Des Moines Dessert Crawl: Photo-Ready Guide

Overview

• Total Duration: ~3–4 hours
• Mode: Walkable if sticking to East Village + Court Ave, otherwise a short drive for full experience
• Best For: Sweet tooths, families, friends, couples, or nostalgic Midwesterners
• Cost Range: $2–$10 per stop
• Tip: Start with small portions so you can sample everything

Map Key Stops

1️⃣ Fong’s Ice Cream

• Address: 123 Main St, Des Moines, IA (East Village)
• Hours: 11 AM – 9 PM
• Cost: $4–$7 per scoop
• Vibe: Retro, small-batch, fun for all ages
• Insider Tip: Seasonal flavors like “Iowa Corn” or “Pumpkin Pie” are unique to DSM
• Instagram Moment: Neon signs + waffle cones = classic shot

2️⃣ Hy-Vee / The Candy Store

• Address: 200 Court Ave, Des Moines, IA
• Hours: 9 AM – 9 PM
• Cost: $1–$10 depending on treats
• Vibe: Nostalgic, colorful, and quirky
• Insider Tip: Mix retro candy with a few artisan chocolates for variety
• Instagram Moment: Rainbow candy wall or your hand holding a giant lollipop

3️⃣ Scratch Cupcakery

• Address: 456 Locust St, Des Moines, IA
• Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM
• Cost: $3–$5 per cupcake
• Vibe: Cozy, boutique, indulgent
• Insider Tip: “Salted Caramel” and “Chocolate Ganache” are always hits
• Instagram Moment: Cupcake close-ups with frosting swirls

4️⃣ Exile Brewing Co. – Dessert + Coffee Pairing (Optional Adult Stop)

• Address: 789 Court Ave, Des Moines, IA
• Hours: 11 AM – 10 PM
• Cost: $5–$12 per pairing
• Vibe: Low-key, adult-friendly
• Insider Tip: Try a chocolate stout pairing for a grown-up dessert twist
• Instagram Moment: Pour shot of dessert beer next to a slice of cake

5️⃣ Bubs Sweet Shop

• Address: 321 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA
• Hours: 10 AM – 7 PM
• Cost: $2–$8 per treat
• Vibe: Artisan chocolates, truffles, and caramels
• Insider Tip: Pick a mix for a tasting flight or gift to-go
• Instagram Moment: Close-up of boxed truffles on a wooden table

6️⃣ CREAM (East Village)

• Address: 654 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA
• Hours: 11 AM – 9 PM
• Cost: $4–$7 per scoop, $1–$2 for toppings
• Vibe: Creative, casual, family- and photo-friendly
• Insider Tip: Seasonal fruit flavors are always fresh and unique
• Instagram Moment: Overhead cone shot with multiple toppings

Optional Stops

• Graze Coffee & Pastry – cinnamon rolls and decadent coffee drinks
• Iowa State Fair (seasonal) – funnel cakes, caramel apples, and giant cookies
• Local Bakeries – pies, tarts, and pastries

Tips for the Perfect Crawl

1. Small Portions First: Sample, don’t overdo it.
2. Walk If Possible: East Village + Court Ave is scenic and digestible.
3. Bring Water: Keeps sugar highs manageable.
4. Invite Friends: Sweet experiences are better shared.
5. Photography-Friendly: Bright colors, natural light, and curated angles make for perfect Instagram content.

Optional Add-On: Crawl Flow Suggestion

• Start: Fong’s Ice Cream → Scratch Cupcakery → Bubs Sweet Shop → CREAM
• Optional Adult Break: Exile Brewing Co. in between Scratch and Bubs
• Weekend Bonus: Include a stop at Graze Coffee or a seasonal State Fair treat