Experience · Des Moines

Botanical Garden & East Village Sweets

Spend a delightful afternoon immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. After exploring the diverse plant collections, take a short trip to the East Village for a coffee and pastry pick-me-up. This outing offers a lovely blend of nature and local charm.

A 3-hour Des Moines afternoon plan for solo — The Iowa Taproom, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, Scenic Route Bakery.

Duration: 3 hrs
Cost: $15–$35
Stops: 3 stops
Area: East Village + 1 more
Walking: Moderate walking · Total 1.1-mile driving route
Best time: 12:00 – 5:00 PM
Ideal for: Solo · Couples · Friends

Start Plan

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The plan

1The Iowa Taproom(1 hr)→
2Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden(1 hr 30 min)→
3Scenic Route Bakery(30 min)

Why this plan works

The 3 stops cover about 1.1 miles total, which keeps you in one pocket of Des Moines instead of crossing town between them. Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. It finishes at Scenic Route Bakery — a short, low-effort stop you can skip if you're ready to call it. Best suited to solo, couples, and friends who want a planned Des Moines outing without improvising between stops.

The story

The itinerary

3 stops, one great day

1
1 hr
The Iowa Taproom
Food & Drink · East Village
Historic, industrial haunt with over 100 regional craft beers & locally sourced New American fare.
What to do — Grab a table and choose from their extensive menu of New American dishes and over 100 craft beers. This is a great spot to try local brews and hearty food.
0.6 mi · 12 min walk or 4 min drive
Then A short drive across the river will take you to the botanical garden.
2
1h 30m
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Outdoors · Capitol Park
Seasonal blooms showcased outdoors & in a geodesic dome, plus educational programs & art shows.
What to do — Wander through the tropical geodesic dome, admire the outdoor gardens, and check for any special art exhibits or programs happening during your visit.
Scout Side Quest
Find the most dramatic plant in the dome and make a quick case for why it belongs in your living room.
0.5 mi · 10 min walk or 4 min drive
Then Head a few blocks south into the East Village for a sweet treat.
3
Optional 30 min
Scenic Route Bakery
Food & Drink · East Village
Light fare, java, wine & pastries are served at this family-owned cafe with a contemporary interior.
What to do — Pick out a freshly baked pastry and your favorite coffee or tea to enjoy in their cozy, contemporary space.
Scout Side Quest
Before looking at the counter, try to guess the exact pastry or flavor your date is about to pick.

Scout Stories

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The route

On the map

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Common questions

Planning this outing

Is this a good Des Moines itinerary for solo?: Yes. It's built for solo, couples, and friends and runs about 3 hrs across 3 stops, starting at The Iowa Taproom.
How long does this outing take?: Plan on 3 hrs door to door, including time between stops.
How much does this Des Moines itinerary cost?: Roughly $15–$35 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.
Is this itinerary walkable?: Yes — every hop is under a mile, about 1.1 miles of walking in total.
Do I need reservations?: No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.

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