Des Moines - City Unknown

Discover Des Moines’ Hidden Gems: Nature, History & Art

Greenwood-Ashworth Park & The Jesse Meredith Memorial Arboretum — A peaceful escape with nature trails, gardens, and a hidden arboretum.
The Salisbury House & Gardens — A historic mansion inspired by a 16th-century English manor, filled with art, books, and lush gardens.
Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden — A beautifully landscaped garden space, open to the public on Fridays during warmer months.
The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates — A stunning building with exhibits on global agriculture and humanitarian work, often overlooked by tourists.
Des Moines Art Center’s Sculpture Park (Beyond Pappajohn) — While Pappajohn Park is well-known, the Art Center itself has unique indoor and outdoor art collections.
Gray’s Lake Park at Sunrise or Sunset — A tranquil lake with a looping trail and skyline views, perfect for an early morning walk or evening reflection.
Hoyt Sherman Place — A historic theater and mansion with an art gallery, often hosting intimate concerts and performances.
Terrace Hill Historic Governor’s Mansion — A beautiful, Victorian-style mansion offering guided tours showcasing Iowa’s history and architecture.
Raccoon River Park & Biking Trails — A quieter alternative to busier city parks, with a nature lodge, beach, and trails along the river.
Iowa State Capitol Dome Tour — While the Capitol is well-known, not everyone realizes you can take a guided tour up to the dome for panoramic city views.

Nature Spots

Brown’s Woods — A serene forest reserve with shaded trails, perfect for a quiet hike.
Ewing Park Lilac Arboretum — A dreamy springtime destination with dozens of lilac varieties.
Fort Des Moines Park — A lesser-known park with woodlands, a tranquil pond, and trails.
Clive Greenbelt Trail — A peaceful, winding trail through woods and wetlands.
Witmer Park — A small, charming park with a pond, wildflowers, and picnic spots.

Artsy Hangouts

The Slow Down Coffee Co. — A cozy coffee shop with local art displays and an inviting atmosphere.
Mainframe Studios — A massive artist collective where you can explore galleries and meet local creators.
xBk Live — An intimate music venue with a vibrant lineup of indie and local acts.
Art Terrarium — A lush plant shop that doubles as a creative hub, hosting DIY workshops.
Portrait Studio — A hybrid gallery, cafe, and community space for art lovers and photographers.

Parks & Nature Escapes

Greenwood Park & Art Center Lagoon — A peaceful park with trails, a hidden pond, and a connection to the Des Moines Art Center.
Sylvan Theater at Greenwood Park — An old stone amphitheater tucked into the woods, perfect for a quiet retreat or impromptu picnic.
Easter Lake Park — A scenic lake with trails, a beach, and fewer crowds than Gray’s Lake.
Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt — A lush, sprawling area great for wildlife watching, kayaking, and photography.

Foodie Finds

The Cheese Bar — A cozy spot with gourmet cheese boards, sandwiches, and an impressive beer selection.
Harbinger — A creative restaurant serving locally inspired small plates in a warm, artsy space.
La Mie Elevate — A hidden gem inside the Des Moines Airport with high-quality pastries and brunch dishes, even if you’re not catching a flight!
Eatery A — A Mediterranean-inspired spot with wood-fired pizzas and an unbeatable happy hour.

History & Culture

Jordan House Museum — A historic home tied to the Underground Railroad, filled with rich local history.
Iowa Hall of Pride — An often-overlooked museum celebrating Iowan achievements in sports, arts, and culture.
Historic Valley Junction — A charming district with vintage shops, art galleries, and seasonal events.

Outdoor Adventures

High Trestle Trail Bridge (at night) — A short drive from Des Moines, this iconic bridge lights up after dark for a surreal biking or walking experience.
Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park — Perfect for hiking, fishing, and spotting unique wildlife.
Thomas Mitchell Park — A peaceful forested park with trails, a creek, and plenty of spots to set up camp.
Jester Park — A beautiful area with bison, elk, hiking trails, and a nature center right on Saylorville Lake.

Food Trucks to Try

Curbin’ Cuisine — Globally inspired street food, from Korean BBQ tacos to loaded fries.
Veggie Thumper — A plant-based food bus serving creative, hearty vegan dishes.
Gusto Pizza Truck — Wood-fired pizzas with inventive toppings, bringing the beloved local pizza joint on wheels.
Los Compadres — Authentic Mexican street food with killer tacos, burritos, and tamales.
Karam’s Mediterranean Grill — A hidden gem for shawarma, gyros, and falafel, bursting with flavor.
Charlotte’s Kitchen — Crispy chicken sandwiches and comfort food with a gourmet twist.
Big Red Truck — Classic American comfort food, like juicy burgers and pulled pork sandwiches, done right.

Nature & Parks

Gray’s Lake Peninsula Gardens — A quieter, tucked-away section of the park with beautiful views and peaceful trails.
Driftless Area at MacRae Park — A scenic overlook with a hidden prairie restoration project and skyline views.
Margo Frankel Woods State Park — A secluded forest with rustic trails and a peaceful creek.

Arts & Culture

The Picker Knows — A quirky antique store filled with vintage finds and local treasures.
Moberg Gallery — A contemporary art gallery showcasing talented Iowa artists, perfect for art lovers.
Hoyt Sherman Art Gallery — Beyond the theater, the small gallery inside offers an intimate art experience.

History & Curiosities

Iowa State Capitol Law Library — A stunning, ornate library inside the Capitol, often missed by visitors.
Woodland Cemetery — One of the oldest cemeteries in Des Moines, with historic gravestones and unique sculptures.
Terrace Hill Carriage House — A smaller, charming part of the Governor’s mansion grounds with hidden history.

Foodie Finds

The Dam Pub — A hole-in-the-wall pub with great food and live music, right by Saylorville Lake.
Tandem Brick Gallery & Café — A cozy, artsy spot to grab a bite and browse local artwork.
Rolling Wok — A small, family-run spot for authentic Asian dishes, especially loved for their dumplings.

Unique Outdoor Adventures

Des Moines Riverwalk — A peaceful stroll along the river with cool hidden viewpoints, sculptures, and the occasional street musician.
Go on a Kayak Tour at Gray’s Lake — Paddle around the lake and get a different perspective of the skyline and nature.
Biking the High Trestle Trail — The trail stretches to the massive High Trestle Bridge, with jaw-dropping views, especially at sunset.

Art & Creativity

Create Your Own Pottery at The Clay Studio — A fun hands-on experience at one of Des Moines’ hidden art spots, where you can make your own pottery or take a class.
The Des Moines Public Art Foundation’s ArtWalk — A self-guided tour showcasing public art installations throughout the city.
Visit the Beaverdale Art Festival — A hidden gem for those who love local art, food, and music, usually held in the summer in the Beaverdale neighborhood.

Local Hidden Treasures

Explore the Blank Park Zoo’s Africa Exhibit — A slightly quieter section of the zoo with a safari feel, including giraffes and zebras.
Visit The Iowa Quilt Museum in Winterset — A short drive from Des Moines, it’s an unexpected, delightful place to learn about the history of quilting in Iowa.
Tour the Des Moines Water Works Park — A sprawling green space with water features, trails, and lesser-known quiet areas to explore.

Historical Discoveries

Tour the Historic Iowa State Fairgrounds — When it’s not fair season, you can still explore the grounds, which have deep historical significance and hidden corners.
National Balloon Museum in Indianola — A short trip out of Des Moines to explore the world of hot air balloons, an iconic part of the Iowa landscape.
The Iowa Hall of Fame — A lesser-known gem with fascinating exhibits on the state’s famous figures in politics, arts, sports, and history.

Hidden Beach Spots

Saylorville Lake (Cherry Glen Campground) — A quiet, scenic lake with a small, peaceful beach area ideal for a relaxing day of sunbathing or kayaking.
Big Creek State Park Beach — A lesser-known beach with sandy shores, perfect for swimming or a family picnic.
Lake Ahquabi — Located just south of Des Moines, this hidden gem is a serene spot for swimming, fishing, and lakeside relaxation.

Foodie Gems

The Waveland Café — A local institution serving classic diner fare with a nostalgic vibe, known for their hearty breakfast and delicious pie.
The Flying Mango — A cozy, off-the-beaten-path spot serving Southern-inspired comfort food with bold flavors and unique dishes.
The Urban Grill — A hidden gem with creative takes on American classics and an outdoor patio for relaxed dining.
Fong’s Pizza — A unique fusion of pizza and Asian flavors, especially loved for its crab rangoon pizza and tiki drinks.
Chef’s Kitchen — A farm-to-table restaurant tucked away in the East Village, offering seasonal menus and fresh ingredients.

History & Culture

State Historical Museum of Iowa — A lesser-known museum with exhibits on Iowa’s past, including indigenous history, the state’s development, and its agricultural heritage.
Hickman Cemetery — A beautiful historic cemetery that also functions as a park, providing insight into Iowa’s early history.
Fort Des Moines — A hidden gem featuring military history with guided tours and historical reenactments.
Iowa State Capitol — While the Capitol is a known landmark, not everyone realizes you can take a free guided tour to explore its intricate architecture, murals, and sculptures.

Outdoor Adventures

Jester Park — A sprawling park offering diverse outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and bird watching in a peaceful setting.
Clive Greenbelt Trail — A quiet, scenic trail perfect for biking or hiking, following the Raccoon River and passing through nature-filled areas.
Raccoon River Park — A less crowded park with a trail system, fishing areas, and an extensive lake for kayaking and paddleboarding.
High Trestle Trail — Known for the spectacular High Trestle Bridge, this trail offers miles of biking and hiking through scenic woodlands, especially breathtaking at sunset.
Summerset Trail — A peaceful trail for walking, running, or biking with views of the Des Moines River and lush greenery.

Hidden Outdoor Escapes

Thornberry Off-Leash Dog Park — A peaceful park that’s perfect for dog lovers, with spacious fields and scenic walking trails.
Cherry Glen Campground — While a popular campground, this area of Saylorville Lake offers hidden lakeside spots that provide tranquility and nature walks.
Des Moines River Water Trail — A peaceful kayaking and canoeing trail that lets you float along the river, with great views of the city’s skyline.
Dallas County Nature Preserve — A tucked-away, wildlife-filled preserve perfect for hiking, bird watching, and enjoying the quiet of nature.
Birdland Park — A small, overlooked park along the Des Moines River with great views of downtown and peaceful walking paths.

Quirky & Hidden Food Spots

The Mexican Food Factory — A hidden gem serving authentic Mexican food in a cozy, no-frills atmosphere, with amazing street tacos and tamales.
The Dog House — A local favorite for gourmet hot dogs with unique toppings like jalapeño cream cheese and brisket.
Smokey D’s BBQ — A hidden BBQ haven known for its tender brisket and smoky flavors, often overshadowed by more popular spots.
The Breakfast Club — A cozy breakfast joint offering fun twists on traditional dishes like pancake tacos and breakfast quesadillas.
Café di Scala — An Italian spot in a historic home, with a charming atmosphere and fresh, seasonal dishes, perfect for a romantic meal.

Historical & Hidden Gems

Iowa Gold Star Military Museum — A hidden gem tucked away on the Iowa National Guard’s Camp Dodge grounds, showcasing Iowa’s military history.
The Nollen Plaza & Water Feature — A quiet, artistic space with a beautiful fountain and public art installations near downtown.
The Masonic Temple — A historic and architectural beauty that’s not always on the tourist radar, open for special tours.
The Des Moines Trolley — A small, historic trolley that still operates and offers guided tours around the city’s more hidden landmarks and neighborhoods.
Franklin Avenue Library — A local library that doubles as an architectural beauty with a rich history, often overlooked by tourists.

Art & Culture Off the Beaten Path

The Basement (Underground Art Space) — An underground gallery and live music venue that showcases local artists and experimental performances.
The Des Moines Social Club — A quirky arts venue offering theater, gallery exhibitions, and even yoga classes. It’s a great place to experience local culture.
The Iowa Theater — A historic, intimate venue that offers classic films, local theater productions, and quirky events in a vintage setting.
Graham Gallery — A lesser-known contemporary gallery that features local and regional artists in a quiet, relaxed setting.
Pappajohn Sculpture Park’s Hidden Corners — While the main sculptures get attention, there are secret corners in the park with hidden sculptures and art pieces tucked away for exploration.

Hidden Gem Bars & Lounges

The Library — A cozy, tucked-away cocktail lounge with a relaxed vibe, elegant decor, and creative cocktails. It’s perfect for a low-key night with friends or a date night.
The Secret Cellar — Located under the Des Moines Social Club, this wine bar offers a cool, underground vibe, perfect for wine lovers or anyone looking for a unique, intimate setting.
The Continental Lounge — A retro bar with an old-school vibe, serving up classic cocktails and featuring quirky decor. It’s a quiet spot for enjoying a drink while soaking in the funky atmosphere.
Proof — A classy, hidden spot that specializes in craft cocktails, offering a relaxed yet upscale environment perfect for cocktail connoisseurs.
Mason City Brewing (Des Moines Location) — A small, laid-back brewery with a relaxed feel and a great spot for craft beer lovers looking to explore unique local brews.

Live Music & Dancing

Noce — A classy jazz club that hosts live performances in a cozy atmosphere, perfect for an intimate night out with incredible music and cocktails.
The Lift — A secretive, stylish bar with a dance floor that turns into a lively hotspot later in the night, often featuring DJ sets and electronic music.
Vaudeville Mews — A small live music venue that hosts indie bands, quirky performances, and local talent. It’s a great, lesser-known spot to enjoy a unique night of music.
The Down Under — An underground bar in the heart of the city offering karaoke nights, live bands, and great vibes. It’s a lively place for a night out with friends, especially on weekends.
Simon’s — A local dive bar that’s a bit off the beaten path, offering a relaxed vibe, karaoke nights, and an authentic, low-key atmosphere perfect for a fun night with friends.

Chill Spots & Craft Beer

El Bait Shop — A hidden gem bar with a fantastic selection of craft beers, located in an unassuming building with great food and a fun, casual atmosphere.
Iowa Taproom — A cool, laid-back place where you can sample and learn about the best craft beers Iowa has to offer, with rotating taps and a great crowd.
The Des Moines Distillery — A hidden distillery that specializes in craft spirits. They often have tasting events and offer unique drinks you can’t find anywhere else.

Unique Night Experiences

The Basement (Underground Venue) — In addition to its art offerings, this spot doubles as a live music venue where you can enjoy local performances in an intimate setting.
The Iowa Comedy Festival (at various venues) — While not always available, this comedy festival features hidden gem performances from local comedians at small, quirky venues throughout the city.
Black Sheep Social Club — A lesser-known, cozy cocktail bar with a laid-back yet artsy vibe, featuring occasional live performances, trivia nights, and themed parties.

Chill Speakeasy Vibes

The Library — A cozy, intimate cocktail lounge with dim lighting, velvet furniture, and an upscale yet relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for sipping craft cocktails in a quiet, speakeasy-style environment.
The Secret Cellar — Hidden below the Des Moines Social Club, this wine bar is like a modern speakeasy with exposed brick, soft lighting, and a chill vibe perfect for wine lovers.

Live Music

Noce — For jazz lovers, this cozy jazz bar offers incredible live music, smooth cocktails, and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s a great spot to unwind and enjoy some top-tier performances in an intimate setting.
Vaudeville Mews — An indie music hotspot offering local talent and an eclectic, artsy vibe. Whether you’re into folk, indie rock, or quirky performances, it’s perfect for a night of discovery and fun.
The Basement — An underground venue that combines a laid-back atmosphere with live music. You can expect a mix of genres, from indie bands to local talent, in a relaxed and intimate environment.

Late-Night Eats

Fong’s Pizza — A late-night gem offering quirky pizza options (like crab rangoon pizza!) and a vibrant, fun atmosphere. It’s perfect for grabbing a unique bite after a night of exploring the city.
The Dog House — This casual gem offers gourmet hot dogs with fun toppings — great for late-night cravings and a chill spot to grab a quick bite.
Taco Hangover — A quirky food truck (or stationary location) offering delicious tacos and bites for those craving a satisfying snack after dark.
El Bait Shop — Not only great for craft beers, but also offers tasty eats like tacos and fish and chips, making it a solid stop for late-night munchies in a laid-back atmosphere.

Local Vibes & Unique Bars

The Continental Lounge — Retro and quirky, this unique bar has a cool old-school vibe with classic cocktails and an inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for a more laid-back night with a local feel.
Mason City Brewing (Des Moines Location) — A local brewery with a cozy, unpretentious vibe, offering creative beers and a welcoming space for those who want to enjoy something uniquely local.
Iowa Taproom — This one’s perfect for craft beer lovers! With dozens of local brews on tap, it’s a great spot to get a real taste of Iowa in a chill, unpretentious environment.

Dance Party & High-Energy Vibes

The Lift — A high-energy dance spot with a sleek interior, DJs, and a lively crowd. If you’re looking for a dance party vibe, this is your place to let loose and enjoy the night.
The Down Under — A lively underground bar offering karaoke, live performances, and a fun, party-like atmosphere. It’s perfect for dancing and enjoying an energetic night out.
xBk Live — A small but vibrant venue for live music, from indie bands to DJ sets, with a dance floor that can turn into a party later in the night.

Quirky & Offbeat Experiences

The Basement (Underground Venue) — An intimate venue with an offbeat, artsy vibe, offering live performances and quirky experiences that combine music, art, and local culture.
Simon’s — A dive bar with a cozy, no-frills atmosphere, perfect for those who like their nightlife low-key, quirky, and laid-back. You can often find karaoke nights, or just chill with a drink in a fun, down-to-earth setting.
The Iowa Comedy Festival (at various venues) — Check out the quirky side of Des Moines’ nightlife with local comedy shows. Some smaller venues host up-and-coming comedians for a unique, offbeat night out.
Black Sheep Social Club — A quirky bar and hangout spot, often hosting themed parties, local DJs, and unusual events. It’s perfect for those looking for something a little different in Des Moines.