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St. Govor’s Well.
St. Govor’s Well
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Pierced domes of Hammam Seffarine.
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Cacio e pepe lasagna combines two classics.
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Spaghetto taratatà is named for the sound of rattling sabers.
Giano Restaurant
The gnocchi here get blanketed in a sugo with braised oxtail.
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Romans insist you should feel the cracked peppercorns and cheese grains on your tongue.
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Tripe is fried to a crisp.
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Grasshopper Chapel and grounds.
How the Rocky Mountain Locust Plague Spawned Federal Disaster Relief
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The Guy Bradley Visitor Center at Flamingo in Everglades National Park.
America’s First Game Warden Died Fighting for the Birds
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Echo Park Time Travel Mart.
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One of the PATH’s many entrances.
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All the United States Iowa Des Moines

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Des Moines

8 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Des Moines, Iowa

Updated May 27, 2024

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Unusual Attractions in Des Moines

Des Moines, Iowa

Zombie Burger + Drink Lab

This zombie-themed restaurant stands out in the heart of corn country.
Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Des Moines, Iowa

Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Millions of dollars worth of sculpture decorate this Iowa city center.
West End Architectural Salvage

Des Moines, Iowa

West End Architectural Salvage

Piled high inside this warehouse and coffee shop are salvaged goods that span every corner of the globe.
A patio photographed at the Test Garden.

Des Moines, Iowa

'Better Homes and Gardens' Test Garden

The magazine keeps a perfectly groomed display garden for its photo shoots.
World Food Prize Hall of Laureates

Des Moines, Iowa

World Food Prize Hall of Laureates

The headquarters of the prestigious World Food Prize celebrates the heroes in the fight against hunger, has no cafeteria.
The Great Hall.

Des Moines, Iowa

Salisbury House & Gardens

Architectural elements and building materials for this house were transported from Salisbury, England.
Robert D. Ray Asian Garden

Des Moines, Iowa

Robert D. Ray Asian Garden

Dedicated to the humanitarian efforts of the state's former governor.
'In-the-Loop'

Des Moines, Iowa

'In-the-Loop'

A unique work of outsider art sourced from scrap metals and signifies conservation.

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Des Moines

World Food Prize Hall of Laureates

Des Moines, Iowa

World Food Prize Hall of Laureates

The headquarters of the prestigious World Food Prize celebrates the heroes in the fight against hunger, has no cafeteria.
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Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Des Moines, Iowa

Des Moines Leaderboard

Places Added

  1. Ryan Newman
    2
  2. leiris
    1
  3. BasedGod
    1
  4. kakashichoas
    1
  5. tnorthness
    1
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Add an unusual place to Des Moines.

Places Edited

  1. abandonedexplorerscom
    3
  2. MauiKat
    3
  3. ski queen
    3
  4. SemiruralYeti
    2
  5. Martin
    2
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Places Visited

  1. danwelk323
    8
  2. meganbrown
    8
  3. CSH
    7
  4. davidxoliver
    7
  5. angelarene175
    7
Join the Ranks!
Visit a place in Des Moines.

Recent Des Moines Activity

  • Skitskat42

    has been to Zombie Burger + Drink Lab

    3 days ago
  • britceline13

    wants to go to West End Architectural Salvage

    3 days ago
  • stephaniebrowneversole

    wants to go to Zombie Burger + Drink Lab

    2 days ago
  • lindsaykorsen

    wants to go to Pappajohn Sculpture Park

    about 20 hours ago
  • lindsaykorsen

    wants to go to West End Architectural Salvage

    about 20 hours ago

Stories About Des Moines

This Iowa Summer Camp Is Abuzz With Mosquitoes

But not in the way you're thinking.
by Katherine R. Bruna
May 27, 2024

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