Des Moines may be Iowa's most underrated romance capital. Where else can you go from a scenic morning walk to a candlelit dinner at The Old Market without leaving the region? Here are our 8 favorite romantic things to do in and around Des Moines, sorted by distance.
Planning the trip itself? Browse tours and experiences in Des Moines, Iowa →
Romantic Dining123 mi1013 Howard St, Omaha, NE 68102
Cobblestone streets lit by café lights — horse-drawn carriages, candlelit patios, and Omaha's most romantic dinners.
Romantic Dining235 mi303 N 2nd Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401
A celebrated chef's escape inside a converted 1906 horse stable — candlelit brick, a glowing chef's counter, and heartland tasting menus.
Scenic & Sunsets< 1 mi909 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309
A glowing geodesic dome of tropicals on the river — desert blooms, koi pools, and winter nights when the dome is the warmest date in town.
Scenic & Sunsets123 mi100 Bancroft St, Omaha, NE 68108
A hundred riverbluff acres of rose gardens, model trains, and a glass conservatory — Omaha's most romantic garden, overlooking the Missouri Valley.
Scenic & Sunsets235 miW River Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Walk the only stone arch bridge on the Mississippi, past roaring St. Anthony Falls, with the Minneapolis skyline lighting up downstream.
Culture & Entertainment124 mi2201 Dodge St, Omaha, NE 68102
A 1931 Art Deco palace of pink marble — free galleries of Monet, Winslow Homer, and armor courts, minutes from the Old Market.
Culture & Entertainment234 mi725 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403
The Spoonbridge and Cherry, eleven green acres of sculpture, and one of America's great modern art museums side by side.
Classic Romance33 miCovered Bridge Dr, Winterset, IA 50273
The Bridges of Madison County — six historic covered bridges tucked into rolling farmland, forever romantic.
Outdoor Adventures254 mi3842 MO-54 D, Camdenton, MO 65020
Stone castle ruins on a cliff above a turquoise spring lake — Missouri's most unexpectedly romantic ruin.
Romantic Dining308 mi1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
Chicago's temple of modern gastronomy — theatrical courses, a dessert painted on your table, and the city's most unforgettable anniversary.
Scenic & Sunsets309 miRiverwalk, Chicago, IL 60601
A vibrant 1.25-mile path along the Chicago River with stunning architecture, kayak rentals, and waterfront bars.
Romantic Dining309 mi925 E Wells St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Milwaukee's special-occasion classic — white tablecloths, a wine wall, and lakeview elegance in the heart of downtown.
Culture & Entertainment309 mi201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602
Home to The Bean, stunning concerts, art installations, and ice skating. A gathering place for memories.
Culture & Entertainment309 mi875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Observation deck on the 94th floor with panoramic views of Lake Michigan. Tilt — the moving glass platform — is thrilling.
Yes — Des Moines, Iowa is one of our 167 curated romantic destinations, with candlelit dining, sunset views, and quiet corners for two. This guide covers our editor-vetted favorites, sorted by distance from Des Moines.
Couples come to Des Moines for sunset strolls, special-occasion dinners, and scenery worth sharing. Start with the places listed above — each entry is curated, described, and easy to reach from Des Moines.
Romance here is year-round, but shoulder seasons mean smaller crowds and easier reservations. The seasonal picks on our home page help you time the trip.
Pick your favorites from this guide, add them to your itinerary with the My Itinerary tool, and browse local tours and experiences for the splurge-worthy part of the day.
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