On the confluence of 2 rivers, downtown Des Moines and East Village are compact and fun to explore. The city is clean and easy to get around with numerous walking trails. After being to more than 100 countries, I find Des Moines refreshingly down-to-earth and accessible for walking or biking. While visiting family members downtown, I explored everything in this guide. Read on to discover Des Moines Iowa walks and 20 top attractions in the Downtown and East Village.
About Des Moines
Des Moines is the capital and largest city in Iowa. It was established in 1846, located at Fort Des Moines on the confluence of the Raccoon and Des Moines Rivers. The French name means “from the Monks.”
Des Moines is an important center of the U.S. insurance industry. For example, the city is headquarters for Principal Financial Group, Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and others. Des Moines is also an important city in U.S. politics. As the state capitol, it’s the venue of the first caucuses of the presidential primary cycle. Also, Des Moines offers the venue for the famous Iowa State Fair every August. It’s the second largest state fair in the U.S. attracting more than a million people a year.
On the west side of the Des Moines River is downtown with the Historic Court District and Central Business District. On the east side of the river is the Historic East Village. Market District is an up-and-coming development from a former industrial neighborhood. Also, near the downtown is the Gray’s Lake area.
Des Moines Iowa Walks
& Downtown Attractions
The Des Moines Downtown is a clean, compact and safe city that is very walkable. Here are the best attractions for a Des Moines Walking Tour.
Farmers’ Market
The Des Moines Farmers’ Market is one of the biggest and best in the U.S. It runs from May to October every Saturday from 7 am to noon in the historic Court District. Vendors from across Iowa offer locally grown produce, flowers, wine and Iowa-raised meat. Also, numerous artisans sell their handicrafts and eclectic restaurants and bakers offer their specialties.
Live music plays in the streets for plenty of entertainment. Des Moines is very dog-friendly, so dog sightings are some of my favorite parts of the market. The parking lot on SW 5th and Cherry Street, south of the Courthouse is free for market-goers.
Principal Riverwalk
The Principal Riverwalk is a loop path along the banks of the Des Moines River in downtown. Principal Financial and the Iowa state government funded the recreational area. This 1.2-mile (1.9-km) trail connects the east and west sides of the river with 2 pedestrian bridges. It also connects the Court Avenue District, Central Business District and East Village.
Red Bridge
Des Moines Iowa Walks
The Red Bridge is a symbol of the Golden Age of railroading in Iowa. Today, it’s a pedestrian bridge linking the east and west side of the Des Moines River. It stands next to the new railroad bridge near Court Avenue.
World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
In the heart of Des Moines on the Principal Riverwalk is the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates. The Beaux-style building offers exhibits on achievements in agriculture and fighting hunger. Even more, its museum honors Dr. Norman Borlaug and his lifework in fighting world hunger.
The building in itself is a museum, a landmark historic gem from the early 20th century. Its renovation process required following the historic preservation standards. Furthermore, this meant it needed to be built green and uphold the integrity of the historic integrity. Thankfully, they preserved the building in a sustainable way. Behind the edifice is a lovely botanical garden. Free Tours are available on Tuesdays.
Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge
The Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge lies on the northern side of the Principal Riverwalk, linking east and west sides of the city. In 2013 Principal Financial Group gifted the pedestrian bridge to the city, honoring notable Iowa women. The beautiful bridge spans 434 feet with scenic pathways for walkers, runners and bikers. Each year the bridge honors women that were nominated by local citizens. The center section is made of glass for seeing the river below.
Lauridsen Skatepark
The Lauridsen Skatepark is the largest open skatepark in the nation. It opened in 2021 and spreads out over 5 acres. The park lies along the Principal Riverwalk near the Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge. Even if you don’t skate, it’s fun to stop and watch the skaters in action. Open from 6 am to 10 pm, this is a shared public space. It’s a professional level skatepark that hosts amateur through world-class events.
The Travelers Red Neon Sign
Des Moines Iowa Walks
The Travelers umbrella sign has been a Des Moines landmark since 1963. Standing on the roof of the Insurance Exchange Building, this red neon sign is 50 feet wide and 40.5 feet tall. Representing Travel Insurance Company, it remains the largest neon sign in Iowa.
Also, back in the day, this iconic sign began a national trend for others to follow. It’s a photographic gem, especially at night. The best venue for the perfect photograph is on top of the parking garage at 4th and Grand Avenue.
Science Center of Iowa (SCI)
The Science Center of Iowa lies in the heart of downtown Des Moines. It features interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, IMAX theater and a 50-foot planetarium. SCI provides access to hands-on learning for all ages. SCI Admissions: $13 / Open: Thursday – Sunday 9 am to 4 pm
Des Moines Skywalks
Weather need not stop you from walking in Des Moines to restaurants, meetings or hotels. Downtown Des Moines offers an elaborate, climate-controlled skywalk system. Overall, it stretches 4.2 miles and connects 55 buildings and 12 parking ramps. Hours open are 6 am to 10 pm.
Iowa Events Center
In the heart of downtown is the Iowa Event Center. It offers the state’s premier arena and convention center. The Wells Fargo arena seats 17,000 people and is rated among top 100 concert venues in Pollstar Magazine. If curious about what’s going on check the upcoming schedule at Iowa Events Center.
Principal Park
Des Moines Iowa Walks
The Principal Park minor league baseball stadium lies downtown at the confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers. It is the home field for the Iowa Cubs in the International League. The stadium seats 11,500 fans with panoramic views of the rivers and city skyline, including the Iowa State Capitol. When home games play on Friday night, the city displays fireworks at 10 pm. They are fantastic and quite the flashy spectacle for all the downtown area.
Des Moines Botanical Garden
Des Moines Iowa Walks
On the east banks of the Des Moines River the Des Moines Botanical Garden spreads out over 7 acres. This amazing garden displays the full gamut of plant life from desert to Iowa prairie and tropical gardens. Its design offers the Geodesic-domed Conservatory and Indoor Gardens, Hillside Garden and Waterfall and Plant Collections. The art and sculptures include the iconic rainbow structure at the entrance of the gardens. It’s entitled Spectral Liberation by the artist, Christiane T. Martens.
The ecology of native Iowa prairie and meadow plant life showcases in 2 areas. The Hiller Rain Garden displays Iowa plants that grow well in wet conditions. In contrast, the Founders Garden features plants from drier conditions, such as, prairie grasses and wildflowers.
The Founders Garden showcases replicas of the native Iowa plant life:
Dogtooth Violet, Rue Anemone, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Bloodroot, Violet, Wild Geranium, Common Morel, Hepatica, Snow Trillium, Bluebell, Columbine, Shooting Star, Buttercup, Blue-eyed Grass, Ground Plum, Wild Strawberry, Wild Onion, Panic Grass, Golden Glow, Wild Rose, Purple Coneflower, Flowering Spurge, Purple Prairie Clover, Blazing Star, Butterfly Milkweed, Switchgrass, White Bush Clover, Indian Grass, Ground Cherry, Side-oats Grama, Big & Little Bluestem, Bottle Gentian, Black-eyed Susan, New England Aster and Stiff Goldenrod.
Fort Des Moines – Birthplace of Des Moines
On the west bank of the Des Moines River, next to Principal Park is the Birthplace of Des Moines. This preserved log cabin is a memorial to the military outpost, Fort Des Moines No. 2 located here from 1843 – 1846. In 1846, Des Moines became established near this site at the confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers.
Robert D. Ray Asian Garden
Near the Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge is the tranquil Robert D. Ray Asian Garden. This is a nice place to learn about and celebrate the diversity in Des Moines and local contributions from the Asian culture. It also honors the Iowa Governor, Robert D. Ray, for his support to the Asian communities.
This 2-acre park on the river is a wonderful place to relax among the gardens, sculptures and Chinese pavilion.
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
The 4.4-acre Pappajohn Sculpture Park is a magnificent west entrance to downtown Des Moines. Here stands 30 pieces of artwork, laid out dramatically with the downtown skyline in the background.
East Village Attractions
Des Moines Iowa Walks
Between the Capitol and Des Moines River is the vibrant and diverse East Village. It offers some of the best restaurants, shopping and nightlife in Iowa. Here are some of the top attractions in the East Village.
Iowa State Capitol
The Iowa State Capitol sits on top a hill at East 9th Street and Grand Avenue in East Village. It offers panoramic views of the city’s downtown. The Renaissance-style building with gold dome dominates the Des Moines skyline from most locations in downtown and East Village. The central dome is covered in 23-carot gold and shines brightly on sunny days. Outside the capitol building is extensive gardens, monuments and memorials.
The Capitol is the venue for the legislative branch of Iowa government, international events and a museum. Iowa State Capitol Tours are available.
Ghost Tour Meets at Capitol
Uncover spooky secrets in The Deadly Dirge of Des Moines Ghost Tour meeting at the Iowa State Capitol and more in a night walking tour in the East Village!
Iowa State Historical Museum
The Iowa State Historical Museum lies just west of the Iowa State Capitol. In the 3-storied building the museum offers interactive exhibits, collections and photographs about Iowa history. This is a great opportunity to learn about the heritage and stories of Iowa. The building also houses Iowa Research Center and State Historical Library and Archives. The museum has free admissions and is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9 am to 4:30 pm.
Shop at RAYGUN
In East Village, Raygun claims to be the “Greatest Store in the Universe.” As the flagship store, it started by an Iowa native selling clever Iowa T-shirts.
Over the past 20 years, it expanded to 9 other stores in the Midwest. It specializes in clothing, accessories, books & souvenirs with a sense of humor and political commentary.
The clever sayings involve Iowa and even expand into world politics. This is perfect for the city that is venue for the first caucuses of the primary presidential cycle. It’s entertaining to peruse the store and the perfect place to find an Iowa souvenir.
Gray’s Lake Area
Gray’s Lake Park
Downtown at the confluence, the Meredith Trail goes 1.9 mi to Gray’s Lake Park. This lake became formed by an oxbow on the Racoon River. Dedicated as a park since 1970, it’s a popular spot for outdoor recreational activities. The 167-acre park offers a 1.9-mi walking path around the lake. Gray’s lake offers a sandy beach with restrooms. Also, by the Christine Hensley Terrace, boat rentals are available. Overall, Gray’s Lake is a great location for water activities, such as, boating, kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding.
Water Works Park/Arie den Boer Arboretum
Water Works Park lies just across the Fleur Drive from Gray’s Lake. Within the park is the Arie den Boer Arboretum. This is a wonderful haven with 800 trees for nature-lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Also, the Raccoon River and nature trails are in the arboretum. Here, visitors bike, hike, jog, picnic and ride horseback.
The arboretum is named after the horticulturist and author, Arie Den Boer. It boasts for having one of the world’s largest collections of crabapple trees. Each spring, they bloom from late April to early May.
Top Restaurants and Breweries
Downtown and East Village
A Dong– Vietnamese
801 Chophouse – Steakhouse
Zombie Burger
Fong’s Pizza
Blue Sushi Sake Grill
Fresko
Splash Seafood Bar and Grill
Royal Mile – British Grub Pub
The Stuffed Olive – Martinis and craft cocktails
Café Baratta’s – Italian
Scenic Route Bakery
Court Avenue Restaurant and Brewery
Singlespeed Brewery
Confluence Brewery
Iowa Taproom
Exile Brewing Company
Enjoy Des Moines!
This city is so walkable and filled with interesting things to see and do. It’s an authentic and down-to-earth place to explore the heartland culture. I applaud the city planners of Des Moines for incredible work! If your travels bring you to Des Moines, please share any tips below in the comments.
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