Your Summer in DSM: A Guide for Interns & YPs

Things to Do in DSM

John & Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park (Free)
Right in Downtown DSM and super walkable. Big, quirky sculptures = easy photo ops. Good place to wander, hang out or pretend you’re “into art” for an hour.

Adventureland
Classic summer day. Roller coasters, water rides and an easy group outing when friends or family come to visit.

Zoo Brew at Blank Park Zoo (21+)
Midweek plans = solved. Takes place most Wednesday evenings in June, July and early August. Drinks, animals and a fun way to break up the work week!

Des Moines Art Center (Free)
Low-key and air-conditioned. Perfect when it’s too hot or you want something chill.

Lauridsen Skatepark (Free) Even if you don’t skate, it’s worth checking out. Big city views, cool vibe and a good place to hang in Downtown DSM. Did we mention it’s the largest skatepark in the U.S.?

Get Outside (…or at least out of your apartment)

Iowa Cubs Baseball Games
Cheap tickets starting at $12 means easy group plan! Bonus: Friday night home games = fireworks.

Smash Park
Want the summer breeze, or prefer to cool down in the A/C? Here’s your spot. Pickleball, yard games, drinks — basically built for hanging out.

High Trestle Trail Bridge (Free)
This 13-story high bridge is one of the coolest views near DSM. Walk-hike a short distance from Madrid or bike from Ankeny to get there. Go at sunset. Trust.

Ledges State Park (Free)
Hike and explore. Hammock and relax. Less than an hour from Downtown DSM, this place feels like a mini escape from the city.

Des Moines B-cycle
No car? No problem. Grab a bike get to work, meetings and meetups. There’s bike share stations in Downtown DSM, Drake neighborhood, Windsor Heights, Clive and more.

Mini Golf

Get your hole-in-one fix. Try Toad Valley in Pleasant Hill, Terrace Hills in Altoona or Jester Park Mini Golf in Granger.

Principal Charity Classic
June 10-14, 2026, at Wakonda Club in Des Moines. This PGA-tour event is a must for summer interns and YPs. Even if you’re not a golf fan, come for the networking!

Weekend Plans = Handled

You don’t need to try that hard here — there’s something going on every weekend.

Food & Drink Festivals Not to Miss

• Downtown Farmers’ Market — Saturday mornings, coffee + breakfast + wandering
• Iowa Craft Brew Festival — June 6, 2026, if you’re into trying new drinks
• World Food & Music Festival — Aug. 28-30, 2026, for the best.food.ever, plus music

Big Summer Events

• Capital City PrideFest — June 12-14, 2026, thing silent disco, parade, pet pageant, cardio dance party, headliners Brooke Eden and David Archuleta — fun from start to finish!
• National Balloon Classic — July 31 – Aug. 8, 2026, in Indianola means hot air balloons at sunrise and sunset (worth it!)
• Iowa State Fair — Aug. 13-23, 2026, because you kind of have to go at least once

Arts, Culture & Music Events

• Jasper Winery Summer Concert Series — This weekly Thursday wine and tunes sesh is a summertime fave of local YPs.
• CelebrAsian — May 22-23, 2026, incredible foodie eats and unique cultural experience.
• Des Moines Arts Festival® — June 26-28, 2026, art, food, music — see and be seen!
• Hinterland — July 30 – Aug. 2, 2026, in Saint Charles. Big artists + camping with friends. Headliners are KATSEYE, Lord, Mumford & Sons and Kali Uchis.

Easy Day Trips (When You Want a Change of Scenery)

Pella
About 45 min drive from Downtown DSM
Feels like a mini Europe trip. Dutch bakeries, cute local shops and a super walking downtown. Stop for a treat at Jaarsma’s, Vander Ploeg Bakery or Clover Leaf on Franklin.

Marshalltown
About 1 hour from Downtown DSM
Underrated food scene — especially if you like authentic Mexican food. M-town’s growing art vibes (think murals, sculptures, free public art) make it worth the trip.

Winterset
About 45 min drive from Downtown DSM
Hiking at Winterset City Park + covered bridges + wineries. Solid day trip combo. Bring home a to-go bottle from Madison County Winery, Compass Hill Vineyard or Winterset Cidery.

The Only Rule: Don’t Miss Out

Summer in DSM goes fast. There’s always something happening — but only if you actually go do it. Try new spots. Say yes to plans. Explore a little.

That’s how you turn a “summer internship” into a summer you’ll actually remember.

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