Google Maps Des Moines

Des Moines, the capital city of Iowa, is a hidden gem in the United States that is often overlooked by travelers. But, with its vibrant cultural scene, historical landmarks, outdoor adventures, and delicious food, Des Moines is a must-visit destination. With the help of Google Maps, exploring this city has never been easier. Here’s our comprehensive travel guide to Des Moines on Google Maps that covers all the top attractions and hidden gems.

Top Attractions

Des Moines has a plethora of attractions that cater to all kinds of travelers. Some of the top attractions that you shouldn’t miss include:

The Pappajohn Sculpture Park
The State Capitol Building
The Des Moines Art Center
The Science Center of Iowa
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

The Pappajohn Sculpture Park

The Pappajohn Sculpture Park is a must-visit attraction for art lovers. This outdoor park showcases over 30 sculptures created by some of the world’s leading contemporary artists. The park is located in the heart of downtown Des Moines and is open to the public year-round.

The State Capitol Building

The State Capitol Building is a stunning example of neoclassical architecture and is home to the Iowa State Legislature. Visitors can take a guided tour of the building to learn about Iowa’s history and government.

The Des Moines Art Center

The Des Moines Art Center is a world-renowned museum that features an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year.

The Science Center of Iowa

The Science Center of Iowa is a fun and educational attraction for families with children. The museum features interactive exhibits that explore the worlds of science, technology, engineering, and math.

The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is a beautiful oasis in the heart of the city. The garden features a variety of plants and flowers from around the world and is a popular spot for weddings and other events.

Hidden Gems

Des Moines is full of hidden gems that are waiting to be discovered. Here are some of our favorite off-the-beaten-path experiences:

The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
The Des Moines Social Club
The Brenton Skating Plaza
The Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden
The Des Moines Farmers Market

The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates

The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates is a museum that honors the achievements of individuals who have worked to improve the quality, quantity, and availability of food in the world. The museum is located in a beautiful historic building and features interactive exhibits and displays.

The Des Moines Social Club

The Des Moines Social Club is a community arts center that offers a variety of classes, workshops, and performances. The center features a theater, art gallery, and rooftop bar.

The Brenton Skating Plaza

The Brenton Skating Plaza is an outdoor ice skating rink that is open during the winter months. The rink is located in the heart of downtown and is a popular spot for families and couples.

The Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden

The Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden is a beautiful garden that showcases the latest gardening trends and techniques. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the garden and learn about the plants and flowers on display.

The Des Moines Farmers Market

The Des Moines Farmers Market is one of the largest farmers markets in the country and is a must-visit for foodies. The market features over 300 vendors selling everything from fresh produce to artisanal cheeses and baked goods.

Food Scene

The food scene in Des Moines is diverse and delicious. Here are some of the top restaurants and dishes you should try:

Fong’s Pizza
Malo
Taco Hangover
La Mie Bakery
Smitty’s Tenderloin Shop

Fong’s Pizza

Fong’s Pizza is a local favorite that serves up unique pizza creations like the Crab Rangoon pizza and the Thai chicken pizza. The restaurant also has a tiki bar and arcade games.

Malo

Malo is a Mexican restaurant that serves up delicious tacos, burritos, and margaritas. The restaurant has a fun and vibrant atmosphere and is a popular spot for happy hour.

Taco Hangover

Taco Hangover is a taco joint that specializes in creative and delicious tacos like the Korean BBQ taco and the Nashville hot chicken taco. The restaurant also has a great selection of tequila and mezcal.

La Mie Bakery

La Mie Bakery is a French bakery that serves up delicious pastries, bread, and sandwiches. The bakery also has a great selection of coffee and tea.

Smitty’s Tenderloin Shop

Smitty’s Tenderloin Shop is a local institution that serves up giant breaded pork tenderloin sandwiches. The sandwiches are so big that they hang off the sides of the bun!

Budget-Friendly Tips

Des Moines can be an affordable destination if you know where to look. Here are some budget-friendly tips:

Visit the free attractions like the Pappajohn Sculpture Park and the State Capitol Building
Take advantage of happy hour specials at restaurants and bars
Explore the city on foot or by bike using the extensive trail system
Shop at the Des Moines Farmers Market for affordable and fresh produce
Pack a picnic and enjoy the many parks and green spaces in the city

Outdoor Adventures

Des Moines is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the top outdoor adventures:

The Des Moines Riverwalk
The High Trestle Trail
The Raccoon River Valley Trail
Gray’s Lake Park
Ledges State Park

The Des Moines Riverwalk

The Des Moines Riverwalk is a scenic trail that follows the banks of the Des Moines River. The trail is perfect for walking, running, and biking and offers stunning views of the city skyline.

The High Trestle Trail

The High Trestle Trail is a 25-mile trail that runs through several towns and counties in central Iowa. The trail features a stunning bridge that is illuminated at night.

The Raccoon River Valley Trail

The Raccoon River Valley Trail is a 89-mile trail that runs through several counties in central Iowa. The trail is perfect for biking and offers beautiful views of the countryside.

Gray’s Lake Park

Gray’s Lake Park is a beautiful park that features a lake, walking trails, and a beach. The park is a popular spot for picnics, fishing, and kayaking.

Ledges State Park

Ledges State Park is a beautiful park that features hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views. The park is known for its unique sandstone formations and is a great spot for nature lovers.

Historical Landmarks

Des Moines has a rich history that is reflected in its many landmarks and buildings. Here are some of the top historical landmarks:

The Salisbury House
The Historic East Village
The Iowa State Historical Museum
The Jordan House
The Living History Farms

The Salisbury House

The Salisbury House is a historic mansion that was built in the 1920s. The mansion is open for tours and features an impressive art collection and beautiful gardens.

The Historic East Village

The Historic East Village is a neighborhood in downtown Des Moines that is home to many historic buildings and landmarks. The area is known for its unique shops, restaurants, and bars.

The Iowa State Historical Museum

The Iowa State Historical Museum is a museum that showcases the history of Iowa. The museum features exhibits on Native American culture, Iowa’s role in the Civil War, and the state’s agricultural history.