Top Places for Fall Photoshoots in Downtown DSM

Explore fall in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) with colorful leaves photoshoot destinations that will make any Instagram influencer hit the heart icon. These epic autumn views and backdrops are perfect for your next TikTok, fall family photoshoot in Downtown Des Moines or a picture-perfect engagement!

Outdoor Nature Photo Locations in Downtown Des Moines

Krudenier Trail Pedestrian Bridge at Gray’s Lake

Location: 2101 Fleur Drive
The bridge over Gray’s Lake offers lovely fall vantagepoints of the surrounding park’s treelined lake, as well as the Downtown Des Moines skyline peeking through the trees. Even after the sun sets, this is a beautiful walk in the early evening when the bridge is fully lit (shown below)!

Arie Den Boer Arboretum at Water Works Park

Locations: 2201 George Flagg Parkway - Bridge/Trail Area and Arboretum Area
Right at the Water Works Park entrance just off Fleur Drive is the Arie Den Boer Arboretum with 800 crabapple trees. Explore deeper into Water Works Park's 1,500 acres and use the Bill Riley Trail to navigate across the bridge over the Raccoon River; you’ll discover a huge expanse of massive, mature trees with large and beautiful leaves — perfect for fall-themed photos in Downtown Des Moines!

Gardens at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates

Location: 100 Locust Street
The heavenly outdoor space surrounding the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates can’t be beat. The gardens are packed with seasonal plants and flowers and are flanked by numerous trees providing a photo-worthy destination each fall.

Photo Credit: Des Moines Parks & Recreation

Arts + Culture Photo Locations in Downtown Des Moines

Dotdash Meredith Murals

Location: Corner of 17th & Locust Streets
As the season changes to fall, so does the mural on the western side of the Dotdash Meredith building in Downtown Des Moines. Snag a photo near the real-life colorful trees and Plantoir sculpture, and also capture the new mural in your backdrop along with the skyline.

Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens

Location: Just Off of Robert D. Ray Drive, Near the Botanical Garden
These lovely gardens (pictured below) provide fall foliage shots along with interesting landmarks and architecture in close range, including the Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge, Lauridsen Skatepark and Iowa Events Center, along with the beautiful backdrop of the Downtown Des Moines skyline for photoshoots.

Architecture or Skyline Views Photo Locations in Downtown Des Moines

Historic Neighborhoods in Sherman Hill

Location: Various Streets Spanning MLK to 15h Street from East to West and I-235 to Ingersoll from North to South
As Downtown Des Moines' first historic neighborhood, scout out unique architecture among the area’s 1800s and 1900s homes along with massive, mature trees throughout the district. This neighborhood is what fall photo dreams are made of!

Iowa State Capitol Grounds

Location: Finkbine Drive
The Iowa State Capitol makes for a fall statement shot as it towers over Downtown Des Moines. The Capitol grounds feature numerous varieties of trees with angles facing towards Downtown Des Moines buildings and the Historic East Village, or alternatively with the gleaming golden domes of the Capitol in view. Numerous monuments, sculptures and other art provide additional areas of interest for photoshoots.

EMC Overlook at MacRae Park

Location: 1021 Davis Avenue
This historic park sits on the southernmost edge of Downtown Des Moines, and the EMC Overlook provides a picture-perfect birds’ eye view of Downtown Des Moines with fall colors, including the tree canopy in sight as the leaves turn. Venture further into MacRae Park for additional fall views and beautiful foliage (pictured below).

Henry A. Wallace Building

Location: 501 E. 9th Street
The sheen on this building’s exterior creates a unique fall photo opp in Downtown Des Moines, located off East Grand Avenue and facing the Iowa State Capitol. Beautiful, twisted trees created unique shapes, along with the reflection of the Capitol building and Downtown Des Moines streetscapes in the distance.

Photo Credit: Des Moines Parks & Recreation

For even more views around the region, view our list of photoshoot locations around Greater Des Moines curated for photographers, videographers and the media and discover this list of top places for the best views around Downtown Des Moines. (P.S. — Share your epic autumn photos with us on social media using #downtownDSM.)

Make it one epic autumn in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) by exploring, experiencing and enjoying what Downtown DSM has to offer. Plan your visit to Downtown DSM with these tips for parking and navigation and discover restaurants and nightlife, things to do and events!