Thanks to popular, annual events — like the state high school basketball tournaments and the famed Drake Relays, the Des Moines area attracts thousands of visitors each spring, many of whom are looking for additional things to do and see while in town.

As the capital of Iowa, Des Moines has plenty of established attractions ready for exploration. The John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park and the Iowa State Capitol are both popular destinations located downtown, as are the...