Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Des Moines, Iowa, United States
1. Downtown Des Moines Skiff Motorcoach
Avoid taxi scams by opting for this shuttle service offering flat rates in downtown area.
- Flat Rates: Prepaid fares for predictable costs.
- Safe and Reliable: Regulated service with trained drivers ensuring safety.
- Downtown Coverage: Covering most tourist attractions and downtown hotels.
2. Des Moines Farmers' Market
Avoid market scams by shopping at the official farmers' market for authentic products.
- Official Vendors: Vendors certified by the city to sell only fresh and locally grown produce.
- Diverse Offerings: A wide variety of foods, crafts, and other items to choose from.
- Weekly Event: Held every Saturday morning from May through October.
3. Blank Park Zoo
Avoid ticket scams by buying tickets directly at the zoo's website or box office.
- Secure Online Purchase: Online ticket purchases with a secure payment gateway.
- Box Office Tickets: Tickets available at the zoo's box office during operational hours.
- Discounted Tickets: Offers discounted tickets for students, seniors, and military personnel.
4. Jordan Creek Town Center
Avoid mall scams by shopping at well-established stores inside the mall.
- Popular Stores: Hosts popular retailers, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
- Mall Security: On-site security personnel to maintain a safe shopping environment.
- Shopping Event Discounts: Periodic sales events and promotions at various stores.
5. Des Moines Art Center
Avoid museum scams by purchasing tickets from the official museum website or box office.
- Secure Online Purchase: Online ticket purchases with a secure payment gateway.
- Box Office Tickets: Tickets available at the museum's box office during operational hours.
- Rotating Exhibits: Features a diverse range of rotating exhibitions throughout the year.
6. Des Moines Social Club
Avoid event scams by purchasing tickets from the official club's website or box office.
- Secure Online Purchase: Online ticket purchases with a secure payment gateway.
- Box Office Tickets: Tickets available at the club's box office during operational hours.
- Variety of Events: Offers a diverse range of events, including theater performances, concerts, and art classes.
7. Des Moines Botanical Center
Avoid garden scams by buying tickets directly at the center's website or box office.
- Secure Online Purchase: Online ticket purchases with a secure payment gateway.
- Box Office Tickets: Tickets available at the center's box office during operational hours.
- Seasonal Displays: Features seasonal displays, such as a butterfly garden and outdoor sculptures.
8. Salisbury House and Gardens
Avoid house tour scams by buying tickets directly from the Salisbury House website or ticket office.
- Secure Online Purchase: Online ticket purchases with a secure payment gateway.
- Ticket Office: Tickets available at the house's ticket office during operational hours.
- Historic Architecture: Features a unique Tudor-style architecture and beautiful gardens.
9. Greater Des Moines Public Library
Avoid library scams by using the official library's website or services.
- Online Resources: Provides access to online databases, ebooks, and digital media.
- Computer Access: Offers free computer and internet access.
- In-Person Services: Provides in-person services, such as research assistance and book recommendations.
10. Des Moines Civic Center
Avoid theater scams by buying tickets from the official Civic Center website or box office.
- Secure Online Purchase: Online ticket purchases with a secure payment gateway.
- Box Office Tickets: Tickets available at the center's box office during operational hours.
- Variety of Shows: Features a variety of shows, including music, theater, and dance performances.
11. Principal Park (Des Moines Skywalks)
Avoid ticket scalping scams by buying tickets directly from the stadium or official outlets.
- Secure Online Purchase: Online ticket purchases with a secure payment gateway.
- Box Office Tickets: Tickets available at the stadium's box office during operational hours.
- Home of Iowa Cubs: Home of the Iowa Cubs, the AAA affiliate of the Chicago Cubs.
12. Des Moines Water Works Park
Avoid park scams by visiting the official Des Moines Water Works website or visitor center.
- Online Resources: Provides information about park amenities, events, and trail maps.
- Visitor Center: Offers visitor information, restrooms, and water fountains.
- Nature Trails: Features scenic nature trails along the Des Moines River.
13. Des Moines Bike Collective
Avoid bike rental scams by using this non-profit organization for affordable and reliable rentals.
- Affordable Rates: Offers affordable daily, weekly, and monthly bike rentals.
- Community Support: Proceeds support the community's cycling infrastructure and education programs.
- Variety of Bikes: Offers a variety of bike types, including road bikes, hybrids, and electric bikes.
14. Des Moines Area Restaurant Association
Avoid food scams by dining at restaurants listed on the Des Moines Area Restaurant Association website.
- Trusted Listings: Includes a list of trusted and vetted restaurants.
- Member Restaurants: Features restaurants that are members of the Des Moines Area Restaurant Association.
- Dining Events: Lists dining events and promotions at participating restaurants.
15. Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)
Avoid transportation scams by using the MPO's resources for reliable travel information.
- Public Transportation: Provides information about public bus and light rail services.
- Construction Updates: Offers real-time construction updates to plan your travel routes.
- Bike Routes: Features information about bike trails, lanes, and maps.