Unleash your adventurous spirit as you explore Des Moines Scavenger Hunt alongside iconic landmarks and hidden gems in Des_Moines, from vibrant street art to historic plazas.
Rally your crew with trivia quests, bold photo dares, and wild scavenger challenges that earn points and unlock bragging rights in our sleek app—compare your scores and celebrate victories together.
Top Outdoor Activities In Des Moines, Iowa
Step into the vibrant heart of Des Moines, where the Riverfront beckons with it's scenic charm and the East Village pulses with artistic energy. Discover Outdoor Activities that unveil hidden gems and iconic landmarks, offering a fresh perspective on this Hawkeye State Capital. Whether you are a local or visiting Des Moines for the first time, these adventures promise excitement and unforgettable experiences.
Outdoor Experiences in Des Moines, Iowa
Our expertly curated list of Outdoor Activities in Des Moines offers unique experiences that combine fun with exploration. From thrilling scavenger hunts to immersive art walks, each activity is designed to captivate your sense of adventure. Dive into these exciting opportunities and discover something new around every corner.
Top Rated
4.8 (21 reviews)
Adventures in Downtown Des Moines
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 (13 reviews)
Des Moines Iowa Bar Hunt
Downtown, Des Moines
Embark on a self-guided, gamified bar crawl through Des Moines, filled with trivia and...
An epic Des Moines, Iowa experience
How Our Des Moines, Iowa Outdoor Activities Work
Our team of expert writers has scouted must-sees across 3,050+ cities worldwide including over 50 Outdoor Activities right here in Midwest cities like ours! Each tour features clear instructions tailored specifically so participants know exactly what awaits them at each stop along their journey. During any given activity participants explore historical markers tackle trivia questions snap photos complete puzzles all via award-winning app earning points unlocking achievements comparing scores against others participating same events throughout entire city ensuring ultimate competitive challenge satisfaction guaranteed.
Top Outdoor Attractions In Des Moines
Des Moines boasts top attractions perfect for outdoor activities. Explore the vibrant Sculpture Park Hub or take in the stunning views along Principal Riverwalk. Each location offers a unique experience that will leave you wanting more. 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.
Twisted Vine Brewery
Explore the Des Moines Art Center, a must-see for art lovers. Nestled in the heart of Iowa, it offers a unique blend of modern and contemporary art. Perfect for a day trip with it's stunning architecture and vibrant exhibits.
Hello, Marjorie
Stroll through Pappajohn Sculpture Park, an outdoor haven in Des Moines' Riverfront. This Sculpture Park Hub is perfect for sightseeing and enjoying unique installations under the open sky.
Ricochet
Tour the Iowa State Capitol, a landmark in the Capitol Complex Tours. It's grand architecture and rich history make it a must-see attraction when visiting Des Moines.
85 Bar
Wander through Des Moines Farmers Market for local flavors and crafts. It is an essential stop in East Village Arts, offering fresh produce and vibrant market vibes.
Zombie Burger + Drink Lab
Enjoy a leisurely walk along Principal Riverwalk with stunning views of downtown Des Moines. This scenic path offers outdoor activities and picturesque sights along the riverfront.
Beechwood Lounge
Explore Drake University Campus, nestled in the heart of Drake Neighborhood Vibes. It's historic buildings and lively atmosphere make it an ideal spot for outdoor exploration.
See our Top Outdoor Activities By Neighborhood
Explore top neighborhoods like Drake Neighborhood Vibes and Capitol Complex Tours through engaging Outdoor Activities. These areas offer diverse experiences that capture the essence of Des Moines' culture and history - click on these neighborhoods to see the related activity.
See what people say about our outdoor activities in Des Moines
Trust our happy customers who rave about their experiences with our Outdoor Activities in Des Moines! With glowing testimonials and high star ratings, our activities are proven favorites among explorers seeking fun-filled adventures in this dynamic city.
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
Did you know that Des Moines was originally called Fort Des Moines? It became a bustling center during Iowa's coal mining boom! The city's name comes from 'des moines,' meaning 'of the monks,' reflecting it's French origins.
Another fascinating fact: The Iowa State Fairgrounds host one of America's largest state fairs annually! This event is
Another fascinating fact: The Iowa State Fairgrounds host one of America's largest state fairs annually! This event is
© 2016-2025 Let's Roam, LLC. Let’s Roam® is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved.
✕
Unlock An Extra 10% OFF Your First Order
You're Halfway To An Extra 10% OFF
Sign up for emails & texts to get your code
By submitting this form, you agree to receive recurring automated promotional and personalized marketing text messages (e.g. cart reminders) at the cell number used when signing up. Consent is not a condition of any purchase. Msg frequency varies. Msg and data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help and STOP to cancel. First time users only. Does not apply to custom events.
By submitting, you agree to receive recurring automated promotional/personalized marketing text messages (e.g. cart reminders). Msg/data rates may apply. Reply STOP to cancel.