Des Moines · Polk County, IA
Hidden gems in Des Moines
Scout analyzed 110 Des Moines places and surfaced the ones that actually fit hidden gems.
Places analyzed
110
Matches
24
Typical spend
$15
Typical visit
1.4 hr
Scout-verified spots
Downtown Des Moines
the LiFT
This is a good spot for evening drinks, particularly specialty martinis and craft beer, in a dimly lit setting with local art. Expect to spend 1.5-3 hours and $15-35 per person.
Sherman Hill
Hoyt Sherman Place
Hoyt Sherman Place is ideal for an evening out to see a performance or visit the art gallery. Expect to spend 2-3 hours and tickets typically range from $30-$100 per person.
Westwood
Either/Or
Either/Or is a casual restaurant, suitable for a meal as part of a solo outing or a relaxed date. Expect to spend 1-1.5 hours and around $15-35 per person for food.
Outdoors
Brown's Woods
Brown's Woods is a free park best for a 1-2 hour hike or nature walk, ideal for a casual family outing or solo exploration. It pairs well with a picnic or a drive to a nearby cafe afterward.
Outdoors
Big Creek State Park
Big Creek State Park is ideal for a half-day or full-day outdoor escape, offering hiking, fishing, and boating. It's a low-cost option for families or solo adventurers looking to connect with nature.
Outdoors
Walnut Woods State Park
Walnut Woods State Park is good for an outdoor escape, offering trails and river access. Expect to spend a few hours exploring the natural landscape, with costs varying from free entry to a few dollars for activities like fishing or renting equipment.
East Village
Robert D. Ray Asian Garden
This garden is ideal for a peaceful outdoor stroll, taking about an hour. It costs nothing to enter and can be paired with a picnic or other downtown Des Moines activities.
Union Park
Birdland Park
Birdland Park is a good spot for a few hours outdoors, offering trails and lake views. It's suitable for a cheap family outing or a solo walk, and you might spend up to $5 for small snacks or drinks if available. Consider reserving shelters for group gatherings.
Arts & Culture
Living History Farms
This is a good half-day outing for families interested in Iowa's agricultural history, with a mix of outdoor walking and indoor exhibits. Expect to spend $10-20 per person for admission.
Downtown Des Moines
Cowles Commons
Cowles Commons is a good spot for a free, relaxed outdoor break, potentially featuring public art. It works as a quick stop to pair with downtown activities, typically lasting an hour with no cost.
Merle Hay
The Slime Kitchen Des Moines
The Slime Kitchen is a hands-on activity for kids, suitable for a 1-hour visit. It's a low-cost, playful outing, ideal for pairing with a meal or shopping nearby.
Downtown Des Moines
Hello, Marjorie
Hello, Marjorie is a '70s-themed cocktail bar, ideal for an evening drink after dinner or as a standalone social outing. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $30-70 per person on drinks and maybe a snack.
Wellness
Lympha Spa & Massage
Lympha Spa & Massage is suitable for a solo wellness break or a special occasion. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $80-$150 for a typical service.
Wellness
Maple Spa & Massage
Maple Spa & Massage is suitable for a relaxing solo treatment or a shared wellness experience. Expect a visit of about an hour, costing roughly $70-$150 per person.
Food & Drink
The Coffeesmith
The Coffeesmith is a good spot for a casual solo or small group visit, ideal for a quick coffee break or light snack. Expect to spend 45 minutes and $5-15 per person.
East Village
Daisy Chain Coffee
This coffee shop is suitable for a quick solo stop or a casual meet-up, typically lasting about 30 minutes. Expect to spend $5-$10 per person for a drink and a light snack.
Outdoors
Raccoon River Park
Raccoon River Park is suitable for a few hours of outdoor recreation, offering sports fields, a swimming beach, fishing, and nature trails. It's a low-cost option for a family outing or solo adventure, especially on weekends.
Downtown Des Moines
Horizon Line Coffee
This is a good spot for a quick coffee break or a quiet solo work session. Expect to spend 30-60 minutes and about $5-15 on a drink and perhaps a small bite.
Downtown Des Moines
The Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is a casual British pub, good for a relaxed meal or drinks. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $20-45 per person on pub fare and beverages.
Food & Drink
Lachele's Fine Foods
Lachele's is a casual spot for burgers and hot dogs, suitable for a quick meal with friends or family. Expect to spend 45 minutes and $10-25 per person on food and a drink.
Outdoors
Yellow Banks Park
Yellow Banks Park is suitable for a 3-hour outing focused on hiking, views, and nature. It can be paired with a picnic and typically costs minimal entrance fees, with higher costs for camping.
Downtown Des Moines
Northern Vessel
This coffee shop is suitable for a quick stop to grab a drink and a light bite, or a relaxed solo session. Expect to spend 30-60 minutes and $5-15 per person.
Greater South Side
Gray's Lake Park
Gray's Lake Park offers a relaxing outdoor experience, perfect for a walk or boat rental. It makes a good standalone activity for 1-2 hours, with costs ranging from free to about $20 per person for rentals.
Beaverdale
Grounds for Celebration
This coffee shop is suitable for a quick stop for a drink and snack, perfect for a solo break or casual meet-up, costing around $5-15 per person for about 30 minutes.
Under $35
Cheap dates and low-spend afternoons.
Worth the splurge
When the night needs to land.
Outdoors
Patio, trail, or open-air.
No reservation needed
Walk in tonight.
What Scout found
- 60 of the 110 analyzed Des Moines places fit hidden gems.
- 37% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
- 67% have easy parking.
- Dominant moods: Relaxed, Scenic, Social, Quiet, Playful, Adventurous.
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