DES MOINES.
ONLY THE S’S ARE SILENT.
Welcome to Greater Des Moines. As the fastest growing metro in the Midwest, there’s a buzz that permeates every touch point of Iowa’s capital city.
The sizzle of Steak de Burgo. Selfies snapping at the Sculpture Park. The roar of the crowd at Wells Fargo Arena. Moos and oinks at the State Fair. Oohs and aahs at the Downtown Farmers’ Market.
Whatever you’re here for, you’ll find something worth shouting about. Because in Des Moines, only the S’s are silent.
Altoona
More fun per square foot than any place in the metro, Altoona is home to the largest amusement park in the state (Adventureland), the No. 1 entertainment destination in the state (Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack, and Hotel, a giant outlet mall, and the 145,000-square-foot Bass Pro Shop.
Ankeny
The fastest growing city in the state, Ankeny is a conglomeration of all that’s good about the region. Explore the outdoors on the High Trestle Trail, shop and eat at The District at Prairie Trail, and take in the Main Street charm of Uptown Ankeny.
Bondurant
Come for one of the best tenderloins in the region at Brick Street Market, stay for dessert at Home Slice Handmade Pies, and an after-dinner drink at Reclaimed Rails Brewing.
Clive
The Clive Greenbelt is the heart and soul of the community, with over 11 miles of paved trails that twist and turn around Walnut Creek and through the city. Enjoy art along the trail, grazing goats, and cap it off with a brew at 515 Brewing.
Grimes
Climbing walls, old-school ice cream, forward-thinking coffee, and soon, the largest multi-turf sports complex in the Midwest, highlight this delightful northwest suburb.
Indianola
Hidden gems wait to be unearthed in this southeast burb, from the nationally lauded Des Moines Metro Opera and Warren County Fair to the beautiful (and Instagrammable) National Balloon Classic and Lake Ahquabi State Park.
Johnston
Explore Johnston’s new Town Center, with its’ greenspaces, a splash pad for the kids, a brewery arcade and wine bar for mom and dad, and in the winter, a synthetic ice rink for the whole family.
Pleasant Hill
You’ll be pleasantly surprised by all the ways to stay active in this eastern burb, from golf at Copper Creek, and year-round tubing at Sleepy Hollow, to bowling and laser tag at The Great Escape. All that excitement will definitely call for some Over the Top ice cream to cool down.
Polk City
Picturesque is the best word to describe this quaint suburb, from its Rockwell-esque town square to must-see outdoors outposts like Jester Park, Saylorville Lake, and the gorgeous Tournament Club of Iowa golf course.
Urbandale
Home to Living History Farms, a 500-acre open-air museum with four different working farms that tell the story of Iowa’s 300-year-old history. We’re not all farms, but the ones we do have are epic. Speaking of epic, also check out Homemakers, one of the largest furniture stores in the country.
West Des Moines
Some would argue that West Des Moines is the best Des Moines. There’s no arguing that it’s the region’s premier shopping destination, from the epic Jordan Creek Town Center to the charming Historic Valley Junction neighborhood.
Windsor Heights
Small but mighty, Windsor Heights boasts restaurants like Little Brother, Gilroy’s, and Puerto Rican Restaurant, making it fit for foodies. After dinner, walk it off at Colby Park, where the kids can play a series of outdoor musical instruments at the Harmony Park area.
Des Moines
Home to a thriving arts scene, big name concerts at Wells Fargo Arena, minor league teams like the Iowa Cubs, iconic events like the Downtown Farmers’ Market and Iowa State Fair, and hip, walkable neighborhoods like the Historic Court Avenue District and Historic East Village, Des Moines combines big city vibes with Iowa Nice attitude.
The Best Events Happen in Des Moines
See All EventsEvents
Insider's Guide
See All Blog PostsSummer Events in Greater Des Moines
Des Moines is an event city, and there’s no better time to visit (or explore your own backyard) than…
Best Restaurants in Greater Des Moines
In Greater Des Moines, not all our food is served on a stick. We have some of Des Best restaurants…
Best Margaritas in Greater Des Moines
Frozen or on the rocks? Shaker or glass? Salt or no salt? Marg our words, this list of the best…
Best Patios in Greater Des Moines
Patio season goals: Get outside and sample all the best al fresco options in Greater Des Moines, as…
Watch Des Best
The Catch List
See All ItinerariesDust off those winter blues, it's shorts weather!
Pork tenderloins, Steak de Burgo and a feast of appetizing options!
Bold Statements. Rocking performances!
When it comes to Greater Des Moines, the burbs are anything but boring.