Discover thrilling moments as you journey through Des Moines Scavenger Hunt, immerse yourself in colorful murals during Des Moines Art Walk, or feel chills on a spine-tingling Ghost Tour—all while uncovering landmarks from Riverfront views to secret alleys.
Gather your crew for trivia quests, daring photo ops, and quirky puzzles that rack up points through our app—compete for top scores while sharing laughs and memorable wins along the way!
Top Outdoor Activities In Des Moines, Iowa
Sunlight dances on the Principal Riverwalk as local artists fill East Village with color and energy. In Des_Moines, every corner reveals a new adventure waiting to be experienced. Outdoor Activities here bring you closer to the city’s lively heart, offering unforgettable ways to connect with friends, family, or fellow explorers. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a lifelong Hawkeye State fan, these unique experiences invite you to view Des Moines in a bold new light.
Outdoor Experiences in Des Moines, Iowa
Our expertly curated list of Outdoor Activities in Des Moines is designed for those who crave excitement and discovery. From exploring vibrant street art on the Des Moines Art Walk to unraveling mysteries on our Ghost Tour, every activity offers it's own blend of challenge and fun. Each experience is crafted to showcase both must-see attractions and hidden gems that make this city shine. Dive into these adventures and see why sightseeing here feels fresh every time you visit.
Top Rated
4.8 (21 reviews)
Adventures in Downtown Des Moines Scavenger Hunt
Downtown, Des Moines
Discover the hidden gems of Des Moines Downtown on our thrilling scavenger hunt! Uncover...
5.0 (25 reviews)
Downtown Riverwalk Riddle Romp
Downtown Art Walk, Des Moines
This Iowa art hunt is packed full of pieces that will inspire and amaze you! Murals don't...
5.0 (16 reviews)
Des Moines Ghost Hunt
Downtown, Des Moines
Explore Downtown Des Moines with a self-guided, app-led ghost tour featuring riddles,...
5.0 (20 reviews)
Bulldog Dash
Drake University, Des Moines
Experience a self-guided Drake University tour with an interactive app-led scavenger hunt...
An epic Des Moines, Iowa experience
How Our Des Moines, Iowa Outdoor Activities Work
Our expert team has scouted out must-see sites across 3,050+ cities—including over 50 standout Outdoor Activities throughout the Midwest—to craft memorable experiences tailored just for you in Des_Moines. Every activity includes step-by-step instructions, custom maps, themed quizzes, and clever challenges unique to each route.
During your adventure on foot, tackle trivia questions at historical markers downtown or snap creative photos beside public art installations like those found along Principal Riverwalk Views. Score points using our easy-to-use app—and track your progress against other teams right here in Iowa's capital.
Top Outdoor Attractions In Des Moines
Des Moines attractions come alive when explored through engaging Outdoor Activities that highlight the city’s most iconic sights and local secrets. Stroll past world-class sculptures at Western Gateway Park, uncover fascinating stories at Drake University, or soak up live music near the bustling Farmers Market. Each location promises dynamic challenges set against the backdrop of Iowa’s capital charm and Midwest hospitality. Click on each location to see related activities.
Polk County Heritage Gallery
Wander by Polk County Heritage Gallery and peek through it's ever-changing window exhibits. This outdoor spot offers a glimpse into Des Moines' vibrant past without stepping inside.
City Hall
Admire City Hall's grand architecture from outside as you explore downtown Des Moines. It's 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 downtown's rich history and architectural beauty.
Polk County Courthouse
Observe Polk County Courthouse's impressive design from outside as you delve into it's historical significance within downtown Des Moines.
Court Avenue Bridge
Cross Court Avenue Bridge during your scavenger hunt to enjoy panoramic views of Des Moines River while unraveling hidden secrets from it's storied past.
Crusoe Umbrella Sculpture – Des Moines, IA
Find inspiration under Crusoe Umbrella Sculpture during our exciting scavenger hunt! This artistic landmark is perfect for creative photo challenges.
Flynn-Griffin Building
Solve intriguing puzzles around Flynn-Griffin Building while uncovering it's fascinating history during our adventurous scavenger hunt.
Des Moines Better Together Mural by 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.
Garden of Blessings by 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.
WorkSpace Mural by 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.
No Action Too Small by Chris Vance
Experience green activism through vibrant street art in Des Moines. This mural encourages recycling with playful imagery and is a must-see for eco-conscious travelers exploring the Sculpture Park Hub.
Reunited, with Bees by 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.
Welcome to the East Village by 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.
Spike the Bulldog Statue
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 - University Bookstore
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.
Cowles Library
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.
Wifvat Plaza Sundial
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.
Iowa State Capitol
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 (Governor’s Mansion)
Capitol Complex Tours offer an open-air look at Iowa's 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.
See our Top Outdoor Activities By Neighborhood
From the creative pulse of East Village Arts to the historic streets near Capitol Complex Tours, outdoor activities let you discover what makes each neighborhood unique in Des Moines. Get ready for interactive adventures—click on these neighborhoods to see the related activity.
Top Rated
4.8 (1 reviews)
Downtown
Downtown, 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...
5.0 (1 reviews)
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...
See what people say about our outdoor activities in Des Moines
Locals and visitors alike rave about our Outdoor Activities in Des Moines! With five-star ratings across the board, guests call it 'the best way to explore downtown' and praise how much fun they had discovering hidden corners of Iowa’s capital city together.
Using ScavengerHunt.com was an awesome way to explore downtown Des Moines. We found so many cool places we never knew existed!
Brian C.
Our family loved this interactive adventure in Des Moines! It was engaging and educational, perfect for kids and adults alike.
Megan L.
A fantastic walking tour that took us through Downtown's vibrant art scene. Highly recommend this as a fun thing to do!
Daniel H.
We had an amazing experience discovering unique spots around East Village. Definitely a great neighborhood experience!
Laura M.
A perfect way for tourists to see iconic landmarks in Des Moines. The app made it easy to navigate through interesting sites.
Chris G.
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.
Exploring Downtown was an unforgettable experience. The historical spots like the Polk County Courthouse were highlights of our tour.
David B.
The Garden of Blessings was such a beautiful spot to visit. A great outdoor activity around the Riverwalk neighborhood.
Sarah W.
What a fun date idea in the heart of Des Moines. We discovered hidden gems and enjoyed each other's company while walking.
Michael S.
I had a blast exploring the East Village. The murals and local history made for a fantastic walking tour experience.
Emily J.
A must-do when visiting Des Moines! This self-guided tour helped me discover local treasures I'd never seen before in the Riverwalk area.
James A.
Such a fun way to spend an afternoon! The Crusoe Umbrella Sculpture added color to our adventure, making it memorable and engaging.
Megan W.
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.
A great family activity! We enjoyed discovering iconic murals and historical sites together during our walking tour of the East Village.
Laura M.
I loved using the ScavengerHunt.com app to explore Downtown. It made finding interesting spots like Reunited with Bees so much easier!
Daniel G.
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.
The Flynn-Griffin Building is stunning! This outdoor activity in the Riverwalk area made for an enjoyable afternoon with friends.
David B.
What a fantastic date idea! The interactive experience brought us closer as we uncovered cool spots around Des Moines.
Sarah W.
This walking tour was a fun way to see the city. I loved learning about local history while wandering through Downtown.
Michael S.
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.
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.
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.
The interactive walking tour through Downtown was engaging. I loved uncovering interesting facts about places like the Polk County Heritage Gallery.
Daniel R.
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.
This self-guided tour made for a fantastic outdoor experience. Strolling along and discovering murals really brought Des Moines to life.
Chris G.
Exploring the East Village was such a unique experience. The art scene is vibrant, especially with spots like Reunited, with Bees.
Jessica D.
A great family activity in Des Moines! The kids loved finding clues and we all enjoyed the beautiful sights around the Riverwalk.
David B.
This walking tour of Downtown was an amazing experience. I loved seeing the Polk County Courthouse and learning its rich history.
Sarah W.
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.
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.
Had an amazing time on this unique experience! Exploring downtown's murals opened my eyes to all the creativity in our city.
James W.
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.
This was a cool way to see iconic landmarks like Reunited, with Bees while enjoying a self-guided tour of Des Moines.
Daniel H.
We loved using the ScavengerHunt.com app to navigate through East Village. It made exploring so much more engaging!
Olivia M.
A great outdoor activity around Riverwalk! Walking through this scenic area while uncovering history made my day special.
Chris G.
Exploring downtown was such a fun experience. The murals like No Action Too Small really brought the area to life for us.
Jessica D.
What a great date idea! We explored the Garden of Blessings and had an unforgettable time together in Des Moines.
David B.
This experience is perfect for families. We enjoyed finding murals and learning about our beautiful East Village neighborhood.
Sarah W.
The walking tour around City Hall was fantastic. I loved discovering local history and unique spots in the heart of the city.
Michael S.
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.
FAQs.
What are some fun Outdoor Activities in Des Moines?
Are scavenger hunts good for groups in Des Moines?
I am new to Des Moines what do you recommend?
I am a Des Moines local would this be fun for me?
What is the full list of all the scavenger hunts and activities that I can do in Des Moines
LOCAL INSIGHTS
Fun Des Moines Facts and Hidden Gems
Des Moines began as a military fort at the confluence of two rivers before blossoming into Iowa’s vibrant capital city. It's name comes from French trappers referring to ‘Rivière des Moines,’ meaning ‘River of Monks.’
Today it is known for it's thriving arts scene, legendary State Fairgrounds, and eclectic neighborhoods like East Village Arts—
Today it is known for it's thriving arts scene, legendary State Fairgrounds, and eclectic neighborhoods like East Village Arts—
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