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Des Moines

USA (IA)

Iowa's Friendly Capital

A gold-domed capitol, a renowned sculpture park, and the nation's most-loved State Fair — Des Moines is small-city polish at its best.

Things to do

Iowa State Capitol
must-see
23-karat gold-leaf dome, free tours, and panoramic city views.
1.5 hrs · Free · attraction
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
must-see
4.4 acres of monumental contemporary sculpture in the heart of downtown — free.
1 hr · Free · culture
Des Moines Art Center
recommended
Eliel Saarinen, I.M. Pei, and Richard Meier all designed wings of this stunning free museum.
1.5 hrs · Free · culture
Des Moines Farmers' Market (Sat)
recommended
May–Oct, 9 blocks of vendors — one of the largest farmers' markets in the US.
2 hrs · Free entry · food
East Village shops and dining
optional
Boutique-lined district at the foot of the capitol — Zombie Burger and Eatery A.
2 hrs · $15–35 · shopping