Spring in Greater Des Moines
The birds are singing, the ground is finally starting to thaw, and best of all, the sun is staying up longer in the evenings. Celebrating spring means getting out of the house for something more than a coffee run. It’s staying out longer in the evenings for a patio cocktail or hitting up a local festival that brings the community together. Because when the weather warms up, so does the events calendar.
Outdoor Attractions in Bloom
Nothing says spring quite like blooming flowers and plants. While you can visit the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden all year-long, their outdoor spaces become available for patrons in the spring and are made for the picture-perfect spring stroll. And if you want to sit and stay awhile, order a coffee or a glass of wine at Flora Cafe. For the art history fanatic or the creative at heart, head over to the Des Moines Art Center. Completely free to the public, the Art Center hosts world-class art exhibits with over 5,000 total works. On the lawn, you’ll also find eclectic sculptures sprinkled throughout. Head behind the building to the Mile Mills Rose Garden and Greenwood Park, an area known to host small gatherings, proposals, picnics, or set the stage for a beautiful walk.
We’re not all farms here in Greater Des Moines, you know, but the ones we do have are pretty epic. Living History Farms is a 500-acre outdoor interactive museum that transports you back to the town of Walnut Hill in 1876. Walking trails and horse-drawn carts connect to three other different farms from different eras, each authentically farmed and worked by historical interpreters. Speaking of horses, hit up Prairie Meadows Casino and Racetrack. Offering non-stop casino action, live and simulcast horse racing, sports wagering, concerts, the best prime rib in town, and activities like their Kentucky Derby event in May, where big floppy hats and your “Sunday best” are highly encouraged.
Gardens, Parks, and Nature Trails in Des Moines
Enjoy the warm spring weather and grab a picnic basket or a frisbee and head over to Pappajohn Sculpture Park for 4.4 acres of awe-inspiring art and selfie opportunities. The crown jewel of Des Moines’ Western Gateway Park, this open-air public art display features 30+ sculptures by internationally acclaimed artists that were donated to the Des Moines Art Center by the Pappajohn family.
When you live in the Midwest, you don’t take good weather for granted, so you’ll find locals exploring the more than 800 miles of connected trails throughout Greater Des Moines. Never far from a bite or a brew, the High Trestle Trail runs for 25 miles through five towns and four counties and includes a glowing, half mile, 13-story high bridge extending across the Des Moines River, making it one of the largest (and most photographed) trail bridges in the world. Or, head over to Jester Park & Nature Center for scenic views, more than eight miles of nature trails, a golf course, trails, and protected wildlife like elk and bison.
Spring Events in Des Moines
Run, don’t walk, check out the Drake Relays, a nationally recognized outdoor track and field event held every April. Participants range from elementary to professional-level athleticism, with many other activities open to the public. If you’re looking for an event that’s truly unique, journey a little outside of Des Moines to Cumming in late April/early May for Wilson’s Orchard and Farm's Tulip Fest, where the tulips are blooming and you can pick your own while enjoying a cider or snack from their on-site store and Ciderhouse Restaurant.
In mid-May, explore Des Moines’ Asian culture at CelebrAsian with authentic food from countries like the Philippines, Japan, Korea, and more. When you’ve grabbed your onigiri and a plate of bulgogi beef, settle out on the lawn to watch live music and dance performances from surrounding communities that celebrate Asia’s diverse culture. And of course, you can’t forget one of the most popular weekly events, the Downtown Des Moines Farmers' Market. People from all over the state and beyond travel in to shop the dozens of distinctive vendors. Start the morning with a cold brew latte from Northern Vessel, snag an egg sandwich or breakfast burrito, and take a walk down each block as you shop for produce, fresh flowers, or homemade goods. This is where a lot of local Des Moines faves have gotten their start!
If you’re looking to plan the best spring weekend in Des Moines, then look no further than our 2-Day Spring Itinerary where we’ve curated the optimal hot spots to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine! No matter what the season, in rain or shine, the Greater Des Moines area has something for everyone. Grab a pen, some paper, and start planning your trip today!
