Things to do in Des Moines

23 activities, venues and outings in Des Moines, from theatres and live music to parks and tours.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

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Adventureland Amusement Park and Adventure Bay Water Park
Iowa's largest theme park with over 100 rides, shows, and attractions. The water park has 13 water slides, 6,000-sq ft swimming pool, and a bar where patrons can swim up and order a drink, then perhaps drift away on the longest lazy river in the state.
$35 aged 10+, $30 aged 4-9 and 65+, aged 3 or less free. Park and water park included in price, $5 parking
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Big Creek State Lake and Park
A popular location for boats, swimmers, and fishing enthusiasts. The lake is much smaller than Saylorville. Trails, shooting range, and picnic facilities on-site.
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Des Moines Buccaneers
United States Hockey League (USHL) Tier 1 team member. Very close to the ice no matter where one sits.
From $12
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Des Moines Symphony
Since 1937. Concerts are held at the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines in downtown.
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Drake Bulldogs
Drake University sports, competing in most sports as a member of the Missouri Valley Conference and also in the Pioneer Football League for that sport only.
Mon-Fri 9AM–5PM. Ticket offices at each venue open 1 hour before all home events except men's basketball (2 hours before).$15–25 men's basketball, $12 football, $10 women's basketball, $8 volleyball, $5 other sports
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Drake Relays
Arguably the nation's top outdoor track & field event. Past participants include Michael Johnson, Bruce Jenner, Gwen Torrence, Natasha Kaiser-Brown, and Jeremy Wariner.
Late April$20-85, varies on event session
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Gray's Lake
Busy at all times of day, urbanites of all ages come to breathe in the fresh air or get in their workout before heading heading home or to their cubicle. 167-acre park with a 1.9-mi paved track encircling the lake. Paddle boats, canoes, sailboats and bikes may be rented. A small beach area for swimming. Restrooms and grills provided, while some fishing and bird watching also takes place around the edges.
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Hoyt Sherman Place
The venue boasts a multi-million dollar fine art collection and a 1,400-seat performance theater with exceptional acoustics. The gallery and theater are additions to the original 1887 mansion of Des Moines distinguished banker and businessman Hoyt Sherman, which was a society showplace of the grandest scale. Offers gallery and mansion tours and a year-round performance calendar.
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Iowa Barnstormers
Arena football team in the new AFL. Tailgaiting in the adjacent parking lot is perhaps just as busy as the game. Bear the name of the team Kurt Warner played for before making it in the NFL.
$12-40
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Iowa Cubs
Member of the Triple-A East (one level below the Major Leagues) and the top farm team of the Chicago Cubs. The team is consistently near the top of attendance figures each year. Great view of downtown. Usually have fireworks every Friday night.
$8–35 when purchased on game days
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Iowa State Fair
Each year, the Fair draws around 1 million visitors through its gates. Has a variety of things to see and do, much of it based around agriculture, the arts and food. At night, the beer tents and Grandstand come alive (past performances by Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, The Jackson Five, and Reba McEntire). Park (cheaper) near the capitol building and take an MTA bus over to the fairgrounds, or park closer in front yards of residents (more expensive).
10 days in Aug, Aug 13-23 in 2026$10, $6 for kids 60+, 5 and under free
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Iowa Wolves
Member of the National Basketball Association G League. Affiliated with the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves.
From $8
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Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino
Horse racing, sports betting, gaming tables, slot machines, restaurants and drinks, live music and occasional concerts.
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Saylorville Lake
One of central Iowa's most popular places for water activities, including boating, swimming, and fishing. Also has camping facilities, hiking trails, wildlife areas, and two golf courses--Tournament Club of Iowa (designed by Arnold Palmer) and Jester Park--nearby.
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Sleepy Hollow Sports Park
Various sports throughout the summer and winter seasons. Summer options include batting cages, go-Karts, sand volleyball, golf, mini golf, driving range, and climbing wall. Winter sports include skiing, snowboarding, and tubing--lifts available for all. Rental equipment available.
Prices vary
Do Not mapped
Des Moines Arts Festival
Started in the late-1990s after promoters decided to replace the 40-year running "Art in the Park." Attendance of around 250,000 people each year. Over 150 artists--from all over the country--bring their original creations to be seen and purchased. In addition to the various forms of art you'll see, there are also stages offering entertainment and food vendors selling their own edible creations.
3-day weekend in JuneFree
Do Not mapped
Hy-Vee Triathlon
World Triathlon Corporation's 5150 Series Championship and IronKids triathlons take place downtown, as does the namesake triathlon.
First weekend in September
Do Not mapped
Living History Farms
An outdoor interactive agricultural museum, Living History Farms gives people of all ages a new way of enjoying history. It has special events throughout the year. Historical interpreters explain and demonstrate the lifestyles of the 1700s Ioway Indians, the 1850 pioneers, the townspeople of 1875, and 1900 farmers.
May-Oct: Tue-Sun 9AM-4PMAdult (13-59) $20, senior or military $19, child (2-12) $15, child (1 & under) free
Do Not mapped
Recreational Trails
For those wanting a chance to see the area at their own pace, 300+ mi of trails available for use. The trails are expanding each year and they offer a great way for visitors to see the quieter parts of the area as well as getting a chance to enjoy the outdoors. Cross-country skiing in the winter.
Do Not mapped
Salisbury Automobile Classic
Antique and classic automobiles of a by-gone era are on display in one of the most unique car show settings in the U.S. It has been called the "Pebble Beach of the Midwest" by Old Cars Weekly (in reference to the famous Pebble Beach Auto Councour). All proceeds going to benefit the historic Salisbury House.
$10, children free
Do Not mapped
Taste of Des Moines
The 1½-day event is still in its infancy but is improving each year. The event typically takes place at Drake University but has been at the zoo or downtown in the past. More than 40 vendors--most of which are local--provide food for hungry patrons. It's a good way to try new creations from area restaurants and for not a whole lot of cash. Alcoholic drinks are also available.
October$5, free before 5PM
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Lakeside Hotel & Casino
Hotel and RV park available.
Do Not mapped
Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel
1504 305th St, Tama

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Des Moines (CC BY-SA 4.0).