47 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
A historic capitol building with a unique five-dome design, offering architectural photography opportunities.
An iconic historical building in Des Moines, offering excellent opportunities for architecture and historical photography.
A world-class urban sculpture park featuring over 30 large-scale works by major international artists. The open, modern layout is perfect for creative portraits, street art, and minimalist cityscapes.
A vibrant collection of large sculptures in a grassy urban setting—perfect for contemporary, abstract, and conceptual photography.
An oasis of lush greenery, tropical conservatories, and vibrant floral displays—ideal for nature, portrait, and macro photography year-round.
With its stunning Beaux-Arts design, the Polk County Courthouse is a magnificent backdrop for photographs. Its grand steps and historical significance add depth to any scene.
An iconic urban landmark in Des Moines, great for street and urban photography with a unique backdrop.
A popular, elevated viewpoint for sweeping panoramas of the downtown skyline, river, and State Capitol—especially dramatic at sunset and after dark.
Features a unique blend of natural beauty and artistic elements, including outdoor sculptures and a serene pond, making it ideal for capturing artistic and natural photography.
This trendy neighborhood is known for its unique architecture, boutique shops, and vibrant street art. The area's charming brick buildings and eclectic storefronts provide a distinctive urban backdrop, ideal for those seeking a mix of modern and vintage themes.
The Iowa State Capitol is a majestic landmark offering a regal backdrop for photos. Its stunning architecture, including a golden dome, creates a dramatic setting. The surrounding gardens and pathways are ideal for capturing romantic moments.
A scenic area along the Des Moines River, offering beautiful views of the city and opportunities for capturing vibrant street life.
A vibrant urban area with shops, restaurants, and outdoor art installations, perfect for street and urban photography.
Located in downtown Des Moines, this garden features a collection of contemporary sculptures set amidst a vibrant urban backdrop. It's perfect for architecture and street photography.
Located behind the Des Moines Art Center, the rose garden offers a serene setting with beautiful blooms. The modern architecture of the art center provides additional photography opportunities.
A popular urban landmark in Des Moines, offering unique urban photography opportunities.
This entry is not about the park itself but offers a unique perspective on the cityscape from nearby streets, highlighting the park's sculptures within the urban landscape.
Rooftops in downtown Des Moines offer unique views of the city skyline. They require permission for access and are best for capturing urban landscapes and architectural details.
The Des Moines Riverwalk offers a picturesque path along the Des Moines River, providing scenic views of the city. The bridges and waterfront areas create a versatile setting for capturing both natural and urban moments.
A sleek, modern pedestrian bridge over the Des Moines River—offering unique urban reflections and dramatic city views.
A beautiful garden that offers a serene backdrop for portraits and nature photography, with unique architectural features.
This location offers a unique urban vibe, with the iconic Travelers Sign providing a distinguishable backdrop. It is especially popular for its dynamic city views from the top level.
Located at Greenwood Park, this rose garden offers a beautiful setting for nature and portrait photography.
This baseball stadium offers panoramic views of the Des Moines skyline, making it ideal for capturing cityscape photos during the day.
A beautiful rose garden and modern art center, offering a mix of natural and architectural photography opportunities.
A memorial featuring beautiful sculptures and landscaping, offering unique photography opportunities combining art and nature.
A historic building offering unique architectural features and opportunities for capturing the city's heritage.
Offering panoramic views of the city, these rooftops are ideal for urban and architectural photography. Note that permission is required for access.
Located near the Des Moines River, this scenic area offers a unique landscape with a blend of urban and natural elements. It is ideal for capturing photographs that combine city life with natural beauty.
Located along the Des Moines River, this skatepark offers action-packed scenes of skateboarding. It is great for capturing dynamic moments of urban sports culture.
A vibrant urban area with a mix of modern and historic architecture, perfect for street and urban photography.
While not in West Des Moines, this iconic sign is visible from various Des Moines streets and offers a unique urban backdrop for photography.
Downtown rooftops, especially those of parking garages, provide unique aerial views of the city. They are ideal for capturing the urban skyline and experiencing the city from a different perspective.
A scenic park with lakes, walking trails, and natural habitats, providing ample opportunities for nature and landscape photography.
Located in the heart of Des Moines, Mullets offers a great spot to capture daytime skyline views. It is ideal for those seeking a casual, relaxed atmosphere with a city backdrop.
A scenic park featuring a lake and walking trails. Great for capturing landscapes and outdoor activities.
A scenic park with a lake offering opportunities for landscape and waterscape photography.
A unique art installation along the river, offering a blend of urban and artistic photography opportunities.
This studio is a unique spot for architectural and artistic photography. With its combination of art galleries and an aquarium, it offers a variety of colors and textures that are perfect for capturing creative and abstract images.
A vibrant area filled with boutique shops and restaurants, offering a mix of urban and street photography opportunities.
Valley Junction is a vibrant and eclectic area in West Des Moines, offering a mix of historic shops, local produce, music, and food. It's perfect for capturing street photography and portraits amidst vintage settings.
A zoo offering a variety of wildlife photography opportunities amidst natural settings, ideal for capturing animal portraits and candid moments.
Located in Des Moines, this garden is beautiful for nature and portrait photography with its variety of flowers and tranquil settings.
A historical park with military significance and scenic views. Great for capturing historical architecture and urban landscapes.
Longmeadow Park is a scenic area with walking trails and plenty of greenery, making it ideal for capturing natural landscapes and wildlife.
This park in West Des Moines features a mix of green spaces and playgrounds, ideal for capturing family portraits and nature photography.
Like Kohl's, Target provides an urban backdrop that can be interesting during sunrise or sunset. However, it is generally less photogenic.
