Principal Park Des Moines
Home to the Iowa Cubs, this vibrant ballpark offers classic baseball, family fun, and exciting events year-round.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Principal Park Des Moines
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Home to the Iowa Cubs, this vibrant ballpark offers classic baseball, family fun, and exciting events year-round.
"A great way to spend a summer night with enjoyable entertainment and a wonderful event in the heart of our great state."
🎟️ Grab a Ticket Pack
Save money and secure your spot by buying ticket packs in the spring. :ticket:
💧 Free Ice Water Stations
Stay hydrated! Free ice water stations are available on both concourses. :droplet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iowa Cubs Baseball Game
The Ballpark
Experience America's pastime with the Iowa Cubs. Enjoy a lively atmosphere and classic ballpark fare.
Post-Game Fireworks
The Ballpark
Many games conclude with spectacular fireworks displays, adding extra magic to your evening.
Christkindlmarket Des Moines
Principal Park
During the holiday season, the park transforms into a festive European-style Christmas market.
+1
Cosmic Baseball Experience
The Ballpark
Get ready for a unique baseball event with the highly anticipated Cosmic Takeover Tour in 2026.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Family Fun & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Grab a Ticket Pack
Save money and secure your spot by buying ticket packs in the spring. :ticket:
💧 Free Ice Water Stations
Stay hydrated! Free ice water stations are available on both concourses. :droplet:
☀️ Seek Shade
For afternoon games, upper deck seats behind home plate or the first base line offer shade. :sunwithface:
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
The splash pad and jungle gym are great for keeping kids entertained. :child:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Grab a Ticket Pack
Save money and secure your spot by buying ticket packs in the spring. :ticket:
💧 Free Ice Water Stations
Stay hydrated! Free ice water stations are available on both concourses. :droplet:
☀️ Seek Shade
For afternoon games, upper deck seats behind home plate or the first base line offer shade. :sunwithface:
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
The splash pad and jungle gym are great for keeping kids entertained. :child:
🍔 Classic Ballpark Eats
Don't miss local favorites like the pork tenderloin sandwich and Chicago-style hot dogs. :hamburger:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Principal Park for its enjoyable atmosphere, family-friendly amenities like the splash pad, and good value for entertainment. The stadium offers great views from most seats and a taste of classic ballpark food. While some note the heat during afternoon games and the standard minor league feel, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, especially for those attending games or special events like fireworks and holiday markets.
"Wow, we watched the baseball game against the Omaha Storm Chasers July 3rd. The Cubs bats were a burning. A hot night, that's baseball! Everyone had a great time, four adults and five kids. What a wonderful event to have in the heart of our great state. I'd be remiss if I did not mention the fireworks display. What a extravaganza! An enjoyable venue for a reasonably priced 2.5 to 3.0 hours of entertainment. Thank you Cubbies, looking forward to a few more games this season."
Mike Babbitt
"A great way to spend a summer night. I’d highly recommend buying a ticket pack in the spring. The splash pad and jungle gym were lifesavers for my antsy nephew, definitely family friendly!"
Audrey Klunenberg
"Been to quite a few minor league stadiums at this point, and Iowa has one of the better ones. They did a good job on stats on the pitcher being visible at all times, with hitters only slightly lesser so. Seats in the upper deck had a good view and the price was reasonable. Was nice to be able to get a pork tenderloin sandwich in a state known for it too. Still wish the Cubs let their minor league teams have their own identities, but Iowa did a good job of making it feel like their own outside of the Chicago win song at the end. Certainly better than South Bend did. Iowa has a good thing here for sure."
eaglewing13
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Principal Park is conveniently located downtown at 350 SW 2nd St, Des Moines. It's easily accessible by car, and many downtown hotels are within walking distance. Public transportation options are also available.
There are several parking garages and surface lots near Principal Park. Rates can vary, especially on game days. Consider arriving early to secure a spot or explore ride-sharing services.
Yes, Principal Park is centrally located downtown, making it easy to visit other attractions like the Iowa State Capitol and numerous local businesses.
Absolutely! Many downtown Des Moines hotels are within a short walking distance of Principal Park, making it a convenient option for visitors staying in the area.
While specific shuttle services may vary, checking with your hotel or local Des Moines tourism resources is recommended for any available transportation options on game days.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased online through the official Iowa Cubs website, at the Principal Park box office, or through authorized third-party vendors. Buying ticket packs in the spring is a great way to save.
The official policy states no outside food and drink. However, free ice water stations are available on both concourses to help you stay hydrated.
Yes, Principal Park hosts various events throughout the year, including fireworks nights, themed games, and special holiday markets like Christkindlmarket. +1
Operating hours are primarily dictated by Iowa Cubs game schedules and other event timings. It's best to check the official Iowa Cubs website or the event's specific page for exact hours.
Bag policies can vary, but generally, small bags or purses are allowed. It's advisable to check the Iowa Cubs' official website for the most up-to-date bag policy before your visit.
🎫 ⚾ Onsite Experience
Most reviews suggest there are no bad seats, offering good views throughout the stadium. For shade during afternoon games, consider the upper deck behind home plate or the first base line.
Yes, Principal Park features a splash pad and a jungle gym, making it a very family-friendly venue.
You can find classic ballpark fare, including pork tenderloin sandwiches, Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef, and a variety of beer options. Gluten-free and allergy-friendly options are also available. +1
The stadium is designed to be accessible, with designated seating areas and facilities for guests with disabilities. It's recommended to contact the box office in advance for specific needs.
While the primary experience is inside, some surrounding areas might offer limited views, but for the full atmosphere and amenities, attending the game inside is recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the action from the stands, the vibrant atmosphere of the concourse, or the iconic exterior of the ballpark. Post-game fireworks offer stunning photographic opportunities.
Policies on professional camera equipment can vary. Generally, small personal cameras are allowed, but large lenses or professional setups might be restricted. Check the Iowa Cubs' official policy.
Golden hour before an evening game offers beautiful lighting. For action shots, any time during the game is great, and fireworks provide dramatic evening photo opportunities.
Consider capturing the unique events hosted at the park, such as the Christkindlmarket or special promotions like the Cosmic Baseball Tour, for distinctive shots.
Focus on capturing key moments like pitches, hits, and player reactions. Wide shots of the stadium atmosphere and close-ups of the action can both be effective.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📅 Day-Trippers
Plan your visit around an evening game to enjoy the cooler temperatures and the lively atmosphere. Parking is available, and the park is easily accessible, making it a convenient stop for a memorable Des Moines experience. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iowa Cubs Experience
Beyond the game itself, the park offers a variety of ballpark fare, including local favorites like the pork tenderloin sandwich and Chicago-style staples. The fan experience is enhanced by features like a splash pad and jungle gym for younger attendees, ensuring that even the youngest fans are entertained.
In addition to regular season games, Principal Park also hosts special events. These can range from post-game fireworks displays that light up the Des Moines skyline to unique promotions and even concerts. The park has also been selected to host exciting future events, such as the Cosmic Takeover Tour in 2026, promising innovative twists on the baseball experience.
Beyond Baseball: Events at Principal Park
+1The park has also been a venue for other community gatherings and celebrations. Its central location and ample space make it an attractive site for events that draw significant crowds. The Savannah Bananas, known for their entertaining brand of baseball, have also played at Principal Park, highlighting the venue's appeal for unique sporting spectacles.
Looking ahead, Principal Park is set to host the Cosmic Baseball Tour in 2026. This event promises a novel and exciting take on America's favorite pastime, drawing national attention and further solidifying the park's role as a key entertainment hub in Des Moines.
These diverse events showcase Principal Park's adaptability and its importance to the Des Moines community beyond just baseball.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit