While it\u2019s best known as the capital city of Iowa, there are plenty of unique things to do in Des Moines that make it stand out. This spirited city hosts a rich art scene, diverse culinary experiences, and lots of local staples and traditions. To help us discover all the must-sees in the city, we reached out to some local residents for expert advice.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re living in an <\/span>apartment in Des Moines, IA<\/span><\/a>, renting a <\/span>house in the city<\/span><\/a>, or buying a <\/span>home in the area<\/span><\/a>, there is something for everyone in this Midwestern hub.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Cristin and her husband Jarrett, founders of <\/span>Wake Up Iowa<\/span><\/a>, have been roasting and selling coffee in eastern Iowa for over a decade. Their new location serves espresso in the <\/span>Lower Beaver neighborhood<\/span><\/a>, where they have already discovered a number of unique things to do in Des Moines. Here are some of Cristin\u2019s top recommendations:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Some of the best unique things to do in Des Moines involve getting outside to explore the city\u2019s natural beauty. \u201cFor me, <\/span>Gray\u2019s Lake Park<\/span><\/a> is a fantastic place to experience the outdoors here, especially in the warmer months,\u201d shares Deep from local artisan cafe <\/span>Mayalu Coffee<\/span><\/a>. \u201cIf it\u2019s above 40 degrees outside, you\u2019ll see locals walking or running on the paths of this community hub.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Canoe There is a Des Moines video production company<\/span><\/a> that specializes in outdoor documentary, tourism, and economic development. They had some excellent recommendations to add to help you explore outdoors:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cBetween Des Moines\u2019s bustling downtown, quaint <\/span>neighborhoods<\/span><\/a>, local shops, and famous bike trails lies a hidden network of beauty and exploration that is just beginning to be tapped. <\/span>Des Moines\u2019s ICON Water Trails<\/span><\/a> is an up and coming recreational feature that offers countless miles of paddling, boating, swimming, fishing, and more. The crown jewel, the Des Moines River, will soon also feature a white water paddling course in the middle of its downtown right next to <\/span>Lauridsen Skatepark<\/span><\/a>, the largest skatepark in the country.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Looking for <\/span>bikeable cities<\/span><\/a>? Whether you\u2019re just trying to get from point A to point B, or looking for an out of the box way to see the sites, hopping on an e-bike is a great way to explore all the unique things to do in Des Moines. Blanca from family-style Mexican restaurant <\/span>El Fogon<\/span><\/a> in <\/span>West Des Moines<\/span><\/a> can\u2019t recommend it enough:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWe love riding our bikes all over the Des Moines metro. There are countless beautiful, well-maintained bike trails that stretch for miles. We\u2019ve even ridden up to 40 miles in a single day. We got our e-bike from <\/span>Bike World<\/span><\/a> on 50th Street. We had such a great experience with them. Since then, we\u2019ve made incredible memories exploring the DSM metro on two wheels.\u201d \u201cDes Moines has a lot to offer with its art scene,\u201d shares professional multimedia artist <\/span>Ben Schuh<\/span><\/a>. \u201cFrom the <\/span>Pappajohn Sculpture Park<\/span><\/a> downtown to the <\/span>Des Moines Art Center<\/span><\/a>, the collections are on display at no charge. Take in numerous iconic murals throughout the city before visiting one of the several amazing galleries and studios, like Mainframe Studios, a dedicated building with five floors supporting local artists and arts based organizations.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cAn event I never want to miss is the annual <\/span>Des Moines Arts Festival<\/span><\/a> in June,\u201d adds Brittany, owner of <\/span>Pointed North<\/span><\/a> boutique, which you can find online or at various pop ups around Des Moines. \u201cIt\u2019s a weekend reserved for our city to show off with music, art, and food. There\u2019s an addictive buzz to the atmosphere that makes it my favorite weekend of the summer. Meet unique artists from all over the country, discover a new band, and mingle with friends. You might even find something you didn\u2019t expect to love.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Des Moines is defined by its neighborhoods. From busy downtown hubs to peaceful hideaways, there are a variety of spots to get to know in this city. \u201cSpending a day in the historic <\/span>Highland Park neighborhood<\/span><\/a> is one of the most charming ways to explore Des Moines,\u201d says Shelby from the local <\/span>Art Terrarium<\/span><\/a> where you can find beautiful houseplants, pottery, and even plant care workshops to help you with your <\/span>indoor garden<\/span><\/a>. \u201cStroll through this vibrant area and discover its unique mix of local hidden gems, from an independent bookstore to a sustainable home goods shop, cozy coffee spots, a delightful bakery, and vintage shops filled with treasures.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cHighland park used to be a bustling part of town when we used streetcars, and has now been given new life by small business owners,\u201d adds Laura, owner of <\/span>Laura Wills Photography<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s a place I really enjoy visiting. As a small business owner myself, shopping locally is one of my favorite unique things to do in Des Moines. I was introduced to a number of other small businesses at a pop-up event at the local <\/span>Kalon Bridal Studio<\/span><\/a>, which was a great way to shop baked goods, handmade wooden goods, and so much more. I also love the unique and useful items from <\/span>Des Moines Mercantile<\/span><\/a>, and grabbing a coffee from <\/span>The Slow Down<\/span><\/a> is always necessary.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n When considering what unique things to do in Des Moines, you can\u2019t forget to dig into the local cuisine to help picture <\/span>life in Des Moines, IA<\/span><\/a>. You\u2019ll find a hang out fit for every craving in these neighborhood hidden gems.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI frequent many of the incredible coffee shops Des Moines has to offer,\u201d shares Alecca, owner of <\/span>Alecca Synclair Photography<\/span><\/a>. \u201cPlaces like <\/span>Chain & Spoke<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Northern Vessel<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>Horizon Line<\/span><\/a> are all perfect for a midday getaway, a place to meet a friend, or a spot to get some work done.\u201d As a small business owner herself, Alecca especially loves the way local small businesses like these shops create spaces for the community to work, gather, and create.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Pay a visit to <\/span>Chuck\u2019s Restaurant<\/span><\/a>, a local staple since 1956, for some old school Italian vibes and recipes. Their homemade thin-crust pizza and crispy onion rings are long-time favorites that will have you returning again and again. \u201cFor another unique activity to do in Des Moines, explore <\/span>Riverview Park<\/span><\/a> down the road from us,\u201d adds Emily, owner of Chuck\u2019s. \u201cThey always have fun summer events and a beautiful playground.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For something to tame your sweet tooth, head to the <\/span>Beaverdale neighborhood<\/span><\/a> to check out local scratch confectioner <\/span>Beaverdale Confections<\/span><\/a>. Their nostalgic shop specializes in handmade candies, chocolates, marshmallows, and more. They\u2019re perfect for your <\/span>at-home date night<\/span><\/a> \u2013 or just to treat yourself.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Are you looking for something a little more out of the box? Make sure you take some time to explore <\/span>Either\/Or<\/span><\/a> on Grand Avenue near <\/span>Valley Junction<\/span><\/a>. Here\u2019s what they had to share about their unique space:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cEither\/Or offers elevated yet familiar American fare with a focus on quality over all else. Our massive outdoor space includes a covered patio for dining, five fire pits, a children\u2019s play-scape, and an acre of greenspace overlooking the Aliber soccer fields and the bike path. <\/span>Either <\/span><\/i>step inside to be immersed in a homey, eclectic vibe filled with vibrant textures, <\/span>Or <\/span><\/i>ground yourself outdoors in the backyard patio party.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n It\u2019s important to consider the <\/span>pros and cons of moving to Des Moines, IA<\/span><\/a> before making the leap, as with any move. But with so many unique things to do in Des Moines, this Midwestern hub is definitely worth exploring. With these expert recommendations, you\u2019re sure to find the true spirit of Iowa\u2019s capitol in no time. <\/span>![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.apartmentguide.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/City-view_shutterstock_2112383447.jpg\")
<\/p>\nWhat stands out most from a new Des Moines resident\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.apartmentguide.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Prospect-Photo-Canoe-There_bending-branches-0017.jpg\")
Exciting outdoor recreation awaits\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.apartmentguide.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Bike_murillo-de-paula-o2FCfhNSjPo-unsplash.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n
<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.apartmentguide.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Aerial-Sculpture-Park_shutterstock_2182103579.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSee the spirit of the city through its art scene\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.apartmentguide.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Shop-small_shutterstock_2287345617.jpg\")
<\/p>\nShop small in Highland Park\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.apartmentguide.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Prospect-Photo-Laura-Wills-Photography_KBS-II-May2024-38_websize.jpg\")
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.apartmentguide.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Cafe_shutterstock_2435005983.jpg\")
<\/p>\nTry these local eats and special treats\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"Chocolate](\"https:\/\/www.apartmentguide.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Prospect-Photo-Beaverdale-Confections_image0-768x1024.jpg\")
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.apartmentguide.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Prospect-Photo-EitherOr_Either-Or_Vibes-48-774x1024.jpg\")
\n
Unique things to do in Des Moines: A hidden gem in the Midwest<\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/span>
<\/span>Moving to Des Moines? Use our <\/span>rent calculator<\/span><\/a> to see how much rent you can afford in Iowa\u2019s capitol city.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n