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If you finally got tired of “dinner and a movie” dating concept, it’s time to switch to a more original pastime. Make your dating romantic, hot and fun – life’s too short to have boring dates. Do you agree?

We collected all the romantic places in Des Moines in our post. Each of them is super-duper whether it’s your first date or you already have a gang of  ̶r̶u̶g̶r̶a̶t̶s̶, little angels. 

If you aren’t afraid of changing your dating life at least a little, read the post to the end. Something very exciting is ahead!

1. Blank Park Zoo

a fox
Image source: https://www.facebook.com/blankparkzoo

Blank Park Zoo is the first of all things to do in Des Moines for couples. 

Discover what beautiful creatures, except you two, of course, nature brought into this world. The zoo allows you to get to know this universe better. Here, you can not only observe animals from a distance, but also feed and pet some of them. 

There are more than a hundred species in Blank Park Zoo, so you won’t get bored. Maybe you will find your spirit animal there. 

Good for: Couples, nature lovers

Address: 7401 SW 9th Street Des Moines, IA 50315

Working hours: Daily, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Phone: 515 285 4722

Website: https://www.blankparkzoo.com

2. Gray’s Lake Park

a bridge in Gray’s Lake Park
Image by Tony Walker from Pixabay

We couldn’t make a list of best Des Moines date ideas without Gray’s Lake Park. 

Do you realize how lucky you are to have waters in the city. Kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, water observing – all that is available not for all American citizens.

Make use of it, take a leisurely stroll across the park, have a little picnic and then go enjoy some activity on the water! You will see it will be a great date full of emotions, feelings and sensations.

Good for: Couples, nature lovers, strolling

Address: 2101 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321

Working hours: 24/7

Phone: 515 237 1386

Website: https://www.dsm.city/business_detail_T6_R58.php 

3. Des Moines Art Center and Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Des Moines Art Center
Image source: https://www.facebook.com/DesMoinesArtCenter

You get two dating ideas in Des Moines in one. The center houses impressive works by artists of the last two centuries. Take a guided tour so that you can understand the meaning of every piece of art presented there.

After the tour go to the sculpture park. It will be a pleasant walk around interesting exponents: some of them are nice, others a bit scary. Anyway, your phone camera will come in handy.

Good for: Couples, art connoisseurs, strolling

Address: 4700 Grand Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 50312

Working hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.,Thursday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Saturday – Sunday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Phone: 515 237 1386

Website: https://www.desmoinesartcenter.org

4. Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Image source: https://www.facebook.com/dmbotanicalgarden

Of course, a list of things to do in Des Moines on a date can’t be complete without this botanical garden.

It is divided into several sections. Each of them is dedicated to different plants and experiences. There is a lot of shade and seating, so you can take a break, rest and grab a bite. 

Visit the website before coming here. You will see what plants are currently in bloom.  

Good for: Couples, nature lovers, strolling

Address: 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, Iowa 50309-2897

Working hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Phone: 515 323 6290

Website: https://www.dmbotanicalgarden.com

5. State Historical Museum

an elephant sculpture at a museum
Photo by Quinn Villarreal on Unsplash

A little trip to a museum is one of the most popular date ideas Des Moines offers. Why? The museum is free for everyone so that’s a cool budget-friendly venue for a date. Couples of all ages find this spot attractive.

That’s the place where you will get to know the history of Iowa: ranging from Ice Age artifacts to early airplanes. They say the second floor is more impressive so don’t stay on the first one too long. 

Good for: Couples, history lovers

Address: 600 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50319 

Working hours: Tuesday–Friday 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Phone: 515 281 5111

Website: https://iowaculture.gov/history/museum 

6. Rotary Riverwalk Park

bridge in Rotary Riverwalk Park in Des Moines
Image by David Mark from Pixabay

Right near the Asian Gardens, you will find Rotary Riverwalk Park. It features a beautiful bridge and a whimsical swing set area.

The place looks both natural and futuristic. Such a location is perfect for a date – it’s not usual. You can take bikes and have a refreshing ride. When tired, take a break and have a little picnic. 

Good for: Couples, fresh air lovers, strolling

Address: 821 W River Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309

Working hours: 24/7

Website: https://rotaryclubofdmam.com/Stories/rotary-riverwalk-park-1 

7. Salisbury House

Salisbury House in Des Moines
Image source: https://www.facebook.com/salisburyhousedsm

If you are looking for fun things for couples to do in Des Moines, Salisbury House is definitely your destination.

This charming old house will make you feel as if you were ladies and gentlemen from old good England.

The decorations and architecture are striking. When you walk in the main entrance, you walk into the Great Hall, which looks like a filming location of historical novels.

Good for: Couples, history lovers

Address: 4025 Tonawanda Dr, Des Moines, IA 50312

Working hours: Wednesday – Sunday 12:00-1:00pm; 1:15-2:15pm; 2:30-3:30pm; 4:15-5:15pm and 5:30-6:30pm

Phone: 515 274 1777

Website: https://salisburyhouse.org

8. Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens

Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens in Des Moines
Image by Tony Walker from Pixabay

You can have dozens of fun dates in Des Moines in these Asian Gardens.

That’s the place that highlights the importance of diversity in the community and it is very calming. Here, you will have a beautiful, pieceful date. Take a cup of chamomile tea and feel how cool your life is. 

Make use of your phone camera and take a couple of amazing pics to remember this day.

Good for: Couples, nature lovers, strolling

Address: Robert D. Ray Asian Drive, Des Moines, IA 50309

Working hours: 24/7

Phone: 515 237 1386

Website: https://dsmpublicartfoundation.org/public-artwork/robert-d-ray-asian-gardens

9. World Food Prize Hall of Laureates

World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
Image source: https://www.facebook.com/worldfoodprize

Meet history face-to-face at Hall of Laureates. The place is beautiful and full of the charm of ‘old’. You will imagine yourself living in past centuries, dancing at balls and strolling in the gardens – isn’t that romantic? 

It’s a museum, informational and educational center, a place for community, state and even national gatherings to honor the World Food Prize Laureates – all in one. Take a tour, learn more about the place and its history, visit its gallery and then take a walk in the garden. 

Good for: Couples, history lovers

Address: 100 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309

Working hours: Tuesdays: 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12-noon & 1:30 p.m. Saturdays: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Phone: 515 245 3735

Website: https://www.halloflaureates.org

If you need more date ideas in Des Moines, read on!

10. The Better Homes & Gardens Test Garden

a water garden
Photo by Linda Knicely on Unsplash

The last but not least of all things to do in Des Moines on a date is visiting this Garden.

It’s a only a display garden – a testing ground for plants, and a photography studio for the company’s publications and websites. But it’s definitely worth seeing. 

There are several gardens you can walk through and enjoy. We promise you will see a lot of what you haven’t seen before. But don’t worry, the employees will be glad to answer all your questions about plants. 

Good for: Couples, strolling

Address: 1716 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309 

Working hours: Fridays from noon to 2 p.m., from the first Friday in May through the first Friday in October.

Phone: 515 284 3994

Website: https://www.bhg.com

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How do you find these things for couples to do in Des Moines? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

If you are currently in search of your soulmate, register on Tune2Love. Our dating service will help you find the right person among Des Moines singles. 

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