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Top Outdoor Activities In Des Moines, Iowa

Step into the vibrant energy of Des_Moines, where the Riverfront district pulses with life and every corner invites discovery. Outdoor Activities in Des Moines offer an unbeatable way to experience must-see sights, from colorful murals to lively public spaces. Whether you are a visitor or a local, these adventures unveil hidden gems while making memories. Set out on your next day trip and view Des Moines like never before.

Outdoor Experiences in Des Moines, Iowa

Get ready to discover our expertly curated collection of Outdoor Activities in Des Moines, designed for thrill-seekers, families, and explorers of all kinds. Each activity is packed with excitement—think captivating art walks through East Village Arts, mysterious ghost tours that reveal the city’s secrets, and interactive challenges at iconic landmarks. Our experiences blend sightseeing with unique tasks so every outing feels fresh and unforgettable. Dive in and find your new favorite thing to do in Des Moines!

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Imagen de la tarjeta de búsqueda del tesoro en el centro de Des Moines Adventures
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Aventuras en la Búsqueda del Tesoro del Centro de Des Moines

Centro, Des Moines

Discover the hidden gems of Des Moines Downtown on our thrilling scavenger hunt! Uncover...

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Riddle Romp por el Paseo Marítimo del Centro

Recorrido de Arte por el Centro, Des Moines

This Iowa art hunt is packed full of pieces that will inspire and amaze you! Murals dont...

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Búsqueda de fantasmas en Des Moines

Centro, Des Moines

Explore Downtown Des Moines with a self-guided, app-led ghost tour featuring riddles,...

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Bulldog Dash card image
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Bulldog Dash

Drake University, Des Moines

Experimenta un recorrido autoguiado por la Universidad Drake con una búsqueda del tesoro interactiva guiada por una aplicación...

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Wood You Believe It? The Greenwood Park Pursuit Scavenger Hunt card image
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Búsqueda del Tesoro: ¿Lo creerías? La Persecución del Parque Greenwood

Centro, Des Moines

Desde la diversión en el parque infantil hasta el arte y las rosas en flor, la búsqueda del tesoro de Greenwood Park es un Des...

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sobre actividades al aire libre

UnépicaDes Moines, Iowa experience

Experience pure excitement as you explore Des Moines Scavenger Hunt, Des Moines Art Walk, Drake University Scavenger Hunt, Des Moines Ghost Tour, and Des Moines Downtown Scavenger Hunt—all set among iconic landmarks or tucked-away gems.
Challenge your friends with trivia quests, wild photo dares, and clever puzzles using our app—compare scores instantly for social bragging rights after each adventure!

How Our Des Moines, Iowa Outdoor Activities Work

Our expert team scouts must-see spots and hidden wonders across 3,050+ cities—including over 50 Midwest destinations—to craft each Outdoor Activity just for you. Expect clear instructions plus route maps tailored specifically to each adventure.

During every experience your group explores on foot: answer trivia questions at historical markers; complete photo challenges by vibrant murals; solve puzzles among public art installations; rack up points through our award-winning app; then compare scores citywide after your journey.

Hombre en un recorrido a pie de búsqueda del tesoro

Top Outdoor Attractions In Des Moines

Des Moines attractions come alive when explored through engaging Outdoor Activities that combine history, art, and adventure. Stroll past the sparkling fountains at Principal Riverwalk Views or marvel at sculptures dotting Western Gateway Park as you solve clues and snap photos. The Drake Neighborhood Vibes are perfect for uncovering quirky trivia while Iowa State Fairgrounds buzzes with festival spirit year-round. Each location offers its own charm—making every visit feel brand new. Click on each location to see related activities.

Galería del Patrimonio del Condado de Polk

Wander by Polk County Heritage Gallery and peek through its ever-changing window exhibits. This outdoor spot offers a glimpse into Des Moines vibrant past without stepping inside.

Ayuntamiento

Admira la gran arquitectura del Ayuntamiento desde fuera mientras exploras el centro de Des Moines. Su majestuosa presencia es un testimonio del orgullo cívico y la historia.

Hotel Fort Des Moines

Marvel at Hotel Fort Des Moines historic charm from outside as you explore downtowns rich history and architectural beauty.

Tribunal del Condado de Polk

Observa el impresionante diseño exterior del Palacio de Justicia del Condado de Polk mientras profundizas en su significado histórico en el centro de Des Moines.

Puente de Court Avenue

Cruza el Puente de Court Avenue durante tu búsqueda del tesoro para disfrutar de vistas panorámicas del río Des Moines mientras desentrañas secretos ocultos de su pasado histórico.

Escultura del Paraguas Crusoe – Des Moines, IA

Find inspiration under Crusoe Umbrella Sculpture during our exciting scavenger hunt! This artistic landmark is perfect for creative photo challenges.

Edificio Flynn-Griffin

Resuelve intrincados acertijos alrededor del Edificio Flynn-Griffin mientras descubres su fascinante historia durante nuestra aventurera búsqueda del tesoro.

Mural Des Moines Better Together de Ben Schuh

Explore Des Moines vibrant art scene with this interactive mural. Each letter reveals a unique city feature, making it a must-see for first-time visitors. Discover hidden gems in the Heart of Iowa.

El Jardín de las Bendiciones de Patrick Faris

Discover the beauty of street art with this colorful garden mural in Des Moines. Each flower blooms on brick walls, creating an unexpected oasis in the cityscape. Perfect for art lovers exploring Riverfront Des Moines.

Mural WorkSpace de Jordan Weber

Uncover local stories through street art at this comic-inspired mural. A narrative unfolds as you explore each detail, making it an engaging stop on your Des Moines day trip.

Reunidos, con Abejas de Frank Hansen

Immerse yourself in raw emotion at this expressive mural by Frank Hansen. A highlight for any visitor keen on exploring Des Moines artistic soul, located near the Capitol Complex Tours.

Bienvenido al East Village por Unknown

Captura recuerdos en este vibrante mural del East Village, un lugar fotográfico querido por los locales que marca el tono para explorar tesoros escondidos alrededor de Grand Avenue.

Estatua del Bulldog Spike

Discover outdoor gems in the Heart of Iowa. Stroll Riverfront Des Moines, spot murals, and catch live music drifting from East Village Arts. Local tip: The Principal Riverwalk shines at sunset.

Bulldog Shop - Librería Universitaria

Wander through Capitol Complex Tours for a taste of Hawkeye State Capital history. Enjoy lush lawns and snap photos with iconic monuments. Trivia: The golden dome is visible across downtown.

Biblioteca Cowles

Unwind at Iowa State Fairgrounds where outdoor activities buzz year-round. Savor craft beer during festivals or stroll open spaces. Local secret: Off-season, it is a peaceful spot for a walk.

Reloj de Sol de Wifvat Plaza

Stroll the Principal Riverwalk for sweeping city views and public art displays. Feel the energy of Riverfront Des Moines as joggers and cyclists pass by. Fun fact: Look for hidden sculptures along the path.

Harmon Fine Arts Center

Roam East Village Arts district outdoors, where murals pop with color and indie shops line the streets. Insider tip: Some alleys hide surprise installations by local artists.

Old Main

Relax at Sculpture Park Hub surrounded by creative works under open skies. Bring friends or picnic solo among quirky statues. Trivia: New pieces appear each year—spot your favorite!

Argonne Armory

Explore the Heart of Iowa with a stroll near the Riverfront Des Moines. Locals whisper about hidden art installations and the glow of city lights at dusk. Feel the pulse of the Hawkeye State Capital outdoors.

Woolys

Wander the Drake Neighborhood Vibes, where murals pop and craft beer flows nearby. The area buzzes with live music and outdoor art, making it a must-see for first-time visitors to Des Moines.

Capitolio del Estado de Iowa

Take in Principal Riverwalk views while enjoying outdoor activities in Des Moines. Locals love spotting sculptures along the path—each one tells a story about this vibrant Hawkeye State Capital.

Terrace Hill (Mansión del Gobernador)

Capitol Complex Tours offer an open-air look at Iowas grand architecture. Outdoor explorers can catch glimpses of history while enjoying recommended things to do in Des Moines.

Armería Old Red Horse

Stroll by the Iowa State Fairgrounds for a taste of local life year-round. Even when events are quiet, you can sense festival energy—a unique outdoor thing to do in Des Moines.

Parque infantil

Explora el Corazón de Iowa con arte al aire libre y la animada energía de Riverfront Des Moines. Los lugareños saben que los mejores murales cambian con cada estación, por lo que cada visita trae algo nuevo que descubrir.

Teatro Sylvan

Wander the Sculpture Park Hub for a fresh take on outdoor activities in Des Moines. Snap photos of quirky installations and catch local trivia—some sculptures double as sundials on sunny days.

Jardín de Rosas Clare y Miles Mills

Stroll the Capitol Complex Tours route for outdoor fun in the Hawkeye State Capital. Marvel at grand architecture and spot native prairie gardens—locals say wildflowers peak mid-summer here.

Three Cairns

Roam the Des Moines Farmers Market for open-air excitement and local flavor. Outdoor activity peaks on Saturdays, when live bands fill the air and fresh produce lines every stall—insider tip: try the honey sticks.

Des Moines Art Center

Take in Principal Riverwalk Views for an energizing outdoor adventure. Locals love sunset strolls along the water, where you might spot kayakers or catch pop-up food trucks near the bridges.

Ver nuestras Principales Actividades al Aire Libre Por Barrio

From the creative pulse of East Village Arts to the storied streets near Capitol Complex Tours, our Outdoor Activities immerse you in the heart of every neighborhood. Each area has its own vibe ready for exploration—click on these neighborhoods to see the related activity.

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Imagen de tarjeta del centro
estrella verde 4.8 (1 reseña)

Centro

Centro, Des Moines

Downtown Des Moines offers a rich tapestry of attractions, from the iconic Court Avenue Bridge to the lively atmosphere of East Village Arts. It is a top spot for...

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Imagen de tarjeta de Drake University
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Drake University

Drake University, Des Moines

Explore Drake University, where Des Moines history meets lively student life. Stroll past Old Main and Cowles Library for a day trip packed with unique sights and...

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Imagen de tarjeta del centro
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Centro

Centro, Des Moines

Looking for unique things to do in Des Moines? Downtown offers a blend of art, gardens, and city energy. Explore spots like Three Cairns or the lively...

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See what people say about our outdoor activities in Des Moines

Locals and visitors rave about our Outdoor Activities in Des Moines—Iowa’s capital city has never been so much fun! With five-star ratings pouring in, guests say things like I saw a whole new side of downtown. Join countless happy adventurers who trust us for their day trips and group outings.

Reseñas de 5 estrellas

Using ScavengerHunt.com was an awesome way to explore downtown Des Moines. We found so many cool places we never knew existed!

Brian C.

Reseñas de 5 estrellas

Our family loved this interactive adventure in Des Moines! It was engaging and educational, perfect for kids and adults alike.

Megan L.

Reseñas de 5 estrellas

A fantastic walking tour that took us through Downtowns vibrant art scene. Highly recommend this as a fun thing to do!

Daniel H.

Reseñas de 5 estrellas

We had an amazing experience discovering unique spots around East Village. Definitely a great neighborhood experience!

Laura M.

Reseñas de 5 estrellas

A perfect way for tourists to see iconic landmarks in Des Moines. The app made it easy to navigate through interesting sites.

Chris G.

Reseñas de 5 estrellas

This was one of the best things to do in Des Moines. I loved learning about the local art scene while enjoying a self-guided tour.

Jessica D.

Reseñas de 5 estrellas

Exploring Downtown was an unforgettable experience. The historical spots like the Polk County Courthouse were highlights of our tour.

David B.

Reseñas de 5 estrellas

The Garden of Blessings was such a beautiful spot to visit. A great outdoor activity around the Riverwalk neighborhood.

Sarah W.

Reseñas de 5 estrellas

What a fun date idea in the heart of Des Moines. We discovered hidden gems and enjoyed each others company while walking.

Michael S.

Reseñas de 5 estrellas

I had a blast exploring the East Village. The murals and local history made for a fantastic walking tour experience.

Emily J.

Reseñas de 5 estrellas

¡Imprescindible al visitar Des Moines! Este recorrido autoguiado me ayudó a descubrir tesoros locales que nunca antes había visto en el área de Riverwalk.

James A.

Reseñas de 5 estrellas

Such a fun way to spend an afternoon! The Crusoe Umbrella Sculpture added color to our adventure, making it memorable and engaging.

Megan W.

Reseñas de 5 estrellas

This was one of my favorite experiences in Des Moines. The tour led us to amazing art pieces and fascinating stories around town.

Chris L.

Reseñas de 5 estrellas

A great family activity! We enjoyed discovering iconic murals and historical sites together during our walking tour of the East Village.

Laura M.

Reseñas de 5 estrellas

I loved using the ScavengerHunt.com app to explore Downtown. It made finding interesting spots like Reunited with Bees so much easier!

Daniel G.

Reseñas de 5 estrellas

Exploring the WorkSpace Mural was such a fun thing to do in Des Moines. I highly recommend this unique experience for locals and tourists.

Jessica D.

Reseñas de 5 estrellas

The Flynn-Griffin Building is stunning! This outdoor activity in the Riverwalk area made for an enjoyable afternoon with friends.

David B.

Reseñas de 5 estrellas

What a fantastic date idea! The interactive experience brought us closer as we uncovered cool spots around Des Moines.

Sarah W.

Reseñas de 5 estrellas

This walking tour was a fun way to see the city. I loved learning about local history while wandering through Downtown.

Michael S.

Reseñas de 5 estrellas

I had a blast exploring the Garden of Blessings. It was such a unique experience in the East Village, perfect for discovering hidden gems.

Emily J.

Reseñas de 5 estrellas

I absolutely loved using ScavengerHunt.com for this experience. It made exploring the East Village fun and easy while learning about local art!

Brian L.

Reseñas de 5 estrellas

This was such a cool thing to do in Des Moines. We explored unique locations that we would have missed otherwise, highly recommend!

Laura H.

Reseñas de 5 estrellas

El recorrido a pie interactivo por el centro fue interesante. Me encantó descubrir datos interesantes sobre lugares como la Polk County Heritage Gallery.

Daniel R.

Reseñas de 5 estrellas

¡Nos divertimos mucho en nuestra búsqueda del tesoro! Fue una excelente manera de ver lugares emblemáticos del centro y aprender más sobre nuestra ciudad.

Ashley M.

Reseñas de 5 estrellas

This self-guided tour made for a fantastic outdoor experience. Strolling along and discovering murals really brought Des Moines to life.

Chris G.

Reseñas de 5 estrellas

Exploring the East Village was such a unique experience. The art scene is vibrant, especially with spots like Reunited, with Bees.

Jessica D.

Reseñas de 5 estrellas

¡Una gran actividad familiar en Des Moines! A los niños les encantó encontrar pistas y todos disfrutamos de las hermosas vistas alrededor del Riverwalk.

David B.

Reseñas de 5 estrellas

This walking tour of Downtown was an amazing experience. I loved seeing the Polk County Courthouse and learning its rich history.

Sarah W.

Reseñas de 5 estrellas

What a fun date idea in Des Moines! We worked together on the scavenger hunt and discovered hidden gems like the Better Together Mural.

Michael S.

Reseñas de 5 estrellas

I had a blast exploring the East Village. The murals were stunning and it was a great way to enjoy some fresh air while learning about local history.

Emily J.

Reseñas de 5 estrellas

Had an amazing time on this unique experience! Exploring downtowns murals opened my eyes to all the creativity in our city.

James W.

Reseñas de 5 estrellas

¡Algo que no te puedes perder en Des Moines! El tour interactivo nos dio una visión del arte y la cultura local que nunca antes conocimos.

Sophia L.

Reseñas de 5 estrellas

This was a cool way to see iconic landmarks like Reunited, with Bees while enjoying a self-guided tour of Des Moines.

Daniel H.

Reseñas de 5 estrellas

We loved using the ScavengerHunt.com app to navigate through East Village. It made exploring so much more engaging!

Olivia M.

Reseñas de 5 estrellas

A great outdoor activity around Riverwalk! Walking through this scenic area while uncovering history made my day special.

Chris G.

Reseñas de 5 estrellas

Exploring downtown was such a fun experience. The murals like No Action Too Small really brought the area to life for us.

Jessica D.

Reseñas de 5 estrellas

What a great date idea! We explored the Garden of Blessings and had an unforgettable time together in Des Moines.

David B.

Reseñas de 5 estrellas

This experience is perfect for families. We enjoyed finding murals and learning about our beautiful East Village neighborhood.

Sarah W.

Reseñas de 5 estrellas

El recorrido a pie por el Ayuntamiento fue fantástico. Me encantó descubrir la historia local y los lugares únicos en el corazón de la ciudad.

Michael S.

Reseñas de 5 estrellas

I had a blast exploring the WorkSpace Mural by Jordan Weber. Such a fun way to see hidden gems in downtown Des Moines.

Emily J.

Preguntas Frecuentes.

PERSPECTIVAS LOCALES

Fun Des Moines Facts and Hidden Gems

Did you know that Des_Moines began as a military outpost along two rivers? Today it is known as the Hawkeye State Capital—a hub for culture lovers drawn by live music venues and bustling farmers markets.

The city’s famous Sculpture Park Hub features world-class art installations right downtown. Next time you visit Des Moines or need ideas on

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