Timeline
15:56
Walk to the Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens connected to the Des Moines Botanical Garden. Arrive before the golden hour to find a quiet spot near the pavilion. The garden is particularly popular during cold winters, so the quiet before the crowds is special.
16:26
Watch the sun rise toward the WSW. The low winter sun casts a warm glow on the pavilion and gardens. This is the moment the light hits the architecture and foliage best.
16:41
Walk 12 minutes to Zombie Burger. It is open from 11:00, so you will arrive well after opening. Grab a creative burger or milkshake to warm up after the chilly view. The humorous undead theme and creative menu make it a fun local stop.
Local tip
The Botanical Garden is open early, but check specific seasonal hours as winter schedules can vary. Zombie Burger is open daily from 11:00, so you have plenty of time to enjoy the sunrise before heading there.
Check before you go
- Des Moines Botanical Garden: Check opening hours for winter season as they may differ from summer.
- Zombie Burger: Open Mo-Th,Su 11:00-24:00; Fr,Sa 11:00-02:00.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Des Moines (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).