Things You Can Only Do in Greater Des Moines

Here's the definitive list of the definitively unique Greater Des Moines (DSM) experiences, including llama limbo, supersize sculptures, a bacon-infused bike ride and more:

Tour the world's only five-domed capitol building. Since its completion in 1886, the Iowa State Capitol has stood as a shining (literally) symbol of Iowa. The 23-karat gold leaf covering the dome is so thin that 250,000 sheets pressed together would measure only one inch thick. Explore inside during free self-guided and formal tours, available Monday through Saturday during public business hours.

Nearby, you can mingle with Mammoths and movie memorabilia at the State Historical Museum of Iowa. Entry to exhibits like “Hollywood in the Heartland” is free. Enjoy clips and commentary on how the silver screen has depicted Iowa in iconic films from the silent era to popular films like “Field of Dreams” and “The Bridges of Madison County”.

 

On the topic of Madison County and classic movie stars, the John Wayne Birthplace and Museum in Winterset celebrates the Oscar-winning “True Grit” actor. Born here in 1907, the big screen persona still draws admirers nearly 50 years after his death. The museum’s 10th birthday celebration includes special events May 23-24, 2025, including a vintage aircraft “fly-in.”

The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates honors another larger-than-life man with Iowa roots: The famed agronomist Dr. Norman E. Borlaug. He was one of only seven people to have received the Nobel Peace Prize, the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal for his work to address world hunger. He is credited with saving one billion lives. The World Food Prize is considered the "Nobel Prize for Food and Agriculture," and volunteering as a member of the Laureate Society can open opportunities to meet global leaders.

In a far goofier homage to our agricultural heritage, Iowa State Fair traditions like the legendary butter cow put DSM and Iowa on the map. Standing in line to see it is fun but entering a unique contest or competition is even better. Start ‘em early in the “Decorated Diaper & Diaper Derby,” embellish a hat for the “hat parade,” or go for the blue ribbon in “Ladies’ Rubber Chicken Throwing.” If you’re really lucky, you might be able to enter in the Llama Limbo, leading these limber livestock in front of a cheering crowd.

Silly holidays your thing? Celebrate Groundhog Day by dancing with ‘Polk County Paula’ at the High Life Lounge. Doors open at 6 a.m. on Groundhog Daywith free beer flowing until 8 a.m. This may also be the only bar in business to serve a "Tangermeister" signature shot, combining "Tang" (the orange-flavored drink mix) and "Jägermeister" (a German herbal liqueur).

DSM is also the only place to host a “BACooN Ride” combining our community’s love of bacon and passion for bicycle culture. The 71-mile annual scenic and sizzling bike ride winds through several central Iowa towns along the Raccoon River Valley Trail, including Dallas Center, Perry, Panora, Adel, Waukee among others. Cyclists stop to indulge in delicious bacon snacks and samples throughout the day using a commemorative “PassPORK” punch card. The ride (June 14, 2025) is an offshoot of the Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival, which originated in Des Moines.

DSM claims some monumental works of art, including "Plantoir," by artists Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen. The giant garden trowel in Western Gateway Park is made from aluminum, fiber-reinforced plastic and steel, stands over 23 feet tall and weighs 2300 pounds. Take a selfie with it on your way to another ‘only in DSM’ destination: the Better Homes & Gardens test garden, which is open to the public most summer Fridays, Noon – 2 p.m. starting Friday, May 2, 2025.

 

In Urbandale, the architectural sculpture “Paragon Prairie Tower” at 123rd and Meredith Drive is the largest Italian glass mosaic tile mural in the United States.

We also have a giant, skate-able sculpture at Lauridsen Skate Park, the nation’s largest open skatepark. The feature is an 80-foot-long, 12-foot high and 4-foot-wide steel piece that spells "WOW" in cursive. Created by renowned artists Roberto Behar and Rosario Marquardt of R&R Studios in Miami, skateboarders can ride along the curves.

What about weird, wacky and “World’s Largest? Pickleball might be sweeping the nation, but DSM has "Big Blue." The 150-pound pickleball paddle at Smash Park earned the West Des Moines-based entertainment venue an entry into the Guinness World Records.

Looking for more?

DSM-based author and roadside attraction expert Megan Bannister shares plenty of other suggestions in her book “Secret Iowa: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure.”

Most locally owned businesses are “one of a kind” in their own right! Check out DSM Local for guides to shopping and supporting local.