About Des Moines
Des Moines is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Iowa. It is named after the Des Moines River, likely derived from the French Rivière des Moines meaning 'River of the Monks'. The city was incorporated in 1851 as Fort Des Moines and shortened to Des Moines in 1857. Its population was 214,133 at the 2020 census. The six-county Des Moines metropolitan area has an estimated 750,000 residents, the largest metropolitan area located entirely in Iowa. It is the county seat of Polk County, with parts south of County Line Road extending into Warren County.
Places to visit in Des Moines
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Iowa State Capitol
LandmarkA grand capitol with a gold-leaf dome and four smaller domes. Free tours show the ornate law library with its spiral staircases and the legislative chambers.
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John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park
ParkA free downtown park with large contemporary sculptures by internationally known artists, including Jaume Plensa's seated figure made of letters, set across open lawns that are pleasant for a stroll.
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Des Moines Art Center
Museum · 3 mi from centreA free art museum with buildings designed by three notable architects and a strong collection of modern and contemporary art, located beside Greenwood Park and its rose garden.
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Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
ParkA domed tropical conservatory and landscaped outdoor gardens along the Des Moines River, close to downtown and the East Village, with walking paths and seasonal plantings to enjoy year-round.
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East Village
NeighborhoodA walkable neighborhood between the river and the capitol lined with independent shops, restaurants, coffee houses and bars in historic brick buildings, good for an afternoon of browsing and dining.
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Blank Park Zoo
ZooA family-friendly zoo on the south side of the city with African and Australian sections, big cats, a carousel, and opportunities to feed giraffes and birds.
Where to stay in Des Moines
Popular hotels in Des Moines, out of 160 properties you can book.
Hampton Inn West Des Moines Lake Drive
From $81 per night
Hampton Inn & Suites West Des Moines/SW-Mall Area
From $112 per night
Hilton Garden Inn Des Moines/Urbandale
From $132 per night
Best Western Plus Des Moines West Inn & Suites
From $108 per night
Days Inn by Wyndham Des Moines-West Clive
From $61 per night
Hyatt Place West Des Moines/Jordan
From $98 per night
Hampton Inn & Suites Des Moines/Urbandale
From $108 per night
Country Inn Suites By Radisson Des Moines West Ia
From $90 per night
Sleep Inn Waukee West Des Moines
From $104 per night
Rewind West Des Moines Tapestry Collection Hilton
From $205 per night
Homewood Suites Hilton West Des Moines/SwMall Area
From $126 per night
Hilton Garden Inn West Des Moines
From $114 per night
Best time to visit Des Moines
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Des Moines is October, when average daytime highs are around 69°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Des Moines weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 72° 46° 2%
- Thu 22 Oct 74° 54° 0%
- Fri 23 Oct 75° 55° 0%
- Sat 24 Oct 76° 60° 6%
- Sun 25 Oct 66° 52° 8%
- Mon 26 Oct 52° 40° 13%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/ChicagoUTC−5
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Des Moines
These are the airports closest to central Des Moines. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- DSM Des Moines International Airport4 mi (7 km) from the city centre
Getting around Des Moines
The colder weather months (Nov-Feb) often bring snow and ice to area roads. Visitors who park their cars should be prepared in case their car is "snowed in" by snow removal trucks. Also, strict attention to parking rules and snow emergencies is recommended to avoid being towed away at the car owner's expense.
By rental car
The airport is a popular place to get a rental car and has the following rental companies present next to the baggage claim area: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National. There are other locations throughout the city to rent.
By bicycle
Drivers in Des Moines are generally courteous, and there is ample shoulder room or sidewalks to avoid a date with a jalopy. Some corridors to downtown have bike-only lanes and all city buses allow bikes on board.
Des Moines travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Des Moines?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Des Moines is October, when average daytime highs are around 69°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.
What is the weather like in Des Moines?
July is usually the warmest month in Des Moines, with average highs of 84°F (29°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 14°F (-10°C). The wettest month is typically June, with about 187 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Des Moines?
Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is the closest airport, about 4 miles (7 km) from the centre of Des Moines.
What time zone is Des Moines in?
Des Moines uses the America/Chicago time zone (currently UTC−5). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Des Moines?
The colder weather months (Nov-Feb) often bring snow and ice to area roads. Visitors who park their cars should be prepared in case their car is "snowed in" by snow removal trucks. Also, strict attention to parking rules and snow emergencies is recommended to avoid being towed away at the car owner's expense.
What are the best places to visit in Des Moines?
Top sights in Des Moines include Iowa State Capitol, John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Des Moines Art Center and Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. A grand capitol with a gold-leaf dome and four smaller domes. Free tours show the ornate law library with its spiral staircases and the legislative chambers.
Where should I stay in Des Moines?
Popular areas for hotels in Des Moines include West Des Moines and Johnston Area. Well-reviewed options include Hampton Inn West Des Moines Lake Drive and Hampton Inn & Suites West Des Moines/SW-Mall Area.
How many hotels can I book in Des Moines?
Destina Holidays currently lists 160 properties in and around Des Moines, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
