Neu aus Des Moines

3 Days in Des Moines: Itinerary 2026 · 4 Antworten
Things to Do in Des Moines (2026) · 5 Antworten
Best Food in Des Moines (2026) · 5 Antworten

Des Moines

madeleine · 2026-10-14T22:29:17+02:00

**🏛️ Start at the Capitol** Begin your visit at the Iowa State Capitol, 1007 E Grand Ave, where free guided tours run hourly from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. The building's 275-foot dome is the only one in the U.S. covered in 23-karat gold leaf, and the law library on the second floor is a hidden gem. Afterward, walk two blocks to the State Historical Museum of Iowa, also free, to see the 1904 Wright Flyer and a massive mammoth skeleton. **🌳 Explore the Riverwalk** The Principal Riverwalk connects downtown to the East Village with a 1.2-mile loop of paved trails, public art, and the iconic Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge. Rent a B-cycle from one of six stations along the route for $1 per 30 minutes, or just stroll for free. In summer, the Friday night concert series at the Simon Estes Amphitheater draws locals with $5 craft beers and live blues. **🎨 Art and Culture Fix** The Pappajohn Sculpture Park, at 1330 Grand Ave, displays 28 large-scale works by artists like Claes Oldenburg and Jaume Plensa, and it's open daily from sunrise to midnight for free. For indoor art, the Des Moines Art Center at 4700 Grand Ave offers free admission and a strong collection of Edward Hopper and Georgia O'Keeffe. Check their website for Thursday evening lectures, often $10 for nonmembers. **🍔 Eat Like a Local** Skip the chains and head to the East Village for Zombie Burger + Drink Lab at 300 E Grand Ave, where the 'Walking Ched' burger (with fried mac and cheese buns) costs about $12. For a classic Iowa pork tenderloin, try B&B Grocery, Meat & Deli at 2001 SE 6th St, a family-run spot since 1922 that closes at 5:30 p.m. on weekdays. On Saturdays, the Downtown Farmers' Market fills Court Avenue from 7 a.m. to noon with 300 vendors, including the famous Bauder Pharmacy ice cream. **🌙 Evening Entertainment** Catch a minor league baseball game at Principal Park, 1 Line Dr, where the Iowa Cubs play from April to September; tickets start at $8 and Tuesday nights feature $2 hot dogs. For live music, the Vaudeville Mews at 212 4th St hosts indie bands for $10 to $15 cover, while the Des Moines Civic Center at 221 Walnut St brings Broadway tours like Hamilton in 2026. After the show, grab a nightcap at The Lift, a dimly lit cocktail bar at 222 4th St with $9 old fashioneds. **🚗 Getting Around Town** Des Moines is car-friendly, but downtown is walkable and DART buses cover most attractions for $1.75 per ride or $4 for a day pass. Ride-sharing is plentiful, with Uber from the airport to downtown costing about $20. If you're driving, metered parking is $1.50 per hour on weekdays, and the 7th & Grand ramp offers $5 flat rates after 5 p.m. and on weekends. **🌽 Seasonal Highlights** In late August, the Iowa State Fair at 3000 E Grand Ave draws over a million visitors for butter sculptures, deep-fried Oreos, and the famous Big Boar. Fall brings the World Food & Music Festival in September at Western Gateway Park, with free entry and dishes from 50 countries for $5 or less. Winter's highlight is the Festival of Trees at the Iowa Events Center in late November, where decorated trees and gingerbread houses raise funds for Blank Children's Hospital. **🛏️ Where to Stay** For a central location, the Des Moines Marriott Downtown at 700 Grand Ave puts you steps from the skywalk system and has rooms from $159 per night. Budget travelers should consider the Surety Hotel at 206 6th Ave, a restored 1913 building with a popular lobby bar and rates around $129. If you prefer boutique charm, the Hotel Fort Des Moines at 1000 Walnut St reopened in 2019 after a $50 million renovation and offers free bike rentals to guests.