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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!

Le mieux noté
Image de carte de la chasse au trésor du centre-ville de Des Moines
étoile verte 4.8 (21 avis)

Aventures dans la chasse au trésor du centre-ville de Des Moines

Centre-ville, Des Moines

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

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Carte : Le jeu de piste des énigmes de la promenade fluviale du centre-ville
étoile verte 5.0 (25 avis)

Tourbillon d'énigmes sur la promenade fluviale du centre-ville

Promenade artistique dans le centre-ville, Des Moines

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

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Image de carte de la Chasse aux fantômes de Des Moines
étoile verte 5.0 (16 avis)

Chasse aux fantômes de Des Moines

Centre-ville, Des Moines

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

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Bulldog Dash card image
étoile verte 5.0 (20 avis)

Bulldog Dash

Drake University, Des Moines

Experience a self-guided Drake University tour with an interactive app-led scavenger hunt...

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Wood You Believe It? The Greenwood Park Pursuit Scavenger Hunt card image
étoile verte 5.0 (15 avis)

Wood You Believe It? La chasse au trésor de Greenwood Park Pursuit

Centre-ville, Des Moines

From playground fun to art and roses in bloom—Greenwood Park’s scavenger hunt is a Des...

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à propos des activités de plein air

UnépiqueDes 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.

Homme lors d'une visite guidée à pied avec chasse au trésor

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.

Polk County Heritage Gallery

Promenez-vous devant la Polk County Heritage Gallery et admirez ses expositions changeantes derrière la vitrine. Ce lieu en plein air offre un aperçu du passé dynamique de Des Moines sans avoir à entrer.

Mairie

Admire City Halls grand architecture from outside as you explore downtown Des Moines. Its stately presence is a testament to civic pride and history.

Hotel Fort Des Moines

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

Palais de justice du comté de Polk

Observe Polk County Courthouses impressive design from outside as you delve into its historical significance within downtown Des Moines.

Pont de Court Avenue

Traversez le Cross Court Avenue Bridge lors de votre chasse au trésor pour profiter de vues panoramiques sur la rivière Des Moines tout en dévoilant les secrets cachés de son passé légendaire.

Sculpture de parapluie de Crusoe – Des Moines, IA

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

Bâtiment Flynn-Griffin

Solve intriguing puzzles around Flynn-Griffin Building while uncovering its fascinating history during our adventurous scavenger hunt.

Peinture murale 'Des Moines Better Together' par 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.

Jardin des Bienfaits par 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.

Œuvre murale WorkSpace par 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.

Réunies, avec les Abeilles 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.

Bienvenue dans l'East Village par Unknown

Capture memories at this vibrant East Village mural—a beloved photo spot among locals that sets the tone for exploring hidden gems around Grand Avenue.

Statue Spike le Bouledogue

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 - Librairie de l'Université

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.

Bibliothèque 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.

Cadran solaire 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.

Capitole de l'État de l'Iowa

Admirez la vue sur le Principal Riverwalk tout en profitant des activités de plein air à Des Moines. Les habitants adorent repérer les sculptures le long du chemin – chacune raconte une histoire sur cette vibrante capitale de l'État Hawkeye.

Terrace Hill (Manoir du Gouverneur)

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.

Old Red Horse Armory

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.

Aire de jeux

Explore the Heart of Iowa with outdoor art and lively Riverfront Des Moines energy. Locals know the best murals change with each season, so every visit brings something new to discover.

Théâtre 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.

Jardin de roses Clare et 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.

Trois 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.

Centre d'Art de Des Moines

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.

Voir nos meilleures activités de plein air par quartier

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.

Le mieux noté
Image de carte du centre-ville
étoile verte 4.8 (1 avis)

Centre-ville

Centre-ville, 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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Image de carte de l'Université Drake
étoile verte 5.0 (1 avis)

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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Image de carte du centre-ville
étoile verte 5.0 (1 avis)

Centre-ville

Centre-ville, 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.

Avis 5 étoiles

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

Brian C.

Avis 5 étoiles

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

Megan L.

Avis 5 étoiles

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

Daniel H.

Avis 5 étoiles

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

Laura M.

Avis 5 étoiles

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

Chris G.

Avis 5 étoiles

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.

Avis 5 étoiles

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

David B.

Avis 5 étoiles

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

Sarah W.

Avis 5 étoiles

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

Michael S.

Avis 5 étoiles

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

Emily J.

Avis 5 étoiles

A must-do when visiting Des Moines! This self-guided tour helped me discover local treasures Id never seen before in the Riverwalk area.

James A.

Avis 5 étoiles

Une façon tellement amusante de passer un après-midi ! La sculpture du parapluie Crusoe a ajouté de la couleur à notre aventure, la rendant mémorable et captivante.

Megan W.

Avis 5 étoiles

Ce fut l'une de mes expériences préférées à Des Moines. La visite nous a menés à d'incroyables œuvres d'art et à des histoires fascinantes à travers la ville.

Chris L.

Avis 5 étoiles

Une activité familiale géniale ! Nous avons apprécié découvrir ensemble des peintures murales emblématiques et des sites historiques lors de notre visite à pied du East Village.

Laura M.

Avis 5 étoiles

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

Daniel G.

Avis 5 étoiles

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.

Avis 5 étoiles

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

David B.

Avis 5 étoiles

Quelle idée de rendez-vous fantastique ! L'expérience interactive nous a rapprochés pendant que nous découvrions des endroits sympas à Des Moines.

Sarah W.

Avis 5 étoiles

Cette visite à pied était une façon amusante de découvrir la ville. J'ai adoré en apprendre davantage sur l'histoire locale en me promenant dans le centre-ville.

Michael S.

Avis 5 étoiles

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.

Avis 5 étoiles

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.

Avis 5 étoiles

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.

Avis 5 étoiles

The interactive walking tour through Downtown was engaging. I loved uncovering interesting facts about places like the Polk County Heritage Gallery.

Daniel R.

Avis 5 étoiles

We had so much fun on our scavenger hunt! It was a great way to see iconic spots in Downtown and learn more about our city.

Ashley M.

Avis 5 étoiles

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

Chris G.

Avis 5 étoiles

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

Jessica D.

Avis 5 étoiles

A great family activity in Des Moines! The kids loved finding clues and we all enjoyed the beautiful sights around the Riverwalk.

David B.

Avis 5 étoiles

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

Sarah W.

Avis 5 étoiles

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.

Avis 5 étoiles

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.

Avis 5 étoiles

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

James W.

Avis 5 étoiles

A must-do thing to do in Des Moines! The interactive tour gave us insights into local art and culture that we never knew before.

Sophia L.

Avis 5 étoiles

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

Daniel H.

Avis 5 étoiles

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

Olivia M.

Avis 5 étoiles

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

Chris G.

Avis 5 étoiles

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

Jessica D.

Avis 5 étoiles

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

David B.

Avis 5 étoiles

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

Sarah W.

Avis 5 étoiles

La visite à pied autour de l'Hôtel de Ville était fantastique. J'ai adoré découvrir l'histoire locale et les lieux uniques au cœur de la ville.

Michael S.

Avis 5 étoiles

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.

FAQ.

APERÇUS LOCAUX

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

Langue locale

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