How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Des Moines, Iowa, United States
1. Jordan Park
A peaceful and picturesque park with a lake, perfect for picnics or a leisurely stroll. Avoid the touristy restaurants nearby by packing your own food.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Offers a tranquil environment away from bustling city life.
- Lake and Greenery: Provides scenic views of the lake and lush greenery for relaxation.
- Bring Your Own Food: Allows visitors to save money by packing their own food instead of dining at overpriced tourist spots.
2. Des Moines Social Club
A vibrant cultural hub offering art exhibits, performances, and a restaurant. Explore less-crowded events and enjoy affordable dining options.
- Diverse Cultural Events: Offers various art exhibits and performances to suit different tastes.
- Affordable Dining: Features a restaurant with wallet-friendly options.
- Less-Crowded Events: Encourages exploration of lesser-known cultural events to avoid tourist congestion.
3. Salisbury House and Gardens
A historic mansion with beautiful gardens. Save money by buying tickets online or visiting during off-peak hours.
- Historic Mansion: Showcases the Tudor Revival style architecture and rich history.
- Online Discounts: Offers ticket discounts when purchased online.
- Off-Peak Hours: Visiting during off-peak hours reduces tourist crowds and wait times.
4. Pappajohn Sculpture Park
An open-air sculpture park featuring works by renowned artists. Enjoy the art without the tourist crowds.
- Renowned Artworks: Showcases contemporary and modern sculptures by famous artists.
- Open-Air Environment: Provides an outdoor setting for visitors to explore at their own pace.
- Avoid Tourist Crowds: Offers a tranquil atmosphere with fewer crowds, making it easier to appreciate the art.
5. Brenton Arboretum
A peaceful sanctuary with over 400 acres of trees and plants. Escape tourist areas by visiting this hidden gem.
- Peaceful Sanctuary: Provides a serene environment for relaxation and reflection.
- Over 400 Acres: Features a vast area of trees and plants to explore.
- Hidden Gem: Offers an escape from touristy areas for a unique and peaceful experience.
6. Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
A beautiful oasis with various gardens and exhibits. Save money by purchasing combo tickets or visiting during off-peak hours.
- Various Gardens: Features different themed gardens such as the Mediterranean Garden, Japanese Garden, and Rose Garden.
- Combo Tickets: Offers combo tickets to visit both the Botanical Garden and the Greater Des Moines Zoo at a discounted price.
- Off-Peak Hours: Visiting during off-peak hours reduces tourist crowds and wait times.
7. Downtown Farmers' Market
A vibrant market offering fresh produce, local goods, and food trucks. Avoid the tourist traps by shopping from local vendors.
- Fresh Produce: Features a variety of locally grown fruits, vegetables, and other farm products.
- Local Goods: Offers handmade crafts, artisanal foods, and unique finds from local vendors.
- Food Trucks: Features a diverse selection of food trucks serving delicious and authentic meals.
8. Des Moines Art Center
A world-class art museum with works from artists like Monet and Picasso. Avoid the tourist traps by exploring lesser-known exhibits.
- World-Class Museum: Showcases impressive collections of modern, contemporary, and indigenous art.
- Lesser-Known Exhibits: Encourages exploration of lesser-known exhibits to avoid tourist congestion.
- Monet and Picasso Works: Features works by famous artists such as Monet, Picasso, and Warhol.
9. Blank Park Zoo
A family-friendly zoo with over 100 exhibits. Save money by bringing your own snacks and visiting during off-peak hours.
- Over 100 Exhibits: Features a wide variety of animals from around the world.
- Bring Your Own Snacks: Allows visitors to save money by packing their own snacks instead of buying at the zoo.
- Off-Peak Hours: Visiting during off-peak hours reduces tourist crowds and wait times.
10. S Science Center of Iowa
An interactive science museum with exhibits for all ages. Save money by purchasing tickets online or during certain promotions.
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers hands-on, educational experiences to engage visitors.
- Online Discounts: Provides ticket discounts when purchased online.
- Promotions: Offers promotions and free days to save money on admission.
11. Historic East Village
A charming district with unique shops, restaurants, and bars. Avoid the tourist traps by exploring less-crowded areas.
- Unique Shops: Features locally owned boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops.
- Less-Crowded Areas: Encourages exploration of lesser-known streets and corners to avoid tourist congestion.
- Charming District: Offers a picturesque, historic setting with architecture dating back to the late 1800s.
12. Water Works Park
A large park along the Des Moines River with walking trails, picnic areas, and a water park. Save money by bringing your own food and drinks.
- Walking Trails: Features several miles of walking and biking trails.
- Picnic Areas: Offers picnic areas for a relaxing meal with a view.
- Water Park: Features a water park with pools, slides, and a lazy river during the summer months.
13. Iowa State Capitol
A historic building housing Iowa's government. Save money by visiting during free admission days or tours.
- Historic Building: Showcases a unique blend of Victorian, Beaux-Arts, and Classical Revival architectural styles.
- Free Admission Days: Offers free admission on certain days to save money.
- Tours: Provides guided tours to learn about the history and architecture of the Capitol.
14. Des Moines Bike Trails
A network of bike trails offering scenic views and access to various attractions. Save money by bringing your own bicycle and avoiding rental fees.
- Scenic Views: Provides breathtaking views of the city, parks, and rivers.
- Various Attractions: Allows access to different attractions such as museums, parks, and neighborhoods.
- Bring Your Own Bicycle: Allows visitors to save money by bringing their own bicycles instead of renting.
15. Des Moines Beer Week
A week-long celebration of craft beer with events and tastings. Avoid the tourist traps by attending less-crowded events.
- Craft Beer Celebration: Features local breweries, taprooms, and special beer releases.
- Less-Crowded Events: Encourages exploration of lesser-known events to avoid tourist congestion.
- Week-Long Celebration: Offers various events throughout the week, allowing visitors to customize their experience.