Sightseeing
Tours are available during weekdays between 8:00 am and 4:45 pm, until 4:00 pm on Saturday.
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Iowa State Capitol
1007 E Grand AveTours are available during weekdays between 8:00 am and 4:45 pm, until 4:00 pm on Saturday.
A unique pedestrian bridge over the Des Moines River with nice views of the city and a surrounding trail
Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge
Principal River WalkA unique pedestrian bridge over the Des Moines River with nice views of the city and a surrounding trail
Tours available Tuesdays and Saturdays at 10:30 am and 12:00 pm
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Terrace Hill Historic Site
2300 Grand AveTours available Tuesdays and Saturdays at 10:30 am and 12:00 pm
Modeled after a Medieval English estate and with extensive grounds and many exhibits, open seasonally with tours available
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Salisbury House
4025 Tonawanda DrModeled after a Medieval English estate and with extensive grounds and many exhibits, open seasonally with tours available
Ulwazi Lwemithi Yase-Greater Des Moines
909 Robert D. Ray DrA large indoor garden
Crocker Woods Park
1001 Hickman RoadTrails and views of the Des Moines River
Iowa State Fairgrounds
3000 E Grand AveThe Iowa State Fair is held in mid August.
A nice park and art installation to explore in downtown
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Ipharki yezibonakaliso ze-Pappajohn
1330 Grand AveA nice park and art installation to explore in downtown
Central Library
1000 Grand AveState Historical Museum
600 E Locust StMuseum concerning the history of Iowa
A park a block away from The Red Bridge, a rail bridge over the Des Moines River that has been converted into a pedestrian bridge
West River Front Park
A park a block away from The Red Bridge, a rail bridge over the Des Moines River that has been converted into a pedestrian bridge
Offers a beautiful view of the Des Moines skyline. Located in MacRae Park, which has nice trails and a pond.
EMC Overlook
1021 Davis AvenueOffers a beautiful view of the Des Moines skyline. Located in MacRae Park, which has nice trails and a pond.
Used for testing and photography by Better Homes & Gardens magazine, it is open to the public from late May to September, 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm.
Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden
1716 Locust StreetUsed for testing and photography by Better Homes & Gardens magazine, it is open to the public from late May to September, 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm.
Tours are available on Tuesdays or by appointment with 10 business days' notice.
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World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
100 Locust StTours are available on Tuesdays or by appointment with 10 business days' notice.
Neighborhoods
Beaverdale
Various locations for shopping and dining
Historic district with many Victorian homes. This is a nice location for walking with occasional tours and events available.
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Sherman Hill
Historic district with many Victorian homes. This is a nice location for walking with occasional tours and events available.
East Village
Many options for shopping and dining
North of Grand
Various locations for shopping and dining
Many locations for dining and with a nice view of the Polk County Courthouse, also the location of the Downtown Farmers' Market
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Court Avenue
Court AvenueMany locations for dining and with a nice view of the Polk County Courthouse, also the location of the Downtown Farmers' Market
Food scene
Downtown grocery store with a number of dining options on site. It also has a pharmacy.
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Hy-Vee
420 Court AveDowntown grocery store with a number of dining options on site. It also has a pharmacy.
QuikTrip
2300 Martin Luther King Junior ParkwayThe nearest gas station/convenience store to your stay
Noodles and Company
2105 Ingersoll AvenueMcAlister's Deli
5910 Douglas AvenueDrake Diner
1111 25th StThe nearest coffee shop to your stay, just be aware the hours are limited: Monday to Saturday, 7:00am to 2:00pm
Freedom Blend Coffee
2329 Hickman RdThe nearest coffee shop to your stay, just be aware the hours are limited: Monday to Saturday, 7:00am to 2:00pm
Event with a large number of vendors and large crowds held outdoors in the Court District on Saturday mornings from May to October, with availability varying during the rest of the year
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Isitolo sabaFundi baseDowntown Des Moines
300 Court AveEvent with a large number of vendors and large crowds held outdoors in the Court District on Saturday mornings from May to October, with availability varying during the rest of the year
The tallest building in Iowa, with several dining options on the first two floors during weekdays
801 Grand Ave
801 Grand AvenueThe tallest building in Iowa, with several dining options on the first two floors during weekdays
Merle Hay Mall
3800 Merle Hay RdJersey Mike's Subs
4117 Merle Hay RoadPalmer's Deli & Market
2843 Ingersoll AveBruegger's Bagels
3730 Ingersoll AveJust be aware it closes early, open from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm.
This Hy-Vee location is the nearest supermarket to your stay. There is also a pharmacy on site.
3330 Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy
This Hy-Vee location is the nearest supermarket to your stay. There is also a pharmacy on site.
3030 University Ave
This Walgreens location is the nearest pharmacy to your stay.
Dough Co. Pizza | Drake
Taste of New York Pizza
A Dong Restaurant
1511 High StIzeluleko zedolobha
Ungaphuthelwa
I recommend visiting the State Capitol.
It is a beautiful, impressive building, and the tours are very interesting and informative.
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Lyft and Uber
Both are available throughout the Des Moines metro area, but they may be slow to find a driver especially in more distant parts, and drivers may not be available at all very early in the morning or very late at night.
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DART
Bus service closer to downtown is fairly extensive, and as discussed in the listing, there are a number of routes accessible within walking distance of your stay, with easy access to downtown. Further out, coverage is more sporadic and service less frequent. The normal fare for local routes is $1.75, and the fare can be paid with coins, dollar bills, and via the DART app. Passes are also available for purchase on the buses and at DART Central Station. Operating hours vary by route, but service is generally not available between 12:00 am and 5:00 am or on holidays and is reduced on the weekend.
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Taxis
Taxis are readily available right outside the terminal of Des Moines International Airport. You can also call for a taxi by phone throughout the metro area, but service is not very reliable.
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Parking
Public parking garages, lots, and street parking are available downtown and are generally metered, while street parking in most of the rest of the city is generally free, but look out for signs prohibiting parking in certain areas.