Flight Destinations
Flights to Des Moines
Places in Iowa
Situated right in the centre of the US state of Iowa is the city of Des Moines. Des Moines is both the capital and the largest city of Iowa, and in comparison to the rural nature of the rest of the state this is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with plenty of tourist attractions.
Flights to Des Moines
The Des Moines International Airport (airport code: DSM) is your destination for flights to Des Moines. Situated just 3 miles from the city centre, the airport is quick and easy to reach via hotel shuttle buses, taxis or rental cars. British Midland has a flight to Des Moines from the UK, stopping once in Chicago, or Delta Airlines flies from London via Cincinnati. You can also catch a one stop flight to Des Moines with Air France, Northwest Airlines or United Airlines.
Des Moines Tourist Attractions
Situated right in the centre of the state of Iowa, Des Moines is also at the centre of things in a couple of other ways. The city is well known for being the home of many insurance companies, and it’s also a very important city when it comes to presidential politics. For tourists though, the city has a good selection of attractions.
History and Architecture in Des Moines
As it is the state capital city, Des Moines is home to the Iowa State Capitol building. Often slated as one of the most beautiful state capitols in the United States the charm that sets this one apart from others is the brick façade. The golden dome is now shining in its former glory as it was recently re-gilded, and the free tours offered of the building are highly informative and interesting.
Nearby is the home of the Governor and First Lady of Iowa. They reside in a home on Terrace Hill, built in 1869, and it too is open for tours.
Salisbury House is another historical attraction in Des Moines. This 42-room house was built in the 1920’s and boasts both Tudor and Gothic architectural styles as well as many great artefacts, antiques and artwork.
Des Moines Art Center
With a permanent collection that’s rotted throughout the year the Des Moines Art Center is able to showcase different themes of artwork. The main focus is on contemporary works and you may see pieces by some internationally renowned artists like Andy Warhol, Auguste Rodin and Henri Matisse.
Des Moines Family Attractions
If you’re looking for some more family centric attractions in Des Moines here are several to head for. The Science Center of Iowa is great for children of all ages, providing many hands on exhibits as well as an IMAX cinema. Just north of Des Moines is Adventureland Park, an amusement park with roller coasters, water slides and more, totalling over 100 rides for all ages plus family entertainment and other attractions.
Back in Des Moines itself is Blank Park Zoo. This is a relatively small zoo in terms of size however it does have some very good exhibits including the popular American Bald Eagle exhibit, the tropical rainforest, and the Australian outback.
When Should You Visit Des Moines?
Hot and humid weather, and afternoon thunderstorms are characteristic of summers in Des Moines, so this may not be the best time to visit. Between May and August rainfall is highest and average high temperatures range between 22C (72F) and 30C (86F). September and October are good months to visit with lower rainfall and pleasant temperatures, plus the advantage of autumn colours coming in.