Des Moines
 

Never been there. Anything fun to do? May be passing through for work in a couple weeks and wanted to get any insight.

Went there for work several times, but not in the last ten years. I think it is probably a lot hipper now, like everything else.

As I remember, there was a good art museum in a nice modern building, and I remember going to a farm/rural life museum out in the country.

It is not a bad drive to Iowa State if you enjoy university campuses and college towns.

The third trip, I got snowed in and spent two nights in a motel on the strip near the airport. Fortunately, I had a couple of books, and a nearby steak house stayed open. Hope you are not going in the winter!

I lived in Ames, and worked in Des Moines, for fifteen years. Some of the things I enjoyed:

Living History Farms
Botanical Center
Salisbury House
State Capitol

Other than those, Des Moines has the same types of bars, parks, sports places, and stores that you'll find anywhere else -- just on a less impressive scale.

If "DC Guy" means you live on the East Coast (as I do now), you'll probably find the cultural attractions and events a bit subdued compared to what you're used to.

Interesting takes on the city, thanks. How does Des Moines compare with Cedar Rapids, where I've also never been but have thought about visiting?

I like staying in Des Moines for business, everything is centrally located. I havent seen full Hotel Lobby bars like DSM anywhere since the 80s, even the Embassy Suites Happy Hour overflows, literally 200+ people. Then you can follow the Conga line to Zombie Burger or Fongs Pizza.
If you have a business dinner, Alba, Django, Latin King and Chentro are really good and easy to get to. Last time I was there we went to Flemings in West Des Moines, they did a nice job over in Jordan Creek with several chain restaurants but not worth the drive.
Are you going out for election work?

Django is good.DO NOT INDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, stay at Fort Des Moines Hotel, where its located. I had to spend a week there on business, straight out of The Shining. Aargh!!!!

LBloom,
Ive stayed at Hotel Ft Des Moines several times over the past 20 years years, nothing lately. I kinds liked the old feel. I heard after the new owner wont run the air, its not just old but a hot hellhole. Good news is, I hear, soon they will turn it into a high end Hilton property

Go and visit the bridges of Madison county