🇺🇸 Des Moines — your itinerary
5 days · 6h of activities · $25 per person in tickets & dining
Day-by-day plan
Day 1 — Arrival
2026-08-05
1h 30m · $0
Light afternoon after travel — ease into the city.
- 14:30→ 16:00Afternoon🏛️Iowa State Capitol23-karat gold-leaf dome, free tours, and panoramic city views.1h 30m · Free · must-see
Day 2
2026-08-06
2h 30m · $0
- 09:30→ 10:30Morning🎭Pappajohn Sculpture Park4.4 acres of monumental contemporary sculpture in the heart of downtown — free.1h · Free · must-see
- 14:00→ 15:30Afternoon🎭Des Moines Art CenterEliel Saarinen, I.M. Pei, and Richard Meier all designed wings of this stunning free museum.1h 30m · Free · recommended
Day 3
2026-08-07
2h · $25
- 09:30→ 11:30Morning🛍️East Village shops and diningBoutique-lined district at the foot of the capitol — Zombie Burger and Eatery A.2h · $15–35 · optional
Day 4
2026-08-08
0m · $0
Free time — explore on your own.
Day 5 — Departure
2026-08-09
0m · $0
Quick morning visit before heading to the airport.
Free time — explore on your own.
Budget breakdown
1 traveler · 5 days
| Category | Per person | Per person |
|---|---|---|
Attractions & activities Entry tickets and activity fees from your plan. | $25 | $25 |
Restaurants (dinner each day) Midpoint of cost ranges; lunch usually $10-20 extra per day. | $0 | $0 |
Lodging (estimate, mid-range) 4 nights × ~$140/night | $560 | $560 |
Local transport (estimate) 5 days of metro / taxis / ride share. | $75 | $75 |
| Total trip estimate | $660 | $660 |
Mid-range estimates. Travel hackers can cut 30-40%; luxury 2-3×. Lodging assumes mid-range hotel/Airbnb.