If you are looking for a weekend getaway with a few hours of Sioux Falls, make sure that Des Moines is on your list! Des Moines is only a few hours away from Sioux Falls and perfect for a weekend away with the family (great for a kid-free weekend, too!). While Des Moines is not usually the first place people think about for a weekend trip, I think you would be surprised to see how much the location offers.
Below, we share our top spots for a weekend away in Des Moines, IA! We also note places to stop on the drive there and back, as we know how important a great stop can be for a family traveling.
For other great weekend/day trip guides from the Sioux Falls Area, check out our other travel posts!
For our top tips on road-tripping with younger kids, click here. You can also check out our road trip essentials for families!
Weekend Trip Guide: Des Moines
The Drive
Depending on where you are starting from in the Sioux Falls Area, the drive to Des Moines is roughly 4 to 5 hours long. You also will have some options on starting the drive by driving South or starting the drive by driving east. Make sure to check out which locations below you will drive by based on your route! To break up the drive and keep the family entertained, consider stopping at these attractions along the way:
- Sioux City, IA
- Make a stop in Sioux City! Check out the free Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, pick up some classic road-trip candy at Palmer’s, or enjoy their science museum. To see all our top locations for Sioux City, read our Day Trip Guide!
- Le Mars, IA
- Stop in at the Wells Visitor Center & Ice Cream Parlor! Known as the “Ice Cream Capital of the World,” Le Mars offers a delightful stop where you can tour the Wells Dairy and enjoy some delicious Blue Bunny ice cream.
- Boone, IA
- Ledges State Park offers breathtaking natural beauty with its striking sandstone cliffs, scenic overlooks, and diverse hiking trails. This is popular state park for those in the Des Moines Area to visit.
- Ames, IA
- Reiman Gardens-enjoy a peaceful walk through beautiful gardens and explore the butterfly wing, which is a hit with kids.
- If your family is fans of the Cyclones, make sure to take a quick tour of the Iowa State University Campus.
- Albert the Bull Park in Audubon, IA
- Stop to see the world’s largest bull statue, Albert the Bull, and enjoy a picnic at the park.
- Okoboji, IA
- Arnolds Park Amusement Park is always a good time! If you have time for a detour, visit this charming lakeside amusement park with rides and attractions for all ages.
- Madrid, IA
- The High Trestle Trail Bridge near Madrid, Iowa, is an impressive 13-story-high bridge that spans 2,530 feet and offers stunning views of the Des Moines River Valley. Its striking design, especially illuminated at night, makes it a must-visit destination.
Des Moines
Musumes/Art Centers/Educational
Science Center of Iowa
Head to the Science Center of Iowa for hands-on learning and exploration. The center features interactive exhibits on space, technology, and natural sciences. Be sure to catch a show at the IMAX theater for an immersive educational experience. Both children and adults will love the time spent here!
Des Moines Art Center and Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Spend your morning at the Des Moines Art Center, where you can admire a diverse collection of modern and contemporary art. Then, take a walk through the nearby Pappajohn Sculpture Park, which features impressive large-scale sculptures and provides a great backdrop for family photos.
Iowa State Capital
Visiting the Iowa State Capital is a must! Seeing the gold-leafted dome is amazing, along with the incredible law library, the spiraling staircases, and the history around every corner.
Salisbury House & Gardens
Tour this historic mansion modeled after the King’s House in Salisbury, England, and explore its beautiful gardens and rich history.
Des Moines Children’s Museum
This museum offers interactive exhibits and play areas designed to engage young children in imaginative and educational activities.
Family Fun
Adventureland Park
Kick off your weekend with some thrilling fun at Adventureland Park. This amusement park offers a variety of rides and attractions for all ages, from roller coasters and water slides to kiddie rides and live entertainment. It’s the perfect place to let loose and enjoy some family fun.
Blank Park Zoo
Visit the Blank Park Zoo, where you can encounter animals from around the world. From the African Savannah to the Australian Outback, the zoo’s exhibits provide educational fun for the entire family. This zoo is well loved by the community in Des Moines!
Iowa State Fairgrounds
If you happening to be visiting Des Monies when the Iowa State Fair is going on-its a must stop! The Iowa State Fair is claimed by many to be the best state fair in the country. There is loads of things to see, experience, learn, taste, and try at the Iowa State Fair.
Living History Farms
Step back in time at this open-air museum that brings Iowa’s agricultural history to life through interactive exhibits and historical reenactments.
Downtown Farmers’ Market
Open from May to October, the market features fresh produce, local crafts, live music, and delicious food. This Farmers Market is rather large and worth a stroll.
Parks/Outdoor
Gray’s Lake Park
Features a beautiful 2-mile trail around the lake. They offer paddleboat and canoe rentals, playgrounds, and plenty of open space for picnics and outdoor activities.
Raccoon River Park
Offers a large playground, a swimming beach, fishing opportunities, hiking and biking trails, a nature lodge, and a dog park.
Ewing Park
Known for its lilac arboretum, this park also features a large playground, a disc golf course, a BMX track, and open spaces for picnicking and playing.
Saylorville Lake
This recreation area offers numerous outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, camping, and picnicking. It also has several playgrounds and a visitor center, making it a a great destination for family fun.
Ashby Park
This neighborhood park has a splash pad, playground equipment, open green spaces, and picnic areas. It’s a great spot for younger children to enjoy water play and outdoor fun.
Union Park
Home to the popular Heritage Carousel, Union Park also features a splash pad, a large playground, and plenty of shaded areas for picnics.
Principal Park
Beyond being a baseball stadium, it has family-friendly promotions, a kids’ play area, and offers a fun environment to enjoy a minor league baseball game.
Des Moines Water Works Park
This large urban park offers playgrounds, picnic areas, trails for walking and biking, and hosts various events and festivals throughout the year.
Dining and Shopping
East Village
Known for its eclectic mix of boutiques, restaurants, and cafes, this neighborhood offers a unique shopping and dining experience.
Valley Junction
A historic district with a charming array of shops, galleries, and eateries, perfect for a leisurely day of exploring.
Court Avenue District
A vibrant area downtown with a variety of bars, restaurants, and entertainment options, ideal for nightlife and dining.
Zombie Burger + Drink Lab
Stop here for a unique dining experience. The restaurant offers creatively named burgers and shakes that the whole family will enjoy. After eating, take a leisurely stroll through the East Village.
Fong’s Pizza
Fong’s Pizza is a family-friendly restaurant known for its delicious and creative pizza options.
Buzzard Billys
Offering a taste of Cajun and Creole cuisine, this fun and eclectic restaurant has a kids’ menu and a relaxed atmosphere.
Smokey Row Coffee
A cozy café offering a variety of sandwiches, soups, and baked goods, along with a kids’ menu and a welcoming atmosphere.
Jethro’s BBQ
A local favorite for hearty BBQ dishes, Jethro’s offers a kids’ menu and large portions that are perfect for sharing, ensuring a satisfying meal for the whole family.
Snookies Malt Shop
A classic ice cream parlor that offers a variety of sundaes, shakes, and malts, making it a perfect spot for a sweet treat after dinner.
The Machine Shed
This restaurant is designed with farming land in mind! It offers hearty, homestyle meals, a kids’ menu, and a rustic, family-friendly atmosphere.
A family weekend trip to Des Moines from Sioux Falls offers a mix of adventure, education, and relaxation. Happy road tripping, ‘hood family!
