Best of Des Moines, IA
Capital of Iowa
About Des Moines
Des Moines serves as the capital and most populous city in Iowa, named after the river likely derived from the French phrase for 'River of the Monks.' Incorporated in 1851 as Fort Des Moines, it anchors the state's largest metropolitan area entirely within Iowa. The city remains the county seat of Polk County, with some sections extending into Warren County.
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Hessen Haus
Hessen Haus is a German restaurant located at 101 4th Street.
View details →The best of Des Moines
Best Restaurants in Des Moines
117 places · Where to eat, from neighborhood staples to standout kitchens.
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801 Chophouse
801 Chophouse is a steak house located in the Downtown neighborhood.
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Abelardo's Mexican Restaurant
Abelardo's Mexican Restaurant serves Mexican cuisine in the Capitol East neighborhood.
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All Pho You
All Pho You is a Vietnamese restaurant located in the Waveland Park neighborhood.
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Angry Goldfish Pub & Eatery
Angry Goldfish Pub & Eatery is a restaurant located in the Indianola Hills neighborhood.
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Bernardo's Burritos
Bernardo's Burritos serves Mexican cuisine in the Court District.
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Buzzard Billy's
Buzzard Billy's serves regional cuisine in the Downtown neighborhood.
Best Cafés & Coffee in Des Moines
18 places · Coffee shops, roasters and casual spots to linger.
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Black Cat Ice Cream
Black Cat Ice Cream serves as a café in the Western Gateway neighborhood.
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Daisy Chain Coffee
Daisy Chain Coffee is a café located in the East Village neighborhood.
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Grounds For Celebration
Grounds For Celebration is a coffee shop located in the Beaverdale neighborhood.
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Horizon Line Coffee
Horizon Line Coffee is a café located in the Western Gateway neighborhood.
Best Bars & Nightlife in Des Moines
70 places · Cocktail bars, pubs and where the night goes.
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300 Craft & Rooftop
Located in the Court District, 300 Craft & Rooftop is a bar offering an elevated setting for drinks. The venue provides a space to unwind within this specific neighborhood.
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Big Grove Brewery & Taproom
Big Grove Brewery & Taproom operates as a bar in the Western Gateway neighborhood.
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Confluence Brewing Company
Confluence Brewing Company operates as a bar in the Grays Lake neighborhood.
Best Things to Do in Des Moines
20 places · Museums, landmarks and the experiences worth your time.
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Iowa Hall of Pride
Iowa Hall of Pride is an attraction located in the Downtown neighborhood.
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Liz Lidgett Gallery & Design
Liz Lidgett Gallery & Design is an attraction located in the East Village.
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Salisbury House
Located in the Salisbury Oaks neighborhood, this Tudor, Gothic and Carolean style manor home sits on a wooded hill with commanding views. The property is owned and operated by the Salisbury House Foundation and is open to the public for tours, public events, and private rentals.
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Science Center of Iowa
Located in the Court District, the Science Center of Iowa is an attraction for visitors to explore.
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World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
Located in the Court District, this attraction occupies the historic Old Downtown Des Moines Library building. It currently houses the Norman E. Borlaug | World Food Prize Hall of Laureates.
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Heritage Carousel of Des Moines
Located in the Union Park neighborhood, the Heritage Carousel of Des Moines is a local attraction for visitors and residents alike.
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Richard L. Easter Museum Complex
Located in the Laurel Hill neighborhood, the Richard L. Easter Museum Complex serves as a local attraction.
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State of Iowa Historical Building
The State of Iowa Historical Building is an attraction located in the East Village.
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Andringa Family Foundation Little Hands on the Farm
Andringa Family Foundation Little Hands on the Farm is an attraction located in the Fairground neighborhood.
Best Shops in Des Moines
35 places · Independent boutiques, bookstores and places to browse.
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Andy's Frame Shop
Andy's Frame Shop operates as a local shop in the Woodland Heights neighborhood.
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Beaverdale Books
Beaverdale Books is a shop located in the Beaverdale neighborhood.
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Five Monkeys Inc.
Five Monkeys Inc. is a shop located in the Ingersoll Park neighborhood.
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Fontenelle Supply Co.
Fontenelle Supply Co. is a shop located in the East Village.
Best Parks & Outdoors in Des Moines
43 places · Green space, gardens and room to breathe.
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Ashfield Park
Ashfield Park is a green space located in the Capitol East neighborhood.
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Bates Park
Bates Park is located in the River Bend neighborhood. The site includes the Bates Park Historic District, which has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1996.
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Cohen Park
Cohen Park is a public green space located in the Capitol View South neighborhood.
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Columbus Park
Columbus Park is a green space located in the McKinley School/Columbus Park neighborhood.
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Easton Basin Park
Easton Basin Park is a green space located in the Accent neighborhood.
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Easttown Park
Easttown Park is a public green space located in the Accent neighborhood.
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Fairmont Park
Fairmont Park is a park located in the Fairmont Park neighborhood.
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MacRae Park
MacRae Park is a green space located in the Grays Lake neighborhood.
Nearby cities to explore
More guides within driving distance of Des Moines.
- West Des Moines, IA 28 places
- Urbandale, IA 13 places
- Clive, IA 335 places
- Johnston, IA 41 places
- Altoona, IA 116 places
- Ankeny, IA 159 places
- Grimes, IA 50 places
- Waukee, IA 51 places