Elise & Chris
Things To Do
Des Moines' Downtown Farmers’ Market
The Des Moines Farmers market is one of the best in the Midwest! It occurs every Saturday from 7am - 12pm between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Make sure to check it out, if you can!
Iowa State Capitol Building
The Iowa State capitol building is beautiful! Definitely something you should check out if you have time. Tours are provided at no cost and occur Monday through Saturday. To schedule a tour, please call 515-281-5591.
Science Center (Great for Kids!)
Centrally located in Downtown Des Moines, the Science Center of Iowa features hands-on exhibits, special-format theaters and unique programming to encourage learning and fun for all ages. Children 12 and under are $9, adults are $13 and seniors (65+) are $9.
Blank Park Zoo (Great for Kids!)
Great for all ages, the Blank Park Zoo is a 49-acre zoological park located on the south side of Des Moines near historic Fort Des Moines. Admission is $8 for kids 12 and under, $14 for adults, and $9 for seniors (65+).
RAYGUN
Raygun is a must see before leaving Des Moines! It's the perfect store for out of towners, locals, and former Mid-westerns. Anyone looking to embrace their inner Iowan or wear hilarious T-shirts... go here.
Blue Sushi Sake Grill
We know "sushi" doesn't automatically come to mind when you think of good food in Iowa but trust us on this one. This place has great food, drinks and happy hour specials. We highly recommend the "Cowgirl" sushi roll. Especially for you non-seafood eaters (hint: there's no fish in it!)
Exile Brewing Company
Great food. Tasty beer. And a fun brewery tour (only Saturdays and Sundays though). Check it out if you have time!
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
The John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, built in 2009, features artwork by 25 of the world’s most celebrated artists. The 4.4 acre park, located within a major crossroads of the urban grid, creates a pedestrian-friendly entryway to downtown Des Moines. This accessible setting, coupled with the skilled landscape design and caliber of the art, makes it unlike any other sculpture park in the United States. The Pappajohns' contribution of 31 works for the park is the most significant donation of artwork ever made to the Des Moines Art Center.