Whether you’re looking for a unique city break, a place to explore with the family, or you’re simply going through Iowa and want to take a look at the capital city, Des Moines can make for an excellent spot to take a break. One of the most popular times to visit it is during late summer and the fall, but what attracts so many people at this time of year? Here are a few ways to see the best the city has to offer.
One Of The Most Charming Cities In The States
One of he reasons that Des Moines becomes particularly popular in the fall is because that’s when its charms truly shine. As the weather gets milder, that’s when the art and cultural scene of the city comes alive. The fall leaves offer a beautiful and colorful backdrop to explore the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, or to take a stroll through the Des Moines Farmers’ Market and pick up a few snacks along the way. The Historic East Village is a particularly lovely spot to stop at a coffee shop and people-watch with your breakfast.
Get Into Those Green Spaces
If you want to really see the city at its best in the fall, then you should take the time to explore the wide range of green spaces they have on offer. Gray’s Lake Park is a local favorite, offering walking and biking trails that surround the sparkling lake, with trees that will be shifting with the seasons to those warmer, cozier colors. It’s also one of the most walkable and cyclable cities, with a series of trails connecting neighborhoods and the parks, making it all the easier to hit up places like Water Works Park, one of the country’s biggest urban parks.
Get Out Into Nature
You’re never too far away from adventure during a trip to Des Moines, and if you want a closer connection to nature, why not stay outside the city? Staying at an RV park not too far from the city can help you reach it for day trips, while keeping you close to parks like the Walnut Woods State Park, as well as campgrounds that offer all sorts of hiking trails, picnic areas, and riverside views, from which you can watch the beauty of fall unfold before your eyes. Setting up camp in your RV combines the comfort of home with the beauty of Iowa’s autumn landscapes. Wake up to crisp morning air, enjoy a cozy campfire in the evening, and let nature set the pace of your trip.
Check Out The Events And Festivals
Fall in Des Moines is filled with community events that celebrate the season. Pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and apple orchards make great day trips just outside the city, offering both family fun and classic fall activities. Oktoberfest is a big deal in the city, bringing lively food and breweries of all sizes, while the World Food & Music Festival is one of the best for those who love international cuisine.
A more low-key and relaxing trip than many others, Des Moines offers plenty to do both in and around the city, from quaint neighborhoods to explore and breathtaking wilderness to steep in.
