Des Moines — Five-Day Local Itinerary

Nine city blocks, 300+ vendors, 25,000 weekly visitors; locals arrive by 8 AM for best produce and breakfast from food trucks.

💡 May–October Saturdays only. Bring bags; most vendors take cards. Bike or walk to avoid parking.

East Village staple; fair-trade coffee, vegetarian-friendly, locals camp for hours.

💡 Comfort break option; veg-friendly.

Serves 3,000+ tenderloins weekly since 1952; People Magazine named it Iowa's best sandwich. Locals eat with pickles and yellow mustard.

💡 Order regular unless sharing; 'huge' is massive.

Downtown riverfront path; locals walk, run, and cycle. Connects to Pappajohn and Principal Park.

💡 Calm stretch; good for a post-lunch walk.

4.4-acre urban park with world-class sculptures; locals do lunch breaks, yoga, and sunset photos here.

💡 Always open; no admission.

60+ regional artists; wall art, books, jewelry. Where locals buy Des Moines-connected art.

💡 Rotating exhibits; good for souvenirs.

James Beard–nominated crab rangoon pizza; Food Network best pizza in Iowa. Locals love it or hate it—no middle ground.

💡 Crab rangoon or Late Night Breakfast pizza; pickle pizza for the brave.

Oldest neighborhood (National Register 1979); Victorian mansions, ~2,000 residents; 'only truly urban neighborhood in Des Moines.'

💡 Walk Woodland Ave and side streets; Halloween on the Hill is legendary.

1877 theater and mansion; concerts, theater, and community events. Cultural anchor of Sherman Hill.

💡 Check calendar for matinees or tours.

2-mile trail loop, kayak rental, beach area, pedestrian bridge with skyline views. Locals' favorite lake escape.

💡 Calm spot; sunset on the bridge is classic.

On Bill Riley Trail near Gray's Lake; patio for mid-bike beers, trivia Wed, live music Thu, food trucks.

💡 Family- and dog-friendly patio.

Drake neighborhood living room; all-day squatters welcome, paninis, wine, beer. Des Moines' premier third place.

💡 Comfort break; staff famously friendly.

Tree-lined streets, early 1900s homes, Mars Cafe and Smokey Row; where Des Moines families actually live.

💡 Walk between coffee shops and local shops.

Beaverdale local-foods co-op; Iowa farmers, artisan cheese, prepared foods, deli. Where serious local-food folks shop.

💡 Good for lunch and Iowa products.

1,500 acres of woods, trails, Raccoon River; disc golf, natural playground. Less crowded than Gray's Lake.

💡 Pick one trail or area; park is large.

West Des Moines historic district; Iowa-made products, boutiques, Saturday farmers market. Where locals buy real Iowa souvenirs.

💡 Sat market 8–12; some shops closed Sun/Mon.

Iowa-made since 1983; gift baskets, gourmet foods, John Deere gear, local artisan items. Locals buy gifts for out-of-state relatives here.

💡 Best for Iowa souvenirs and gourmet local foods.

Handcrafted prints and apparel with Des Moines landmarks—Capitol, Travelers umbrella, Gray's Lake. Distinct Midwest aesthetic.

💡 Locals buy for apartments and offices.

500-acre outdoor museum; Iowa farm life 1700s–1900s, 1876 town with blacksmith and schoolhouse. Locals bring kids for Little Farmers.

💡 Skip if you prefer a calm in-town day. Check hours/season.

13-mile trail from Ankeny to Woodward; 770-ft bridge, 13 stories high. Blue LEDs at night. Locals consider it one of the world's best rail trails.

💡 Need car to trailhead; bike rental in Ankeny. Best at dusk for lights.

Hands-on STEM; families and school groups. Good rainy-day or kid-friendly finale.

💡 Optional; good if you want one indoor cultural stop.