Downtown Living Des Moines Iowa – The state capital is bustling. In this cosmopolitan capital, you’ll find quaint neighborhoods, boutique businesses, beautiful parks, award-winning restaurants, an impressive network of trails, and an abundance of public art. Let’s get started!
Nestled between the Iowa State Capitol and the Des Moines River, the historic East Village is a vibrant, diverse neighborhood with more than 90 locally owned shops, restaurants and bars. From spices to stilettos, the shopping scene is sure to impress. Be sure to stop by Peace Tree Brewing for some city favorites or Iowa Taproom to check out some statewide classics. If you’re looking for a taste of sophistication, dine at HoQ, Lucca or Alba. If it’s a casual atmosphere you’re after, try the Continental, Dumpling Darling or the Zombie Burger. We could go on and on about the East Village and all its hidden treasures, but we recommend you explore and see for yourself!
Downtown Living Des Moines Iowa
This 4.4 hectare park houses more than 30 works of art by 24 of the world’s most famous artists. Its location serves as a welcoming, pedestrian-friendly gateway to the city. A guided tour of the works is available from April to October. Or, the Des Moines Art Center website has audio tours and a printable search guide. If you want to explore the park on your own, we recommend ordering food from Americana, Centro, Exile, The Walnut or any of the restaurants around Sculpture Park and pack a picnic!
Places To Take In Des Moines, Iowa History That Are Family Friendly
Metro Central Park is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. Park visitors can navigate the 166.6-acre park by foot, bicycle, rollerblade, or any form of motorized transportation. Free parking, restrooms, playgrounds and boat ramps are available year-round at Gray Lake. A dedicated swimming area, concessions and rentals of bicycles, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and canoes are available from Memorial Day through Labor Day. If you plan to use the facilities below, we recommend checking out Gray Lake’s social media channels before you go. If the facility is not available due to weather, it will be mentioned on social media.
Located in the heart of Des Moines, the Historic Courthouse District is considered the premier downtown entertainment district. The historic Courthouse District is home to restaurants, bars, breweries, unique murals and one of Des Moines’ favorite events – the Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market. From May to October, 25,000 people line Court Avenue and the surrounding streets for one of the country’s premier farmers markets.
Des Moines’ bike share program allows visitors to explore the city efficiently and affordably. With more than 20 stops from the Drake neighborhood to Principal Park, getting around Des Moines has never been easier. How it works:
With this mode of transportation, you can enjoy a relaxing afternoon stroll from Lake Grace in the historic East Village to the Sculpture Park! Find a bike station map here.
Why The Presidential Caucus Isn’t The Only Time To Visit Des Moines, Iowa
Looking for a place to travel or a great vacation? Fort Des Moines Park is a great place. The 117-acre park has a 14-acre deep lake, which is its focal point for activities including fishing, boating, geocaching, picnicking and more.
Relax and explore one of the newest urban developments in downtown Des Moines. Western Gateway Park includes a mix of green spaces and buildings to provide a cultural experience for residents and visitors. The John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, the Des Moines Central Library, the Temple of the Performing Arts, and the John and Mary Pappajohn Education Center all contribute to the city’s public and private sectors.
Des Moines Water Works Park is approximately 1,500 acres of forested land and is home to recreational activities such as fishing, boating, hiking, and camping. Also, check out Lauridsen Amphitheater for upcoming concerts and events!
Do you like wine Jasper Winery is a great opportunity to taste local wines in comfort. There is a cozy cafe area and indoor/outdoor courtyards with modern and urban architecture. The tasting room also offers views of the production area and barrel room, giving visitors an up-close experience of the world of winemaking.
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Robert is a Ph.D. Visit the Ray Asian Gardens, where the Asian Pavilion stands on a protected bridge that spans a pond that flows into the Des Moines River with a series of waterfalls. The flowing atmosphere of the park transports the wandering tourists to the picturesque paradise of the Far East. For the good life in the Midwest, Des Moines, IA (PS. Those S’s are silent). Located in the heart of the state, Des Moines is at the crossroads of culture, commerce and heritage. With farmers markets, traditional indoor and outdoor museums, historically significant botanical gardens, trendy restaurants, over 80 miles of trails and an amazing art scene, Des Moines has something for everyone.
Des Moines is one of the best places to live in the US. Friendly community and short commute is also a plus. From family-friendly neighborhoods to hotspots in the ‘burbs, such as the historic East Village for young professionals, to apartments for college students on Grand Avenue, residents are spoiled for choice. And don’t forget the opportunity: In Iowa’s capital, startups thrive in a collaborative and inspiring business environment and in the presence of major companies nationwide and such as Wells Fargo.
Des Moines has a strong business climate. The largest industries include financial services, insurance, government, manufacturing, healthcare, trade and services.
Des Moines is blessed with 75 public parks and Raccoon River Park is one of the best. City officials turned the open-pit gravel mine into what is now the 232-acre Blue Heron Lake and wetlands. Visitors to the park can enjoy kayaking, fishing, swimming, biking, hiking, archery or simply picnicking.
Downtown Des Moines Poised To Add 1,778 Apartments
Average rents and home prices in Des Moines are below the national average. While Iowa’s population as a state has declined in recent years, Des Moines has seen employment growth in the past year, with growth expected in the coming years. Local coworking spaces include Gravitate Coworking, Collaborate DSM and Regus Branch.
Locally owned Beaverdale Books does more than sell books. The store offers book lovers a comfortable haven for author events, book clubs and writers’ groups.
On Saturdays, browse over 300 vendors and load up on fresh vegetables, locally baked pastries, hot coffee, and handmade arts and crafts at the Downtown Farmers Market. For more than 40 years, the vibrant market has connected Des Moines residents to the state’s rural communities.
Founded in 1948, the Des Moines Art Center is a world-class art museum with an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, modern art, and mixed media. The museum houses a vast collection of modern art in three separate buildings, each designed by world-renowned architects (Eliel Saarinen, I.M. Pei and Richard Meier). Free daily admission is just the cherry on top.
Des Moines Hotels Near Iowa Events Center
Jasper Winery is an estate-style urban winery minutes from downtown where you can pair wine and cheese, enjoy views from the patio and listen to live music.
Downtown Des Moines Water Works Park covers nearly 1,500 acres of open forest, larger than New York City’s Central Park and one of the largest urban parks in the United States.
A low cost of living, a strong job market, and an amazing art scene make Des Moines one of the best places to live in Iowa.
Considered one of the most livable cities in the Midwest, Iowa’s state capital is filled with safe, walkable neighborhoods, over 4,000 acres of parkland, and a housing market brimming with new construction and development. Although the median home price is $191K and homes stay on the market for about five days, Des Moines homes for sale are becoming increasingly popular. The Des Moines real estate market has plenty of existing residences to suit all tastes and budgets, but families prefer newer single-family homes available in northern suburban communities like Capital Heights, while buyers in their thirties are flocking to new homes. Historic East Village District and other trendy downtown areas. For more information on this city’s market, contact your local real estate agent. Downtown Des Moines has developed into a commercial and cultural center that is attracting national attention. In 2014, Fortune named Des Moines the #1 Growing City and Politico wrote an in-depth report on how Des Moines went from “boring” to “cool.” Des Moines continues to attract a wide range of people because the city has something for everyone, which is reflected in the city’s recent national media appearances.
West Des Moines, Iowa
Downtown is the heart of Des Moines. Business is booming along with a thriving cultural and social scene. As housing opportunities expand downtown, more and more Iowans are choosing to build homes here — and for good reason. Here are just a few:
Who needs rush hour traffic? Downtown Des Moines is easily navigated on foot or by bike, making your daily commute not only healthy but convenient. You can also visit the Downtown Farmers Market (J
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