Visit Des Moines

Experience the magic of heartland hospitality, beautiful parks, and discover why Des Moines is Iowa's vibrant Capital City

State Capitol
Gray's Lake Park
Farm-to-Table Dining

Welcome to Des Moines

Des Moines is Iowa's Capital City and a vibrant metropolis located in the heart of the Midwest, known for its beautiful parks, state fair, and growing food scene. This dynamic city is known for its heartland hospitality, beautiful parks, and unique "Capital City" personality that has shaped the Iowa region for generations.

From the iconic State Capitol and Gray's Lake Park to the beautiful Pappajohn Sculpture Park and Des Moines Art Center, Des Moines offers visitors a perfect blend of government institutions, cultural experiences, and Iowa hospitality. The city also boasts Water Works Park, East Village, and some of the best farm-to-table dining in America.

214,133 Population
955 ft Elevation
200 Sunny Days

📊 Travel Information & Statistics

Essential travel data to help you plan your perfect Des Moines adventure

Best Time to Travel

Spring (March-May) Baseball season, outdoor activities, perfect weather
Fall (September-November) Comfortable temperatures, outdoor recreation, cultural events
Peak Season March-May, September-November (Spring and Fall tourism)

Average Temperature

Jan 22°F / 34°F
Apr 45°F / 58°F
Jul 68°F / 84°F
Oct 48°F / 62°F

Humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters

Airports

Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

Main airport, 6 miles from downtown Des Moines

  • Major airlines: American, Delta, Southwest, United, Allegiant
  • Direct flights to major US cities
  • Rental car services available

Ankeny Regional Airport (IKV)

Alternative airport, 15 miles from downtown Des Moines

  • General aviation and charter flights
  • Private aircraft services
  • Shuttle services to Des Moines

Travel Statistics

Annual Visitors 5+ million
Hotel Rooms 8,000+
Restaurants 1,200+
Cultural Attractions 50+
Average Hotel Price $120/night
Public Transit DART bus system

Flight Statistics

Daily Flights 2,500+
Direct Destinations 200+ cities
Average Flight Price $350
Peak Travel Months Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Major Airlines 10+ carriers
On-time Performance 85%

Airport Operations

Terminals 1
Gates 200+
Parking Spaces 50,000+
Rental Car Companies 15
Distance to Downtown 17 miles
Ground Transportation Shuttle, Taxi, Bus

Local Transportation

Rail Lines 8 lines
Bus Frequency 5-15 min
Fare $2.50
Operating Hours 4AM-1AM
Bike Share Stations 600+
Ride Share Uber, Lyft

Cultural & Entertainment

Cultural Attractions 200+
Sports Venues 15+
Entertainment Districts 20+
Movie Theaters 25
Museums 60+
Annual Events 400+

Outdoor Recreation

Lake Michigan Water recreation
Bike Paths 200+ miles
Golf Courses 25
Millennium Park Urban recreation
Parks 600+
Weather Year-round activities

Popular Destinations & Demographics

Top Domestic Origin New York
Top International Origin Canada
Popular Airlines American, United
Average Age 35 years
Financial Industry 30%
Average Stay 3.2 days

Shopping & Retail

Cultural Attractions 200+
Sports Venues 15+
Average Spending $450/person
Financial Industry $15B annually
Tax Rate 10.25%
Popular Items Deep-Dish Pizza, Architecture, Culture

Safety & Health

Crime Rate Low
Hospitals 15 major
Urgent Care Centers 50+
Pharmacies 100+
Emergency Services 24/7
Tourist Safety Excellent

🚗 Rent a Car in Des Moines

Explore Des Moines and the beautiful Iowa heartland at your own pace with a rental car

🌟 Top Attractions in Des Moines

Discover the must-see destinations and experiences in Iowa's Capital City

State Capitol

State Capitol

Experience Des Moines' iconic State Capitol featuring stunning architecture, government history, guided tours, and the political heart of one of America's most important state capitals.

Year-round 1-3 hours Downtown Des Moines
Visit Free Free admission Read More
Gray's Lake Park

Gray's Lake Park

Discover Des Moines' beautiful Gray's Lake Park featuring walking trails, boating, fishing, and outdoor recreation that make it one of Des Moines' most popular attractions and a premier outdoor destination.

Year-round 2-4 hours South Des Moines
Visit Free Free admission Read More
Farm-to-Table Dining

Farm-to-Table Dining

Experience Des Moines' growing farm-to-table dining scene featuring local ingredients, fresh produce, innovative cuisine, and culinary experiences that showcase Iowa's agricultural heritage and food culture.

Year-round 1-3 hours Throughout Des Moines
Explore Various prices Read More
Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Explore Pappajohn Sculpture Park featuring outdoor art installations, beautiful landscaping, and cultural experiences that make it one of Des Moines' most important attractions and a premier art destination.

Year-round 1-3 hours Downtown Des Moines
Visit Free Free admission Read More
Des Moines Art Center

Des Moines Art Center

Visit the Des Moines Art Center featuring world-class art collections, special exhibitions, educational programs, and cultural experiences that showcase Des Moines' artistic excellence and cultural heritage.

Year-round 2-4 hours Greenwood Park
Visit Free Free admission Read More
Water Works Park

Water Works Park

Experience Water Works Park featuring beautiful trails, river views, outdoor recreation, and natural beauty that showcase Des Moines' commitment to green spaces and outdoor lifestyle.

Year-round 1-3 hours West Des Moines
Visit Free Free admission Read More

🍽️ Des Moines' Farm-to-Table & Heartland Flavors

Savor the flavors of Iowa's farm-to-table and heartland culinary heritage with Des Moines' diverse dining scene

Farm-to-Table & Heartland Flavors

Experience Des Moines' diverse farm-to-table dining scene featuring local ingredients, fresh produce, traditional Iowa-style dishes, and innovative culinary experiences that showcase the region's rich food culture and Iowa heritage.

Top Farm-to-Table Restaurants:

  • Proof
  • Alba Restaurant
  • Flying Mango
Read More About Farm-to-Table & Heartland Flavors

Des Moines Cuisine & Local Flavors

Discover Des Moines' diverse food culture featuring farm-to-table restaurants, fine dining, and innovative culinary experiences influenced by the city's heartland hospitality and Iowa heritage.

Must-Try Local Spots:

  • Farm-to-Table Restaurants
  • East Village
  • Downtown Eateries
Read More About Des Moines' Food Scene

🏨 Where to Stay in Des Moines

Find the perfect accommodation for your Des Moines adventure

✈️ Find Flights to Des Moines

Search for the best flight deals to Des Moines International Airport (DSM) or Ankeny Regional Airport (IKV)

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