The best arts & culture spots in Polk County

“4 carefully landscaped acres, Pappajohn Sculpture Park is the rare spot that makes a weekday stroll feel like a field trip. Pack a picnic, queue up the audio tour with Des Moines Symphony vibes, and claim your favorite piece this week.”

From the Des Moines newsletter, September 27, 2026

“Science Center of Iowa turns curiosity into action with hands on exhibits, the Makers Studio, and a planetarium lineup from Iowa Skies Tonight to Black Holes. Take the kids or go solo, tinker with Brick by Brick, then catch a star party.”

From the Des Moines newsletter, October 1, 2026

“When the wiggles hit, Des Moines Children's Museum brings play-powered learning to life with open-ended activities and community events that make curiosity contagious. Perfect for a quick reset with the kids this week, or nailing that birthday plan without reinventing the glitter wheel.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 24, 2026

“Des Moines Art Center keeps your week interesting with modern and contemporary exhibits, the Pappajohn Sculpture Park stroll, and the current show Topographies: Mapping Being and Belonging on view through September 20, 2026. Admission is always free, so pop in, grab a bite at the café, then wander the shop.”

From the Des Moines newsletter, October 8, 2026

“Living History Farms is a 500-acre open-air museum where you can wander from the 1700 Ioway Farm to the 1876 town of Walnut Hill and the 1900 Horse-Powered Farm, complete with Percheron draft horses, while interpreters keep things hands-on and surprisingly fun. Perfect for a this-week reset with real Midwestern roots.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, October 7, 2026

“Landmark Victorian home features guided tours, Underground Railroad history exhibits & artifacts.”