Guide to Des Moines & Surrounding Areas
Things To Do & See 🎢 🎰
There is a reason Des Moines is the fastest-growing city in the Midwest. People like it here, and not only in a “great-place-to-raise-a-family” way, but in a “great-place-to-spend-a-weekend” way, too.
With more than 100 rides and attractions, the home of Iowa's best thrills is adding even more family fun with nine new rides. From hops to drops, and swings to sways, Adventureland has something new around every corner, and more ways for kids and parents to giggle, scream, and soar together.
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Adventureland
305 Adventureland DrWith more than 100 rides and attractions, the home of Iowa's best thrills is adding even more family fun with nine new rides. From hops to drops, and swings to sways, Adventureland has something new around every corner, and more ways for kids and parents to giggle, scream, and soar together.
Blank Park Zoo is "Iowa's Wildest Adventure!" Experience the wonders of nature found in the tropical rainforests, Australian Outback and Africa. The zoo offers educational classes, tours and rental facilities.
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Blank Park Zoo
7401 SW 9th StBlank Park Zoo is "Iowa's Wildest Adventure!" Experience the wonders of nature found in the tropical rainforests, Australian Outback and Africa. The zoo offers educational classes, tours and rental facilities.
Come see why Prairie Meadows Casino Racetrack & Hotel is your place to play. With more than 85,000 square feet of exciting casino action, Prairie Meadows has every game you want to play this side of Vegas. But the fun doesn’t stop there! Prairie Meadows also offers a wide variety of restaurants, live horse racing, and weekly entertainment.
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Prairie Meadows Casino, Hippodrome et Hôtel
1 Prairie Meadows DrCome see why Prairie Meadows Casino Racetrack & Hotel is your place to play. With more than 85,000 square feet of exciting casino action, Prairie Meadows has every game you want to play this side of Vegas. But the fun doesn’t stop there! Prairie Meadows also offers a wide variety of restaurants, live horse racing, and weekly entertainment.
The internationally acclaimed Iowa State Fair is the single largest event in the state of Iowa and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. With over 1 million attendees and 11 days, there are many things to celebrate for agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement at the Iowa State Fair.
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Iowa State Fairgrounds
3000 E Grand AveThe internationally acclaimed Iowa State Fair is the single largest event in the state of Iowa and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. With over 1 million attendees and 11 days, there are many things to celebrate for agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement at the Iowa State Fair.
Altoona Aquatic Park has a leisure pool, six-lane lap pool and a plunge pool along with two winding flume slides, a drop slide, a youth slide and a diving board.
Altoona Aquatics Park
1200 Venbury DriveAltoona Aquatic Park has a leisure pool, six-lane lap pool and a plunge pool along with two winding flume slides, a drop slide, a youth slide and a diving board.
Shopping 🛍
Catch a great deal at one of Greater Des Moines’ many shopping districts. Greater Des Moines is a centrally-located shopping destination with a blend of major, national retailers and unique, local boutiques. With several options right off the interstate, shopping in Des Moines is convenient, affordable and sure to result in some amazing finds. Did you know Iowa has a tax-free shopping holiday? Enjoy tax free shopping at Greater Des Moines retailers the first Friday and Saturday each August.
The only outlet mall in Greater Des Moines, Outlets of Des Moines is an open-air shopping destination conveniently located at the Interstate 80 and US-65 interchange in Altoona. Shop the biggest names in fashion including Michael Kors, kate spade new york, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Under Armour Factory House. Blend shopping with thrill-seeking by stopping at Adventureland Park and Adventure Bay or Prairie Meadows Casino Racetrack & Hotel, both located minutes away.
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Outlets of Des Moines
801 Bass Pro Dr NWThe only outlet mall in Greater Des Moines, Outlets of Des Moines is an open-air shopping destination conveniently located at the Interstate 80 and US-65 interchange in Altoona. Shop the biggest names in fashion including Michael Kors, kate spade new york, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Under Armour Factory House. Blend shopping with thrill-seeking by stopping at Adventureland Park and Adventure Bay or Prairie Meadows Casino Racetrack & Hotel, both located minutes away.
One of the larger outdoor recreation stores in Des Moines which includes a restaurant, bowling alley, and massive aquarium.
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Bass Pro Shops
1000 Bass Pro Dr NWOne of the larger outdoor recreation stores in Des Moines which includes a restaurant, bowling alley, and massive aquarium.
Valley West Mall is a premier shopping center offering the department stores JCPenney and Von Maur. Other stores include Victoria's Secret, Bath and Body Works, Boot Barn, Champs, Becky's Hallmark, The Buckle, Chipotle, Noodles & Company, Blaze Pizza, The Mac Shack and many more. Valley West Mall is just minutes from anywhere right off of I-235 Exit 1B.
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Valley West Mall station
Valley West Mall is a premier shopping center offering the department stores JCPenney and Von Maur. Other stores include Victoria's Secret, Bath and Body Works, Boot Barn, Champs, Becky's Hallmark, The Buckle, Chipotle, Noodles & Company, Blaze Pizza, The Mac Shack and many more. Valley West Mall is just minutes from anywhere right off of I-235 Exit 1B.
Arts & Culture 🎭 🎨
Catch the true arts and culture of Greater Des Moines. Hidden gems and best-kept secrets. Des Moines is symphony songs and breathtaking ballets. Hands-on science exhibits. Cheering bravo for a favorite act. Catch festivals celebrating ethnic heritage. A street corner guitarist. Improv theater. Galleries. Photography and architecture. Art transforming every downtown block. Catch a surprise around any corner. Catch an artful vibe of Des Moines.
Ballet Des Moines mission as a professional organization is to offer people of all ages an opportunity to experience world-class ballet. Ballet Des Moines' vision is to be an integral part of our vibrant arts community by delivering excellence in ballet performance.
Ballet Des Moines
655 Walnut StreetBallet Des Moines mission as a professional organization is to offer people of all ages an opportunity to experience world-class ballet. Ballet Des Moines' vision is to be an integral part of our vibrant arts community by delivering excellence in ballet performance.
Recognized by international art critics as a world-class museum in the heart of the Midwest, the Des Moines Art Center has amassed an important collection with a major emphasis on contemporary art. The collection is housed in three striking buildings, each designed by a world-renowned architect. With the exception of special events, admission to the museum is free. The Des Moines Art Center boasts outstanding exhibitions, educational programs, restaurant and museum gift shop.
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Des Moines Art Center
4700 Grand AveRecognized by international art critics as a world-class museum in the heart of the Midwest, the Des Moines Art Center has amassed an important collection with a major emphasis on contemporary art. The collection is housed in three striking buildings, each designed by a world-renowned architect. With the exception of special events, admission to the museum is free. The Des Moines Art Center boasts outstanding exhibitions, educational programs, restaurant and museum gift shop.
Home to the Des Moines Symphony and the Willis Broadway Series, our Civic Center often punches above its weight, landing hit Broadway shows such as Hamilton, Book of Mormon, and Mean Girls before much larger cities.
Des Moines Performing Arts
221 Walnut StHome to the Des Moines Symphony and the Willis Broadway Series, our Civic Center often punches above its weight, landing hit Broadway shows such as Hamilton, Book of Mormon, and Mean Girls before much larger cities.
One of the oldest and largest community theatres in the US, The Des Moines Community Playhouse presents a full season of musicals, dramas, comedies, and family shows each year. Popular past shows include "A Christmas Story, The Musical," "Sister Act," "Les Miserables," and 'Newsies."
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Des Moines Community Playhouse
831 42nd StOne of the oldest and largest community theatres in the US, The Des Moines Community Playhouse presents a full season of musicals, dramas, comedies, and family shows each year. Popular past shows include "A Christmas Story, The Musical," "Sister Act," "Les Miserables," and 'Newsies."
Founded in 1973, Des Moines Metro Opera is a nationally recognized, progressive opera company that has taken its place among America's leading opera festivals (typically late June – July), putting on such spectacles as Sweeney Tood. Located in an appropriately charming and beautiful setting in Indianola.
Des Moines Metro Opera
106 West Boston AvenueFounded in 1973, Des Moines Metro Opera is a nationally recognized, progressive opera company that has taken its place among America's leading opera festivals (typically late June – July), putting on such spectacles as Sweeney Tood. Located in an appropriately charming and beautiful setting in Indianola.
A historic entertainment venue in the Sheman Hill neighborhood, Hoyt Sherman Place features a public art gallery and beautifully restored, 1,200 seat performance theater hosting musical and comedic performances. Famous artists such as Jason Isbell, Buddy Guy and Band of Horses have performed here.
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Hoyt Sherman Place
1501 Woodland AveA historic entertainment venue in the Sheman Hill neighborhood, Hoyt Sherman Place features a public art gallery and beautifully restored, 1,200 seat performance theater hosting musical and comedic performances. Famous artists such as Jason Isbell, Buddy Guy and Band of Horses have performed here.
If the bombast of arena rock is more your thing, Wells Fargo Arena is the place to be. The largest venue in Iowa hosts national touring acts such as Elton John, Taylor Swift, Garth Brooks, and Cirque Du Soleil.
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Wells Fargo Arena
233 Center StIf the bombast of arena rock is more your thing, Wells Fargo Arena is the place to be. The largest venue in Iowa hosts national touring acts such as Elton John, Taylor Swift, Garth Brooks, and Cirque Du Soleil.