The Best Things to Do in Des Moines on a Weekend Getaway

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[{"selector":"#anim-2f7abdb3-fdd9-4dde-93f4-48ed411bcf37","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":250,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-94533408-47b7-4b5f-86ab-020df48e3944","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-177.04918%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":250,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] When you think of a great getaway, you might not think of heading to Iowa. You may be surprised at what this midwestern state can offer! Learn more

The great news is Des Moines, Iowa, sits in the center of the state, so it’s easy to reach many nearby attractions.

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All in all, it makes for a great weekend getaway! Let’s check out some things to do in Des Moines.

Tour the Capitol Building

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Pappajohn Sculpture Park

[{"selector":"#anim-13b6b0ff-9ce8-4824-9740-b81cb32bf116","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":700,"duration":1000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-a5256105-5ce9-48e5-b426-9537dd142652","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":200,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] The John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park contains artwork by 25 artists from around the world. This park is on 4.4 acres in the middle of downtown. 02. Learn more

Iowa State Fair

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Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

[{"selector":"#anim-d7c19160-e6e0-4eff-b3ff-0683af49be39","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":700,"duration":1000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-cb0b3a1b-9f67-4e63-b111-c094a0582c1b","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":200,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is a beautiful 14-acre garden near downtown Des Moines. 04. Learn more