Things To Do
Des Moines' Downtown Farmers’ Market
The Des Moines Farmer's Market is one of the best farmer's markets in the nation. Come out on a Saturday anytime between 7am and noon to experience a wide variety of local stands including plenty of food and other artisan goods from not only Iowa but also all over the world!
Iowa Orchard U-Pick
One of our first dates up here in Iowa. Have a blast picking fresh apples of all different kinds straight off the trees at this awesome Orchard. Or come back in the summer for fresh strawberries!
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
The botanical gardens here are right next to the main river that goes through the city. Its a fun landscape and an opportunity to learn about wildlife!
Des Moines Art Center
A fun little gallery here in Des Moines!
Black Cat Ice Cream Valley Junction
One of our favorite ice cream shops in the area, featuring ice cream in the shape of chicken nuggets haha! There are two locations. The Valley Junction one is closer to where we live, but the downtown location tends to have crazier flavors.
Exile Brewing Company
One of our favorite frequent breweries, and right down the street from a local comedy club. Drinks and jokes? What could be better?
Smash Park Des Moines
Grab a drink and play some pickle ball at the place where the proposal happened
Up-Down DSM
Great place to enjoy some drinks and play some old school arcade games! We love to come here on the occasion and hang out with our friends!
Coffee Cats Cafe
A super cute little coffee shop/cat cafe spot that we love go to for a brew and to play with ALL the cats! (Reservations for cats required)
Crème
One of our favorite bakeries in town. It's asian owned and LGBT supportive, and they have boozy boba concoctions!
ChaCha’s Hiland Bakery
A local bakery in the area that does all sorts of delicious sweet deserts. They're so amazing that we chose them to make our cakes!
High Trestle Trail
This is one of Iowa's most famous pedestrian/bike trails featuring a high bridge crossing the Des Moines river! If you're afraid of heights, we don't recommend crossing the bridge!
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
A fun sculpture park located in downtown Des Moines!
Topgolf Des Moines
A smaller Top Golf location that doesn't get too busy!
The Vineyard at St. Charles - Wedding Venue
This is where the ceremony and reception will be! Check it out on the map above to get a good idea on distance between recommendations!