Summertime is Primetime in Greater Des Moines
The scent of hot dogs drifting through the air at Principal Park, a glass of sparkling wine with friends, the sun on your skin with a beach read in hand, juicy fresh produce from the Downtown Farmers’ Market — that sums up summer in Greater Des Moines (DSM). From festivals and markets to scenic trails and community traditions, there’s something to do for everyone in DSM during the summer months.
Outdoor Activities in the Region
Whether you’re cheering on the Iowa Cubs, paddleboarding at Lake Red Rock, or visiting Whiterock Conservancy for hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding, there are plenty of ways to spend time outdoors in DSM during the summer.
Find Additional Outdoor Activities
Interested in a weekend packed with outdoor adventure? Check out our Try DSM: Outdoor Adventure weekend itinerary.
Time Well Spent by the Water
There are plenty of places across DSM to enjoy time on the water, whether that means paddleboarding, kayaking or simply relaxing lakeside with a good book. Visit Gray’s Lake in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) for paddleboarding, kayaking and beach access, or head to Lake Red Rock near Pella to rent a boat and spend the day on Iowa’s largest lake.
Looking for another way to cool off? The region also has numerous public pools and aquatic centers to beat the summer heat. (Many are operated by cities – check out your city’s website for locations and hours of operation.)
Explore Swimming Spots in DSM
A Packed Events Calendar
From county fairs with livestock shows, rodeos and grandstand events to music festivals like Hinterland and Osceola’s Latino Festival, there’s no shortage of summer events across the region. In Downtown DSM, visitors can spend Saturday mornings exploring the Downtown Farmers’ Market or experience the flavors, sounds and traditions of cultures from around the world at the annual World Food & Music Festival each August.
Explore Fairs and Festivals in Greater Des Moines
Find Downtown DSM Events
Sip Into Summer
Looking for a relaxing way to soak in summer beneath a pink-and-orange sunset? Sip a glass of Bourbon Barrel Red while overlooking the rolling hills at Madison County Winery or take in the Downtown DSM skyline with a beer in hand at Big Grove Brewery. In Newton, settle into the patio scene near Legacy Plaza at Gezellig Brewing, or head to The Cellar Winery in Madrid for a glass of wine and live music, perfect for a laid-back summer evening.
Explore a Weekend Itinerary Full of Brews
Wild Encounters
For a family-friendly summer outing (and educational), visit the Blank Park Zoo where more than 2,500 animals live in habitats ranging from the Big Cat Complex to Hub Harbor.
Prefer to spot wildlife from the comfort of your car? Head to Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge in Prairie City and drive through the five-mile Prairie Wildlife Drive, home to a roaming bison herd. The refuge also offers several scenic trails for visitors wanting to explore the landscape on foot — don’t worry, the hiking paths stay well outside the bison enclosure!
In Granger, Jester Park also gives visitors the chance to observe bison and elk herds while exploring trails, natural play areas and other outdoor attractions.
Getting Connected
There’s a lot of things that factor into a great DSM summer and that goes beyond just the activities — it’s the people. Voted one of the Most Neighborly Cities in America (Neighbor.com, 2024), the people of DSM are top-tier. Whether you’re looking for more friends or new to the area, there are plenty of ways to get connected so your summer can be full.
Find Ways to Make Friends
Find Your Greater Summer
Make the most of your summer and spend it in DSM. Request a free relocation guide to learn more about the region or learn more about the region from an MVP.