Des Moines is an ideal place to spend a summer weekend, especially for those who love being outside. With beautiful trails, waterfront views, outdoor patios, and plenty of green space, it’s easy to fill your time with fresh-air fun. If you’re planning to spend 3 days in Des Moines, you’ll find the perfect mix of outdoor adventure and relaxed city vibes.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. That means that if you purchase through a link, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more info, visit this page.
Where is Des Moines Iowa?
Des Moines is located in central Iowa, about 245 miles south of Minneapolis, roughly a 3.5 to 4-hour drive. It’s also about 190 miles north of Kansas City and 135 miles east of Omaha, making it a great weekend destination from several Midwestern hubs. Its location along I-35 and I-80 makes it a convenient stop on longer road trips through the Midwest.
Where to Stay in Des Moines
Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a full summer stay, Des Moines has no shortage of stylish, cozy, and convenient places to rest your head. Here are my picks for the best places to stay in Des Moines for a summer weekend.
Downtown Des Moines
East Village
Outside of the City
Find a more detailed look at these hotels and where to stay in Des Moines here (COMING SOON!).
Best Things to Do for 3 Days in Des Moines in Summer
Spending 3 days in Des Moines is the perfect way to experience this underrated Midwest city. From biking along the Des Moines River to exploring art, music, and food in the East Village, there’s a fun mix of outdoor adventure and urban charm. Here are the best things to do on a summer weekend in Des Moines.
1 | Experience the Des Moines Farmers’ Market.
Did you know that one of the largest and most popular farmers’ markets in the Midwest is in Des Moines? Every Saturday morning in the summer, downtown Des Moines transforms into a massive dog-friendly farmers’ market. In addition to fresh produce, you’ll find booths selling locally made goods, art, prepared food, and dog treats in addition to live music.
2 | Explore the hiking trails in Des Moines.
There are so many great places to go hiking in Des Moines! This map shows an overview of all the trails in the greater Des Moines area.
Brown’s Woods in West Des Moines is the largest urban forest in Des Moines. There are over 4 miles of trails that wind through forest, rolling hills, and streams.
Easter Lake Park is just south of Des Moines and has access to the 4.1 mile Mark C. Ackelson Trail. This is a great relatively flat loop trail around a lake, perfect for a light hike and bird watching.
Gray’s Lake Park has a beautiful view of the Des Moines skyline and a 1.9 mile trail. It’s a great place for a sunrise or sunset hike right in the city. For a longer hike, hop on the 5.2 mile Meredith Trail to get to downtown.
Just west of Des Moines is the 11.3 mile paved Clive Greenbelt Trail. This urban hike goes through forest and along a creek with easy pedestrian access to bars and restaurants. This is also one of the best bike trails in Des Moines to explore in summer.
3 | Spend a day on a lake for some water adventures.
On a hot summer day, cool off on one of the many lakes in the Des Moines area. Right in the city, rent a paddleboard or kayak and explore Gray’s Lake. About 13 miles north of the city, Saylorville Lake is a popular place to go swimming, boating and fishing.
4 | Enjoy a drink on an outdoor patio.
Des Moines has no shortage of unique bars, breweries, and outdoor patios.
One of my favorite stops in Des Moines is El Bait Shop, located downtown. Choose from the extensive craft beer list and enjoy your drink inside or on the large outdoor patio. If El Bait Shop is busy, try the The High Life Lounge next door (the two are connected). It’s got a retro Midwestern corner bar vibe with classic comfort food on the menu, and a small outdoor patio.
Bartender’s Handshake has a great indoor space, but outside is where it shines in my opinion. Imagine astroturf, retro patio furniture, and backyard BBQ vibes. It’s a great place for casual drinks and light bites.
The Hall DSM is a food hall inside of a historic building with over 50 beers on tap. The large outdoor patio has a mix of communal tables and comfy seating areas. The menu features German food (the giant pretzel with beer cheese is delicious!), burgers, pizza and more. Plus, the patio is dog-friendly!
Lua Brewing has a wall of glass doors that open to an outdoor patio that’s also dog-friendly. Their unique and interesting beers are a nice complement to the truly delicious food menu. It’s located in the Sherman Hill neighborhood and across the street from Big Grove Brewery if you want to patio hop.
Confluence Brewing Co is one of the best breweries in Des Moines, known for its massive dog-friendly patio and beer selection. It’s located near Gray’s Lake and along a paved biking and walking trail, which can make a great combo on a hot day.
Paws & Pints is an incredible concept for dog owners and lovers. It’s a full service bar and restaurant in a dog park. My dog, Hank, had the best time while I sipped a beer and relaxed to the sound of a live musician playing on the patio.
Pro Tip: Be sure to bring your dog’s vaccination records as they are required to enter.
5 | Take a stroll through one of Des Moines’ gardens.
Located in downtown Des Moines, Pappajohn Sculpture Park has over 30 sculptures, including some from local artists. This is a fun place to grab some selfies or enjoy a picnic. Entrance to the park is free.
Pro Tip: Listen to a free audio tour to learn more about art and music from the Des Moine Symphony that was inspired by the sculptures.
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is hard to miss when driving through the city. The massive dome is on the banks of the Des Moines River and is part of the 12-acres of indoor and outdoor gardens. Be sure to check the hours online in advance as they change seasonally.
6 | Cozy up at one of Des Moines’ best coffee shops.
Fuel up for your day of exploring at one of Des Moines’ best and most unique coffee shops.
Horizon Line may be the most hip coffee shop in town with a strong commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability. They roast their own coffee in small batches onsite.
Slow Down Coffee Co is located in the historic Highland Park neighborhood on the north side of the city. The space is designed to do exactly what their name says – slow down and stay a while. Their coffee is sourced from a coffee roaster in nearby Ames.
Zanzibar’s Coffee Adventure also brews small batch coffee in house and is one of the original coffee shops in town. Be prepared, though, there is no wifi to encourage you to unplug and connect with others.
Northern Vessel is a local favorite known for creative drinks, cold brews and lattes.
Ritual Cafe is a woman-owned cafe with an all vegetarian menu. They host open mic, poetry, and other events too!
Blue Bean Coffee in nearby Johnston has incredible coffee flights and toast flights. This is a great option if you are heading to parks and trails on the north side of the city.
7 | Snap a photo in front of one of the many murals in Des Moines.
Love murals? Des Moines has you covered! Here are some of the most instagrammable murals in Des Moines.
- Toast Des Moines: Located near the intersection of 2nd Ave and Court Ave downtown
- Better Together Better Forever: Located next to the Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel, near the intersection of 5th Ave and Locust St downtown
- Cheers from Des Moines: Located west of downtown near the intersection of SW 16th St and Walnut St
8 | Go on a day trip for great lakes and hiking near Des Moines.
Spend the day exploring the trails, parks and lakes just outside of the city. Don’t miss the High Trestle Trail, which extends 25 miles through the scenic countryside with the iconic 13-story High Trestle Bridge. Explore the whole trail, or park close to the bridge for a short hike or bike ride on a paved trail. It’s especially beautiful at sunset or after dark when it’s illuminated!
Pro Tip: Free parking is available here (save this to Google Maps), which is just 1.5 miles along the paved trail to the High Trestle Bridge. There is a well maintained bathroom in the parking lot as well.
If you love dramatic sandstone cliffs, don’t miss Ledges State Park. Located about 40 miles northwest of Des Moines, there are lots of trails for all levels of hikers plus plenty of picnic areas to enjoy.
Pro Tip: A nonresident vehicle permit is required in Iowa State Parks. Daily permits ($5) are available at the self-registration kiosks throughout the parks and at the park offices.
Find the largest beach in the Iowa State Parks at Big Creek State Park, located just 20 minutes outside of Des Moines. While you’re there, hike along the 27-mile Neil Smith Trail or rent a bike to explore on two wheels.
9 | Cool off and enjoy a delicious meal and craft cocktails.
After a long summer day of exploring, cool off with a craft cocktail and delicious meal.
Good News, Darling is known for unique cocktails and intimate vibe. No reservations, just check in with the host at Hello, Marjorie. Another unique stop is Ken’s – a Not So Secret Speakeasy, which is exactly the throwback experience you imagine.
Finally, standout restaurants include Alba, Harbinger, and Simon’s, just to name a few.
Enjoy Your Des Moines Weekend Getaway This Summer
Whether you’re biking along quiet trails, paddling across calm waters, or soaking up the sun on a patio with a local brew, Des Moines delivers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. Its mix of nature and city charm makes it an easy and refreshing weekend escape. If you’re looking to slow down, explore, and enjoy the outdoors, spending 3 days in Des Moines might just surprise you.
Related content to read next:
13 Fun Things to Do in Waterloo Iowa This Summer
Essential Solo Road Trip Advice for Women
Perfect Minnesota Road Trips for a Weekend Getaway
Check out my Minnesota travel page for even more outdoorsy travel itineraries in the upper Midwest!
Did you find this article helpful? Save it for later or share it on social media!
