Things to do in Des Moines
Basilica of St. John
Designated a basilica in 1989, this Northern Italian/Lombardy Romanesque style offers gold leaf coffered ceilings and 46 stained-glass windows, including a 15-foot Munich rose window. Ornate plaster and travertine marble interior can also be seen. Open 6:30am - 5:30pm Monday - Friday; 7:30am - 5:30pm Saturday; 7:30am - 1pm Sunday year-round. Call 515-244-3101 for more information.
1915 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA
Blank Park Zoo
Beautifully landscaped 22-acre zoological park, featuring naturalistic exhibits with more than 800 animals from five continents. Train ride, camel ride, gift shop and cafe. Discovery Center includes Iowa's largest collection of tropical plants, lynx, bat cave, butterfly garden, marmoset monkeys, coral reef aquarium and hands-on water lab. Open 10am - 5pm March 16 - October 15; 10am - 7pm Friday May - August; 10am - 4pm October 16 - March 15; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day. Call 515-285-4722 for more information.
7401 SW Ninth Street, Des Moines, IA
Civic Center
Enjoy major Broadway and educational touring companies and many local and regional groups. Call 515-243-0766 for more information.
221 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA
Des Moines Art Center
This building was designed by three internationally recognized architects and houses an internationally renowned collection of 19th- and 20th-century works. Traveling exhibitions, educational and fine arts programs, library, museum shop and restaurant. Open 11am - 4pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday; 11am - 9pm Thursday & the first Friday of the month; noon - 4pm Sunday. Call 515-277-4405 for more information.
4700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA
Des Moines Botanical Center
Found on the east bank of the Des Moines River, the center houses one of the largest collections of plants in the Midwest: tropical, subtropical and desert-growing. It includes a weatherproof conservatory, extensive exterior gardens, free-flying exotic birds, and cafe and gift shop. Open 10am - 5pm Saturday - Thursday; 10am - 9pm Friday year-round; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Call 515-323-8900 for more information.
909 E. River Drive, Des Moines, IA
Des Moines Menace Soccer
Minor league soccer May through August held at 6400 Westown Pkwy. Call 515-226-9890 for more information.
6400 Westown Pkwy., Des Moines, IA
Des Moines Playhouse
The Playhouse presents 12-16 musicals, comedies and dramas each year. Recent productions include "Annie", "The Rainmaker", and "The Who's Tommy". Group prices available. Conveniently located on I-235 at 831 42nd Street. Call 515-277-6261 for more information.
831 42nd Street, Des Moines, IA
Des Moines Symphony
The Symphony includes more than 89 musicians, an acclaimed conductor, and a select group of the world's greatest classical soloists. Call 515-243-1140 for more information.
221 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA
ducation Center
This is America's largest memorial to black and female soldiers. A 46-acre memorial park will include a 20,000-square-foot museum and historic chapel. Located at Army Post Road & Chaffee Road. Call 888-828-FORT for more information.
Heritage Carousel of Des Moines
See thirty animals and two wheelchair-accessible chariots turn to the music of a Stinson band organ on this colorful wooden carousel. Located in a city park near the Des Moines River, the carousel features hand-painted scenes of Des Moines landmarks. Open noon - 7pm Tuesday - Thursday; 11am - 8pm Friday - Sunday Memorial Day -Labor Day at Union Park. Call 515-362-5958 for more information.
Historic Valley Junction
This historic railroad district was founded in the 1890s, with more than 120 specialty stores, art galleries, fashion boutiques, restaurants and antique shops. Located at the Fifth Street area of West Des Moines. Call 515-222-3642 for more information.
Hoyt Sherman Place
Built in 1877 by prominent pioneer businessman Hoyt Sherman, this mansion was Des Moines' first public art gallery and houses a distinctive collection of 19th and 20th century artwork. The 1,350-seat theater features an intricate rococo plaster ceiling and excellent acoustics. It is used for a variety of cultural performances and entertainment. Open 9am -4pm weekdays, plus special events. Call 515-244-0507 for more information.
1501 Woodland Avenue, Des Moines, IA
Ingersoll Dinner Theater
Enjoy a delicious four-entree buffet followed by fun-filled Broadway musicals, hilarious comedies or well-known guest artists. Des Moines' finest dinner entertainment is sure to be a hit! Call 515-274-4686 for more information.
3711 Ingersoll Avenue, Des Moines, IA
Iowa Cubs Baseball
Follow this AAA minor league baseball team, and enjoy fireworks and concerts during the baseball season. Open 9am - 5pm Monday - Friday April - September. Offices open all day on game days. Call 800-GO-ICUBS for more information.
350 SW First Street, Des Moines, IA
Iowa Gold Star Museum
Learn about the contributions of Iowans from all branches of state and national service, and the Iowa State Patrol. See uniforms, flags, trench art, small arms, artillery, UH-1 "Huey" helicopter, AH-63 "Cobra," and Soviet artillery and tanks. Open 8am - 5pm Tuesday -Saturday year-round. Closed state and federal holidays. Call 515-252-4531 for more information.
7700 NW Beaver Drive, Des Moines, IA
Iowa State Capitol
This Century-old building features 275-foot gold-leafed dome flanked by four smaller domes, grand staircase and beautiful woodwork. See legislative and Supreme Court chambers, governor's office, two-story law library, scale model of Battleship Iowa, and collection of first-lady dolls. The Capitol grounds include a new World War II memorial with sculpture and Wall of Memories; other monuments include the 1894 Soldiers and Sailors Monument of the Civil War, and memorials honoring those who served in the Spanish-American, Korean and Vietnam Wars. Located at E. Ninth and Grand Avenue. Open 9:30am - 3pm Monday - Saturday. Call 515-281-5591 for more information.
Iowa State Fairgrounds
The Iowa State Fair, held each August, is Iowa's largest tourism event and the cornerstone event of more than 160 activities held year-round on these 400 acres. The entire district within the grounds is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Year-round events include auto racing, concerts, horse and dog shows, arts and crafts celebrations, trade shows, auctions and livestock judging. Guided tours of Heritage Village are available. Located at E. 30th & University Avenue. Call 800-545-FAIR for more information.
Jordan House
This stately Victorian home was built in 1850 and added to in 1870 by the first white settler in West Des Moines, James C. Jordan. Completely refurbished, this mansion was once part of the Underground Railroad and today houses 16 period rooms, a railroad museum, West Des Moines community history and a museum dedicated to the Underground Railroad in Iowa. Located at 2001 Fuller Road and open 1 - 4pm Wednesday & Saturday; 2 - 5pm Sunday May - October or by appointment Call 515-225-1286 for more information.
2001 Fuller Road, Des Moines, IA
Living History Farms
Learn the amazing story of how Iowans transformed fertile prairies into the most productive farmland in the world. Travel at your own pace through five time periods spanning 300 years: the 1700 Ioway Indian village, the 1850 pioneer farm, the 1875 frontier town of Walnut Hill, the 1900 horse-powered farm and the modern crop center. Visits last two to five hours. Located at 2600 111th Street. Open 9am - 5pm May 1 - third Sunday in October. Call 515-278-5286 for more information.
Living History Farms Welcome Center
The visitor center at the main entrance to Living History Farms houses the Welcome Center with tourism information and "Marketplace" gift shop. Open 9am - 5pm May - mid-October; 10am - 4pm mid-October - April 30; closed Christmas through New Year's Day. Call 515-334-9625 for more information.
11121 Hickman Road, Des Moines, IA
Polk County Heritage Gallery
This downtown gallery offers changing exhibits and is open 11am - 4:30pm Monday - Friday during exhibits. Call 515-286-3215 for more information.
111 Court Avenue, Des Moines, IA
Salisbury House
This 42-room mansion was modeled after the King's House in Salisbury, England. Built in the 1920's by the Weeks family, the home contains authentic 16th century English oak, extensive flint work and rafters dating to Shakespeare's days. You will find a world-class collection or original art, tapestries, rare books. Special events such as Tea & Tour or Victorian High Tea are available by arrangement. Tours are offered at 11am, 1pm, 2pm Sunday - Friday June - September; 11am, 2pm Tuesday - Saturday March, April, October, November; 11am, 2pm, Tuesday - Friday, May & December. Call 515-274-1777 for more information.
4025 Tonawanda Drive, Des Moines, IA
Science Center of Iowa
Hands-on interactive demonstrations, sensational planetarium programs and laser shows are all featured at the Science Center. Open 10am - 5pm Monday - Saturday; noon - 5pm Sunday year-round; closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Call 515-274-4138 for more information.
4500 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA
Sleepy Hollow Sports Park
Sixty-acre park features a nine-hole, par-three golf course; go-karts; miniature golf; driving range; batting range; climbing wall; mountain boarding; sand volleyball; and swimming area. Hayrack rides and Halloween activities are offered in the fall; winter activities include snow tubing, snowboarding and skiing. Located at 4051 Dean Avenue. Hours vary by activity, year-round. Call 515-262-4100 for more information.
State Historical Building
In a modern glass and granite building, discover an exciting, hands-on approach to exploring Iowa's past. This showcase of the State Historical Society of Iowa includes wildlife, American Indian and pioneer artifacts, political and military items, and a new permanent exhibit on Iowa's Civil War Battle flags. Antique aircraft in the atrium, lifelike museum exhibit settings, excellent historical records in the library. Enjoy the museum store and Terrace Cafe. Open 9am - 4:30pm Tuesday - Saturday; noon - 4:30pm Sunday. The Museum is open Monday June - August; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Call 515-281-5111 for more information.
600 E. Locust Street, Des Moines, IA
Terrace Hill
This 1869 opulent Victorian mansion, home of Iowa's governor, was built by Iowa's first millionaire, Benjamin F. Allen, and restored to the late 1800s period. It overlooks downtown Des Moines and is situated on eight and one-half acres with a re-created Victorian formal garden. Located at 2300 Grand Avenue, it is open 10am -1:30pm Tuesday -Saturday March - December; closed holidays. Call 515-281-3604 for more information.
2300 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA
Veterans Memorial Auditorium
This multi-purpose facility features more than 100,000 square feet of climate-controlled exhibit space, plus 9 large meeting rooms and flexible arena seating for 12,000. Iowa's central location for trade shows, conventions, concerts, sports and family entertainment. Call 515-323-5444 for more information.
833 Fifth Avenue, Des Moines, IA
Wallace House
This restored Italianate Victorian was home of the first Henry Wallace - national leader in agriculture and conservation, and editor of "Wallaces' Farmer." Exhibits include "Uncle Henry's Des Moines, 1880-1920," the Wallace Era of "Wallaces' Farmer," and a multimedia time line of the life of Henry A. Wallace. Located at 756 16th Street it is open 8am - noon / 1 - 5pm Monday - Friday. Call 515-243-7063 for more information.
756 16th Street, Des Moines, IA
White Water University Fun Park
Enjoy this water park with wave pool, tubing rides, water slides, lazy river, children's play pool, and hot tub. Play 18 holes of California-style golf, and ride Iowa's only twin-engine go-carts. Visit the ultimate haunted house at Halloween. The water park is open 11am - 7pm daily Memorial Day weekend - Labor Day. Mini-golf & go-carts operate 10am - 10pm daily June - August; weekends March - May & September - October. Call 515-265-4904 for more information.
5401 E. University Avenue, Des Moines, IA