New blossoms on the trees at a park

Your Official Spring Bucket List for Greater Des Moines

The days are growing longer, the windows are opening and people are spending more time outside on the trails, at parks and exploring nature in Greater Des Moines (DSM). Spring in DSM is when cyclists get their bikes out, gardeners plant new seeds, shoppers look for local farmers’ markets and retailers to purchase spring décor and diners are ready to take advantage of outdoor patios and rooftops. 

Are you ready to explore your surroundings this spring? Check out these ideas for fun things to do during the season: 

Green Up Your World

Tulips lining a path

Embrace Greater Des Moines Nature and Get Outdoors This Spring 

  • Arie Den Boer Arboretum at Waterworks Park in Downtown DSM: Towards the end of April, the crabapple blossoms begin to bloom, and you won’t want to miss the sight of 800 flowering trees creating a pink wonderland. It’s one of the world’s largest, and definitely one of the region’s most beautiful! 
  • Central Park in Pella: You won’t find a more vibrant display of colorful tulips than in the historic town square in Pella. Central Park is home to 300,000 blooms each spring, including during the annual Tulip Time Festival. Visit the Pella Historical Museum Gift Shop for Dutch items and tulip souvenirs. 
  • Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden in Downtown Des Moines (DSM): The Spring Garden Market is one of many seasonal events happening at the Botanical Garden in 2026. Pick up annuals, herbs and shrubs during your visit before you walk through the Koehn Garden and dine at the Flora Café. The Botanical Garden also offers free admission to celebrate Earth Day each April, a great opportunity to explore the Conservatory, the Evergreen Gallery, Ruan Reflection Garden and more.
  • Iowa Flower Farm in Maxwell: Head to Iowa Flower Farm this spring for a Planting Party and BBQ. Just join the email list to find out about spring planting dates ahead of Iowa Flower Farm’s season (mid-June through September). 
  • Newton Arboretum & Botanical Gardens in Newton: Downtown DSM isn’t the only place with crabapples! Visit Crabapple Alley at the Newton Arboretum & Gardens to see more. Then, visit the Spring Bulb & Annual Display Beds for even more springtime fun. 
  • PepperHarrow Farm in Winterset: Spring is the perfect time to start your summer planning. Grab tickets now for the annual Lavender Festival in June! In the meantime, purchase fresh flower bouquets from the PepperHarrow booth at the Downtown Farmers’ Market, beginning in May or find seeds for spring planting at PepperHarrow, too! 
  • Rose Farm in Norwalk: Spring marks the kickoff of Rose Farm’s Garden Club, gatherings that take place from spring through fall. The Kickoff Celebration in May includes a garden tour and a chance to clip your own fresh flowers. A variety of other spring workshops are available where attendees can get creative with floral design, watercolor painting, wreath making and more. 
  • Wilson’s Orchard & Farm in Cumming: The Des Moines Farm features fresh flowers from tulips to buttercups to yarrow blooms. This spring, visit Wilson’s for their own Tulip Festival to take part in tulip-themed activities and dine at the Ciderhouse Restaurant. 

Looking to start your own floral garden and need supplies to get started? For seeds, perennials, annuals or landscaping tools, Busy Bee Garden Center in Indianola, Canoyer Garden Center in Ankeny and Grimes and Howell’s Greenhouse in Cumming are just a few of the gardening locations that will make creating your own garden sanctuary easy, while Nick’s Greenhouse & Flower Shop in Pella and Hive and Petal in Prairie City offer bouquet arrangements perfect for spring. 

Don't Miss the First Games of the Season

A horse racer on the back of a horse in a race

It's Time to Watch Live Sporting Events in Greater Des Moines

  • Drake Relays in Des Moines: Every spring, athletes head to Drake University’s Blue Oval for a track and field event known for amazing talent. Spectators welcome or join in the fun by competing in the Grand Blue Mile and Drake Road Races.   
  • Iowa Barnstormers in Downtown DSM: Spring brings the first indoor football games of the season for the Iowa Barnstormers. The indoor football team holds their home games at Casey’s Center, so grab a ticket to the home opener or purchase season tickets so you don’t miss a game when the season starts in April. 
  • Iowa Cubs in Downtown DSM: At the end of March, the Iowa Cubs home games get underway. Cheer on this Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs at Principal Park, and don’t forget to buy some gear at the official Iowa Cubs team store! 
  • Collegiate Spring Sports in the Region: From baseball and softball to soccer, golf and tennis, you can cheer on talented athletes from Central College in Pella, Des Moines Area Community College, Drake University in Des Moines, Grand View University in Des Moines and Grinnell College in Grinnell. 
  • Live Racing at Prairie Meadows in Altoona: Thoroughbred racing and special events begin in May, with Quarter Horse added later in the summer, so don’t miss the horses on Prairie Meadows’ one-mile track. 

Find televised sports this spring by dining at sports bars and restaurants around the region. 1908 Draught House in Johnston, Centerfield Sports Bar in Windsor Heights, Caffrey’s Sports Pub in Waukee, Sam’s Bar & Grill in Altoona and Pin High Sports Bar in Norwalk are well-loved by local sports fans. 

Dine Al Fresco

An outdoor patio filled with people

Greater Des Moines Outdoor Patios and Rooftops Make the Best Meetup Spots 

  • 30hop in Ankeny: Enjoy a meal on the patio at 30hop Ankeny where you can chat with friends and enjoy the view of the The District – Prairie Trail plaza. Order apps, rice bowls, handhelds and tacos for lunch or dinner or choose from items on the brunch menu on weekends. 
  • Brick & Ivy Rooftop in Altoona: With its large rooftop often featuring local live music acts, Brick & Ivy Rooftop is open this spring for sipping signature drinks and dining on sandwiches, burgers, pizza and wings.
  • Covered Bridges Winery in Winterset: Sample locally produced red, white and rosé wines surrounded by the scenic rolling hills of the area as the sun sets. When the weather’s nice, it’s the perfect way to spend a spring evening.  
  • Either/Or Eatery and Patio in Des Moines: Along Grand Avenue, overlooking the bike path, the Either/Or patio is open and waiting for you! It isn’t far from Historic Valley Junction so check out the shopping at nearby local boutiques, too. 
  • Foundry Distilling Company in West Des Moines: Located in Historic Valley Junction, the Foundry Distilling Company features a covered patio for sipping signature spirits or reserving for your next event. 
  • Fresh Mediterranean Express in Waukee: Take a bite into a gyro, kabob or Greek salad on the patio of Fresh Mediterranean Express before bowling at nearby Warrior Lanes or catching a movie at The Palms Theatres & IMAX. 
  • The Flying Elbow in Marshalltown: The outdoor seating at The Flying Elbow makes trying a wrestling-themed burger or hot dog even more fun. Order the King of the Ring and add on a side. The Street Corn Salad topped with Cheeto dust or the Vader Tots, house made and served with smoked ketchup, should do just fine.
  • Mullets in Uptown Ankeny: The Mullets Uptown Ankeny location is conveniently located right off the High Trestle Trail, so when you’re planning a ride this spring, plan a stop at Mullets as well, where they serve up all-day breakfast, apps, burgers, flatbread pizzas and more.  
  • The Pelican Post in West Des Moines: There’s plenty of space on this patio to enjoy your food and drinks. Located near the Jordan Creek bike trail, The Pelican Post is also cyclist-friendly. 

Looking for a spring wardrobe refresh before you head out to your favorite patio? Shop spring collections at Azalea Lane Boutique in Adel, Harlow + James in West Des Moines or Lula Belle Designs in Indianola. 

Spring Into DSM

Plan out your spring itinerary this year and experience the season of awakening and growth in DSM. Request a free relocation guide to learn more about the region or reach out to a MVP with questions.