Location: Des Moines
Top Things to do in Des Moines
10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Des Moines That You Shouldn't Miss
Today the capital city and cultural center of Iowa is revitalized. A versatile destination everyone will enjoy, Des Moines has an itinerary for almost every interest. Culture and art enthusiasts may want to roam through the Des Moines Art Center, spend the weekend museum-hopping or attend a Broadway-caliber performance at the Civic Center. Golfers can spend their time and energy teeing up at any of the area's fine championship courses. The Blank Park Zoo and the Iowa State Fairgrounds should be on the list for families. And gardeners will savor the fantastic blooms at the Botanical Center and the Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden. Mix it up a little and sample all this "big city with a small town heart" has to offer.
Restaurants in Des Moines
1. Capitol Building
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 841 reviews
Reviewed By PaulS5336
The Iowa state capitol is wondrous. It’s as much an architectural and artistic showcase as it is the seat of state government. If you have the time and interest, I would recommend taking the approximately 90-minute free tour to see and learn about the history and design of this hand-built edifice. Randi was the guide of our group and she provided a comprehensive tour that contained a multitude of information. At the same time, she made the presentation engaging and accessible, and she took time to answer all of our questions.
2. East Village Spa
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
East Village Spa is a treatment-focused spa that opened in 2008. We are not a large resort spa (no locker room facilities), but are dedicated to providing skilled and effective treatments with caring, experienced massage therapists, estheticians, and nail technicians. We offer skilled massage, customized Rhonda Allison and Hydrafacial, and incredibly safe nail care and waxing. Our regular clients are like family to our providers and we're eager to meet new clients or offer suggestions of local favorite places to out-of-town guests. We are proud to be a part of the East Village community and encourage our visitors to enjoy all that the neighborhood has to offer before or after their spa visit!
Reviewed By 763feliciav
I visit East Village spa monthly for a facial and waxing with Camille. Camille is very knowledgeable, she addresses issues when I have skin care concerns. She always makes me feel welcome???? I leave feeling refreshed, relaxed, and my skin looks amazing. From the ladies at the desk who always have a smile and a welcoming hello, to the highly skilled massage therapists, esthetician’s who truly care about skin care, to the nail experts who leave you feeling pampered.....Cassie and her team are top notch!!!!
3. EC Tactical Lazer Tag Des Moines
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
We offer a unique laser tag experience featuring realistic simulated weapons and objective based gameplay. No bulky vests, no cheap feeling plastic guns, and no black lights. Our massive arena features multi-level building to building combat centered around an urban environment. Our guns are state of the art SMGs, M4s, and AKs with realistic fire, reload, and hit recognition.
4. Noce Jazz Club
5. Salisbury House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 154 reviews
The King's House in Salisbury, England, was the inspiration for this Tudor mansion.
Reviewed By Rbb599 - Camp Verde, United States
I was so excited to go back as an adult. I went on a field trip there as a kid and loved it. I do love houses with a history. This one is interesting from the different periods of architecture to the story behind the vision. Once you enter and pay ($10 you can roam where you wish. I think for an hour and 15 min. Don’t miss the informational video playing in what was the kitchen. The the grounds must beautiful in the summer, I went in March. You can also roam outside too. Groups are limited in sizes and there were about 4 or so time slots each day open. I called and reserved my spot.
6. Des Moines Art Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 294 reviews
This internationally acclaimed museum houses impressive works by artists of the 19th and 20th centuries, including Edward Hopper, Georgia O'Keefe and Henri Matisse. The center, which also offers art classes, consists of three buildings, each designed by a celebrated architect: Eliel Saarinen, I.M. Pei and Richard Meier.
Reviewed By L3097CZcarolb
If you like contemporary art, this museum is for you. A smallish, but very well curated collection and several special exhibits made this a highlight of our recent trip. The friendly staff was knowledgeable and contributed to our understanding of one of the special exhibits. Also, the building itself (really three buildings) was interesting, and there is a lovely garden on the grounds. A little out of the way, but worth it!
7. The Temple for Performing Arts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
8. Terrace Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
Historic Governor's mansion.
Reviewed By ksufan88 - Wichita, United States
Currently, tours are limited to one family at a time. Dates and times are on their website. We were fortunate to visit on Wednesday, July 8th (one day after their reopening). You must book a tour in advance and can only walk on the grounds around the house if you have a tour. You first watch an introductory 12 minute video and the a tour guide (we had Gary) walked you through the first floor of this amazing home. The woodwork and furnishings are fabulous. Our tour took a full hour and we learned much about the house, families that have lived here, and some of the interesting artifacts in the home. The second floor is not currently open for tours.
9. State Historical Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 186 reviews
Reviewed By McKGil23 - Iowa City, United States
Some very cool exhibits highlighting our state. Across from the capital near everything downtown. Was a joy to see some history of our state.
