Des Moines Attractions and Activities
Shopping
The biggest mall in West Des Moines if you're interested in shopping. It's also home to Century Theatre Cinema and is surrounded by a variety of good restaurants.
51 locals recommend
Jordan Creek Town Center
101 Jordan Creek PkwyThe biggest mall in West Des Moines if you're interested in shopping. It's also home to Century Theatre Cinema and is surrounded by a variety of good restaurants.
Activities
If climbing is your thing (it is for me), take visit to our largest climbing gym in Des Moines, where you'll find a variety of top rope, lead climbing, and bouldering routes available.
8 locals recommend
Climb Iowa - Grimes
3605 SE Miehe DrIf climbing is your thing (it is for me), take visit to our largest climbing gym in Des Moines, where you'll find a variety of top rope, lead climbing, and bouldering routes available.
A smaller branch off the original Climb Iowa location, this brand-new, state-of-the-art bouldering-only gym is found in the East Village, right new to Peach Tree Brewing Company (if you’d like to grab a beer and bite after climbing).
Climb Iowa
150 E 4th StA smaller branch off the original Climb Iowa location, this brand-new, state-of-the-art bouldering-only gym is found in the East Village, right new to Peach Tree Brewing Company (if you’d like to grab a beer and bite after climbing).
Interested in Salsa dancing? On Thursday nights, Lime has a salsa dancing night starting at 9pm till close. They offer a free 1-hour class taught by Salsa Des Moines, which begins at 8pm. All you have to do is show up!
8 locals recommend
Lime Lounge
435 E Grand AveInterested in Salsa dancing? On Thursday nights, Lime has a salsa dancing night starting at 9pm till close. They offer a free 1-hour class taught by Salsa Des Moines, which begins at 8pm. All you have to do is show up!
SMASH PARK
6625 Coachlight DrFood AND games, games, games!
On Saturday mornings during the summer months, Des Moines hosts a weekly Farmers' Market on Court Avenue!
41 locals recommend
Des Moines' Downtown Farmers’ Market
300 Court AveOn Saturday mornings during the summer months, Des Moines hosts a weekly Farmers' Market on Court Avenue!
If you like drinks + arcades, check out this fun little bar in the East Village!
30 locals recommend
Up-Down
500 E Locust StIf you like drinks + arcades, check out this fun little bar in the East Village!
High Trestle Trail
Lake Ahquabi State Park
16510 118th AveFlix Brewhouse
3800 Merle Hay RdDinner and movie at the same time!
Sightseeing
East Village
Food, bars, coffee shops, and all kinds of shopping
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
1330 Grand AveGrays Lake
Saylorville Lake
Iowa State Capitol
1007 E Grand AveDes Moines Art Center
4700 Grand AveWater Works Park
2201 George Flagg PkwyLedges State Park
1515 P AveReiman Gardens
1407 University BlvdFood scene
Court Avenue
Court AvenuePopular street for bar hopping and live music!