Corn, cattle, and rolling fields all bring to mind the State of Iowa, as do covered bridges and fields of brilliant wildflowers.  Iowa, the backdrop for the famous Grant Wood painting entitled American Gothic, was also the first state to legalize riverboat gambling…and then, there is Des Moines.

The area now known as Des Moines began as a military post in the 1840's. Several of such posts were set up in the area to protect the rights of the Sac Indians. The garrison, named Fort Des Moines, was decommissioned shortly thereafter. The town of Fort Des Moines emerged from the few people who remained.   By the late 1850's, 'Des Moines' was officially the capital of Iowa.

As Iowa's capital city, Des Moines is a hub of government action, business activity, arts and cultural affairs. With a city population approaching 200,000 and a metro population of nearly 500,000, Des Moines offers some of the nation's best schools, superb public services, and friendly, caring neighborhoods.  Des Moines is headquarters for many and varied businesses but in the forefront is the Insurance industry. Iowa holds the distinction of being one of the top three centers for insurance in the world.  More than 385 factories in Des Moines produce everything from farm machinery to food products.

The state's capital city is bisected by the Des Moines River.  The gold-domed state capitol, which contains elaborate wood trim and multicolored marble, can’t be missed.   The nearby State of Iowa Historical Building contains exhibits related to the state's development, including a Conestoga wagon, examples of Native American beadwork and crafts from the Amana community.

Architects Eero Saarinen, I. M. Pei and Richard Meier each designed a section of the striking Des Moines Arts Center museum, which houses a collection of American and European masterpieces and modern sculpture. Just behind the art center is the Science Center of Iowa, filled with hands-on exhibits exploring nature and physics. The Living History Farms (open May through October) is a 600-acre complex of working farms west of town that cover three centuries of history. The farms contain a replica of an Ioway Indian village circa 1700, a pioneer farm from the mid 1800s, a horse farm from the early 20th century, and a modern-day agricultural operation.

There are a number of historic homes in Des Moines, particularly in the Sherman Hill neighborhood, that are open to visitors.  Terrace Hill was built in 1869 and now serves as the residence of the governor. Jordan House, built in 1850, was once the home of James Jordan, who aided escaped slaves as they fled north. The Hoyt Sherman Place is a Victorian mansion built in 1877 that now contains an art gallery and period furnishings. 

The Des Moines Botanical Center displays a rich collection of exotic plants under a 75-foot dome, and the Blank Park Zoo affords visitors a delightful walk through natural-habitat exhibits. After seeing the sights, relax and eat at the refurbished Court Avenue District, a center for food and entertainment. The Civic Center of Greater Des Moines is home to Ballet Iowa and the Des Moines Symphony.  Next to the Center is Nollen Plaza, a park that features a waterfall, a reflecting pool, and a 2,000 seat amphitheater.28 blocks of downtown Des Moines are connected by several miles of enclosed, climate-controlled skywalks which provide total comfort in navigating from place to place for shopping, dining, and business.

Depending on the season, sports fans might want to catch a minor league baseball game when the Iowa Cubs play at Taylor Stadium.  Football fans can enjoy an afternoon with the Iowa Barnstormers, an arena football team. The Buccaneers excel at Hockey.

While in Des Moines, antique collectors will want to explore Valley Junction, a most interesting collection of antique and specialty shops. The town also hosts a Farmers Market every Saturday, from late May to September.

For family fun, take in the thrills and excitement of Adventureland Park.  This theme park has a wooden roller coaster as the centerpiece of its Wild West area.  There is also fun and adventure waiting at White Water University:  a water park with a variety of slides, a wave pool, a children’s play area, and miniature golf.   For the adults, a popular Des Moines area destination is Prairie Meadows in neighboring Altoona where there is a horse track and casino.

Snowmobiling and ice fishing are winter activities enjoyed at Big Creek State Park.  Water Works Park sparkles with the annual Jolly Holiday light display and animations in December.  Des Moines is thriving.  It is  a place of enthusiasm and productivity, and also a city of beauty and tranquility.

Court Avenue District Historic District Des Moines, IA 50309 (515) 244-7211 In the heart of downtown, you will find this district has a lot to offer. Saturdays from May through October, a vibrant farmers market comes alive with a wide variety of choice and quality goods. Fine restaurants and many retail shops make it a wonderful place to stroll. When the lights go down, another Des Moines comes alive in this area. Here you will find a variety of musical entertainment, theater and dancing.Science Center of Iowa 4500 Grand Avenue Des Moines, IA 50312 (515) 274-4138 This excellent science center hosts a great permanent collection and many special events throughout the year including live demonstrations and education programs. The Center also features a planetarium complete with laser shows as well as the Challenger learning center with an immersive shuttle simulator. Don't forget to visit the gift store before leaving.Blank Park Zoo 7401 SW 9th Street Des Moines, IA Plan a trip to this Zoo on your visit. Animals from five different continents roam through magnificently landscaped habitats. These simulated habitats feature natural exhibits where visitors can observe over 800 different species. For children of all ages, there is also a petting area. A gift shop and snack bar complete the Zoo's attractions.Historic Valley Junction 217 Fifth Street/South door Fifth Street (physical address) West Des Moines, IA 50265 (515) 222-3642 If you fancy just strolling and browsing, then come down to Historic Valley Junction. Here you'll find numerous shops, boutiques, restaurants, cafes, art galleries and antique haunts. Fun by day or night, this is one of the earliest settlements around Des Moines, dating from the mid-1840s when James C. Jordan first built and settled the area. He later went on to become a State Senator. Jordan's home became known as a safe haven on the 'Underground Railroad' and it was with money from Jordan that the Valley railroad was born. With the railroad came the businesses. Once a coal mining community, Des Moines quickly became a major railroad hub with the repair shops and switching yards of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad. The town expanded as more investment moved to the area. A vibrant downtown grew up with banks, schools, a trolley line and new homes, attracting all sorts of characters, not all of them reputable! Nowadays, though, downtown Des Moines certainly presents a more family-friendly atmosphere.Birthplace of John Wayne 224 S. 2nd Street, Winterset, IA (515)462-1044 While in Des Moines, you should check out the birthplace of an American Icon, John Wayne. See where life began for this world famous star. The four-roomed home built in 1880 has been brought back to its appearance of 1907. Here you can reminise on the 'Duke's' life by viewing the memorabilia and photographs. Visit the gift shop and welcome center, too.Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino 1 Prairie Meadows Drive, Des Moines, IA (exit 142 off I-80) Tel: (515) 967-1000 (800) 325 9015 For a change of pace and a little fun-filled action, enjoy a day or evening at the racetrack and casino.

Des Moines Art Center 4700 Grand Ave Des Moines, IA 50312 (515) 277-4405 The Art Center complex is composed of three buildings situated at the entrance to Greenwood Park, an impressive hilltop location for this award-winning design by the internationally known architects, Saarinen, Meier and Pei. It's a fitting structure to house the wonderful collections inside. The works of many famous artists from the 19th and 20th centuries are inspiration for taking one of the many classes offered here from painting to sculpture to photography, papermaking, ceramics and many more. Whether a family workshop or an individual project, there's a great variety to choose from. The Art Center is well known for its neighborhood outreach programs. The Arts after Hours program happens on the first Friday of each month bringing live entertainment to the Art Center. There's also a cash bar and coffee bar. A wide variety of lectures, readings, poetry and films are regularly scheduled at the Center, a gem of culture in the heart of Des Moines.

Population:  198,682  

County:  Polk

Elevation:  871 feet

Time Zone:  Central Standard Time.  Daylight saving time is observed from April-October. When it is noon in New York City, it is 11:00 AM in Des Moines.

Average temperatures in Des Moines, Iowa

Climate in Des Moines, Iowa

National Holidays:  

New Year's Day Jan. 1

Martin Luther King, Jr., Day 3rd Mon. in Jan.

President's Day 3rd Mon. in Feb.

Memorial Day last Mon. in May

Independence Day July 4

Labor Day 1st Mon. in Sept.

Thanksgiving Day 4th Thurs. in Nov.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dec. 24 and 25

New Year's Eve Dec. 31

Getting There

By Air

Des Moines International Airport

5800 Fleur Drive, Room 200 Des Moines, IA  515-256-5100

This is a major airport, located about 15 miles from downtown Des Moines.  There are frequent shuttles and limos.  Taxis and rental cars are readily available.

By Bus

Greyhound Bus Lines:  Nationwide service 1-800-231-2222

Jefferson Bus Lines (Nationwide service)         515-283-0074

Trailways Bus System (Nationwide service) 1-800-992-4618

By Car:  At the center of the United States, Des Moines is easy to reach by air, car or motor coach. Des Moines is at the intersection of the number one and three most traveled interstates in the United States: I-80 (coast-to-coast) and I-35 (border-to-border).

Getting Around

MTA (Des Moines Metropolitan Transit Authority): 

For more information about the MTA, please call 283-8100, Monday-Friday, 6 am - 7 pm. MTA schedule information specialists will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Getting Around

The Metro:  Local bus service for metro area  515-283-8100

Events

Late June

The Des Moines Arts Festival is Iowa's premier celebration of the arts. Artists from all over the country will showcase their original artwork at the festival. The Des Moines Arts Festival is Iowa's premier celebration of the arts. Each year the  three-day celebration of the arts, decorates the downtown riverfront with exceptional artwork, entertainment and children's activities. Artists from all over the country will showcase their original artwork at the festival.  Admission free.

Mid-August: 

Iowa State Fair

December

Jolly Holly Light Festival with thousands of lights and animations.

 Arts and Entertainment

Des Moines Art Center

4700 Grand Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 50312-2099 515 277 4405 Fax 515 271 0357

Branch at

9th & Walnut Streets Street level in the Wells Fargo Financial Building Accessible by the Wells Fargo skywalk

The Art Center complex is composed of three buildings situated at the entrance to Greenwood Park, an impressive hilltop location for this award-winning design by the internationally known architects, Saarinen, Meier and Pei. It's a fitting structure to house the wonderful collections inside. The works of many famous artists from the 19th and 20th centuries are inspiration for taking one of the many classes offered here from painting to sculpture to photography, papermaking, ceramics and many more. Whether a family workshop or an individual project, there's a great variety to choose from. The Art Center is well known for its neighborhood outreach programs. The Arts after Hours program happens on the first Friday of each month bringing live entertainment to the Art Center. There's also a cash bar and coffee bar. A wide variety of lectures, readings, poetry and films are regularly scheduled at the Center, a gem of culture in the heart of Des Moines.

Des Moines Playhouse & Kate Goldman Children's Theatre 831 42nd Street Des Moines, IA 50312 (515)-277-8019 One of the six oldest continuously operating community theatres in the United States, this wonderful theatre has been in operation since 1919. Its diversity of offerings include The Actors On Tour program, which brings professional performances into the communities' schools. It's an innovative way to enthrall and spark the imagination of all school children; it also provides a discussion group after the performance. The Playhouse offers other in-depth education program for schools and community groups plus a Friday Funday for 4-6 year olds.

Des Moines Symphony 221 Walnut Street Des Moines, IA 50309 (515) 243-1140 Housed in the Civic Center, the Des Moines Symphony is always engaged. The season brings seven pairs of classical concerts, family concerts, a three concert pop series, an annual Yankee Doodle Pops concert and the annual July 3rd concert. Taking its experience into the educational realm, the symphony presents many in-school ensemble performances.  

Des Moines Metro Opera 106 W. Boston Ave Indianola, IA 50125 (515) 961-6221 From its beginnings in 1972, this Opera is proof that the Midwest is hungry for Opera. Sophisticated audiences welcome a diverse selection of contemporary and classic opera. The impressively high subscriber rate assures the Opera a year round operation and has helped it gain worldwide recognition. Over 10,000 opera lovers flood in from across the U.S. and the world for the renowned Summer Festival, which takes place June and July and stages world-class productions.  

Ingersoll Dinner Theater 3711 Ingersoll Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312 (515) 274-4686 Treat yourself, friends, and family to an exciting night of theater. The Ingersoll Dinner Theater provides fun for all ages by producing Broadway musicals, rib-tickling comedies, suspenseful murder-mysteries, musical guest artists, and the Ingersoll Children's Theater. At the Ingersoll Dinner Theater, you and your friends will enjoy an award-winning four entree buffet, followed by a night of entertainment!

Court Avenue District Historic District Des Moines, IA 50309 (515) 244-7211 In the heart of downtown, you will find this district has a lot to offer. Saturdays from May through October, a vibrant farmers market comes alive with a wide variety of choice and quality goods. Fine restaurants and many retail shops make it a wonderful place to stroll. When the lights go down, another Des Moines comes alive in this area. Here you will find a variety of musical entertainment, theater and dancing.Science Center of Iowa 4500 Grand Avenue Des Moines, IA 50312 (515) 274-4138 This excellent science center hosts a great permanent collection and many special events throughout the year including live demonstrations and education programs. The Center also features a planetarium complete with laser shows as well as the Challenger learning center with an immersive shuttle simulator. Don't forget to visit the gift store before leaving.Blank Park Zoo 7401 SW 9th Street Des Moines, IA Plan a trip to this Zoo on your visit. Animals from five different continents roam through magnificently landscaped habitats. These simulated habitats feature natural exhibits where visitors can observe over 800 different species. For children of all ages, there is also a petting area. A gift shop and snack bar complete the Zoo's attractions.Historic Valley Junction 217 Fifth Street/South door Fifth Street (physical address) West Des Moines, IA 50265 (515) 222-3642 If you enjoy just strolling and browsing, then come down to Historic Valley Junction. Here you'll find numerous shops, boutiques, restaurants, cafes, art galleries and antique haunts. Fun by day or night, this is one of the earliest settlements around Des Moines, dating from the mid-1840s when James C. Jordan first built and settled the area.

Birthplace of John Wayne 224 S. 2nd Street, Winterset, IA (515)462-1044 While in Des Moines, you should check out the birthplace of an American Icon, John Wayne. See where life began for this world famous star. The four-roomed home built in 1880 has been brought back to its appearance of 1907. Here you can reminisce on the 'Duke's' life by viewing the memorabilia and photographs.