Experience · Des Moines

East Village Capitol & Classic Eats

Discover the grandeur of Des Moines with an afternoon exploring the Iowa State Capitol's stunning architecture and history. Afterwards, enjoy a taste of local fare at a beloved East Village eatery. Conclude your outing with a serene stroll through a uniquely designed garden, reflecting on the day's sights.

A 3.5-hour East Village afternoon plan for couples — Iowa State Capitol, The Iowa Taproom, Robert D. Ray Asian Garden.

Duration: 3h 30m
Cost: $15–$40
Stops: 3 stops
Area: East Village
Walking: Moderate walking · Total 1-mile driving route
Best time: 12:00 – 5:00 PM
Ideal for: Couples · Friends · Solo

Start Plan

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The plan

1Iowa State Capitol(1 hr 30 min)→
2The Iowa Taproom(1 hr)→
3Robert D. Ray Asian Garden(1 hr)

Why this plan works

Every stop sits in East Village, so the whole plan happens inside one neighborhood. Iowa State Capitol is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. It finishes at Robert D. Ray Asian Garden — a short, low-effort stop you can skip if you're ready to call it. Best suited to couples, friends, and solo who want a planned Des Moines outing without improvising between stops.

The story

The itinerary

3 stops, one great day

1
1h 30m
Iowa State Capitol
Arts & Culture · East Village
Legislative building known for elegant, 1800s architecture & vast gilded dome, with tours available.
What to do — Take a self-guided or guided tour of the Iowa State Capitol, admiring its intricate details and historical significance. Don't miss the panoramic views from the building.
Scout Side Quest
Pick your favorite ornate architectural detail inside or outside. Compare choices and make a case for why yours wins.
0.6 mi · 12 min walk or 4 min drive
Then Head west a few blocks to the East Village for your next stop.
2
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 — Settle in for a late lunch at The Iowa Taproom, choosing from their menu of elevated pub fare and an extensive beer list.
0.4 mi · 8 min walk or 4 min drive
Then Walk a short distance north to the Asian Garden.
3
Optional 1 hr
Robert D. Ray Asian Garden
Outdoors · East Village
Garden park featuring an Asian pavilion, stone pagodas, a pond, a series of waterfalls & more.
What to do — Spend some time unwinding in the peaceful ambiance of the Asian Garden, enjoying the meticulously designed landscape and water features. It's a perfect spot for quiet reflection.
Scout Side Quest
Find the single most peaceful vantage point in the garden. Reveal your picks to each other at the exact same time.

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 couples?: Yes. It's built for couples, friends, and solo and runs about 3 hr 30 min across 3 stops, starting at Iowa State Capitol.
How long does this outing take?: Plan on 3 hr 30 min door to door, including time between stops.
How much does this Des Moines itinerary cost?: Roughly $15–$40 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 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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