In Greater Des Moines, we pride ourselves in beingaffordable (and fun!)nomatter whatactivityyou choose todo.But whoever said “Nothing in life is free” clearly hasn’t been to Des Moines.There are a whole host of ways to experience Des Moines without spending a dime...or at least, less dimes than you’d spend in other cities.
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FREE ARTS ACTIVITIES
TheDes Moines Art Centerboasts outstanding exhibitions and an important collection with a major emphasis on contemporary art.The collection is housed in three striking buildings, each designed by a world-renowned architect.Admission to theDes Moines Art Centermuseumisfree with advanced and day-of reservations.Just outside the Art Center, visitors can appreciatenumeroussculptureson thefacility'sgroundsandtheClaire and Mile Mills RoseGardenin neighboringGreenwood Park.
Pack a picnic and spend a sunny afternoon at thePappajohnSculpturePark. Hereyou'llbeinspiredby dozens of works from internationally recognized arts right in the heart of downtown Des Moines. The 4.4-acre park offers plenty of room to spread out and enjoy throwing afrisbeefor fido.
Another hidden gem isHoyt Sherman. Not only is it a beautiful concert and theater destination, but it also hasan Art Gallery and Museum as well. It's open weekdays from 9 a.m. —5 p.m., and guided tours are available!
GreaterDes Moines is a renowned arts destination in the Midwest.Art Route Des Moinesunites 87 pieces of public art with anartful access pathdesigned oncity sidewalks and intersections. Think,"Follow the Yellow Brick Road,"where the sidewalk is painted with circles and chevrons leading to world-classsculptures, murals,and architecture — free for all to enjoy.
For even more public art opportunities throughout the metro, take a tour of popular andinspiringmurals...and of course, use #CATCHdsm when you post the obligatory selfie.
FREE EAST VILLAGE
Spenda day exploring theHistoricEast Village, anchored by the majesticIowa State Capitol. Frequently noted as one of the most beautiful capitol buildings in the country, the Iowa State Capitol overlooks downtownDes Moineswith an impressive23-karat gold-plateddome.Free guided orself-guidedtours are offeredofthe Iowa State Capitol and the famous law library Monday – Saturday.
Just across the street from the capitol, visitors are invited to theState Historical Museum of Iowa.Guests can explore three floors showcasing Iowa's accomplishments, contributions, and heritage. The free museum features Hollywood in the Heartland, a blockbuster exhibit celebrating Iowa's movie legacy, andThe First in the Nation exhibit detailing the significance of the Iowa caucusesand the role Iowans play in selecting presidential nominees.
Also located in the East Village is the Robert D Ray Asian Gardens.The Garden, located downtown along the Des Moines River,isa tribute to Robert D. Ray,who served as Iowa's governor from 1969 to 1983. Ray was the first public official in the United States to offera safe havenfor the endangered Vietnamese"Boat People."The free, public gardens are a celebration of diversity within the community.
FREE DOWNTOWN
Get around downtown Des Moines easilyusingDART'sD-line shuttle. The free D-Line runs in a loop every 15 minutes, providing service from the East Village to the Western Gateway. Just hop on the busat any of the stops – no fareneeded! Look for bus stops labeled with D-Line along GrandAvenueand LocustStreet.
Take the D-Line to the Des Moines River for aleisurelystroll along thePrincipal Riverwalk.The Principal Riverwalk is a recreational park districtfeaturing a 1.2-mile trail and two pedestrian bridges connectingthe east and west sides of downtown. The Riverwalk provides access to an outdoorice skatingrink, anamphitheater,and willsoon be the home of theLauridsen Skatepark, set tobethe largest skatepark in the nation.
Just south of downtownisGray's Lake park. The park features a walking and biking path surrounding the lake, a public beach,and picnic areas.Visitors will enjoy watching the livelyparkactivity and walking over the beautifully lit bridge with views of the Des Moines skyline.
PARKS, TRAILS,BEACHES,AND SPLASH PADS
Greater Des Moines is home to many beautifulparks, an 800-mileconnectedtrail system,and several publicbeaches and waterways.High Trestle Trail,Jester Park,SaylorvilleLake and Ledge State Park are just a few of ourfaves.TheCity ofDesMoinesoperates and maintainsnumeroussplash pads and spray grounds.
MUSEUMS FORALL
Visit theGreater Des Moines Botanical Gardensas part of theMuseums for Allprogram.Simply present an EBT card and a valid ID and receive unlimited free admission for up to four peopleduring regular operating hours.
FREE EVENTS
- Des Moines Downtown Farmers' Market- May - October
- Parades(St. Patrick's Day, Independence Day,Capital City Pride, Iowa State Fair)
- Live Horse Racingat Prairie Meadows Racetrack, Casino, and Hotel
- CelebrAsian- May
- Yankee Doodle Pops – July 3
- Des MoinesArts Festival– June
- World Music and Music Festival–September
- Latino Heritage Festival-September
- East VillageHoliday Promenade-December
- Jingle in the Junction– November/December
Explore morefree things todo.
Need more travel inspiration? Check out the rest ofThe Catch List itineraries. And add ideas to your Des Moines bucket list with ourDes Best listsand S’s Are Silentvideos!
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