restaurant, a local staple since 1956, for some old school Italian vibes and recipes. Their homemade thin-crust pizza and crispy onion rings are long-time favorites that will have you returning again and again. “For another unique activity to do in Des Moines, explore Riverview Park down the road from us,” adds Emily, owner of Chuck’s. “They always have fun summer events and a beautiful playground.”
For something to tame your sweet tooth, head to the Beaverdale neighborhood to check out local scratch confectioner Beaverdale Confections. Their nostalgic shop specializes in handmade candies, chocolates, marshmallows, and more. They’re perfect for your at-home date night – or just to treat yourself.
Are you looking for something a little more out of the box? Make sure you take some time to explore Either/Or on Grand Avenue near Valley Junction. Here’s what they had to share about their unique space:
“Either/Or offers elevated yet familiar American fare with a focus on quality over all else. Our massive outdoor space includes a covered patio for dining, five fire pits, a children’s play-scape, and an acre of greenspace overlooking the Aliber soccer fields and the bike path. Either step indie to be immersed in a homey, eclectic vibe filled with vibrant textures, Or ground yourself outdoors in the backyard patio party.”
Unique things to do in Des Moines: A hidden gem in the Midwest
It’s important to consider the pros and cons of moving to Des Moines, IA before making the leap, as with any move. But with so many unique things to do in Des Moines, this Midwestern hub is definitely worth exploring. With these expert recommendations, you’re sure to find the true spirit of Iowa’s capitol in no time.
Moving to Des Moines? Use our rent calculator to see how much rent you can afford in Iowa’s capitol city.
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