City at a Glance in Des Moines, Iowa, United States

Des Moines, United States, Des Moines, General City Overview, City at a Glance

City at a Glance in Des Moines, Iowa, United States

1. Jordan Park

A spacious urban park with a unique water feature called 'The Labyrinth Fountain'. It's a great place for relaxation and picnics.
  • Unique Water Feature: Features a labyrinth fountain, which is not common in urban parks.
  • Spacious Area: Offers plenty of room for outdoor activities and events.
  • Relaxation Spot: Ideal for relaxation, with peaceful surroundings and beautiful views.

2. Des Moines Art Center

A renowned art museum showcasing a mix of contemporary and classical works. It also features sculpture gardens.
  • Mix of Contemporary and Classical Works: Offers a unique blend of modern and traditional art.
  • Sculpture Gardens: Features outdoor sculpture gardens for visitors to enjoy.
  • Educational Programs: Offers educational programs, making art accessible and engaging for all ages.

3. Des Moines Botanical Garden

A beautiful oasis filled with exotic and native plants, plus a variety of events and educational programs.
  • Exotic and Native Plants: Showcases both exotic and native plant species.
  • Events and Educational Programs: Hosts events and educational programs for visitors of all ages.
  • Peaceful Atmosphere: Provides a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere for relaxation and reflection.

4. Salvatorian Park

A popular park known for its large water tower and sports facilities. It's a great spot for both recreation and picnics.
  • Large Water Tower: Features a distinctive water tower that serves as a landmark.
  • Sports Facilities: Offers sports facilities, including soccer fields and basketball courts.
  • Recreation and Picnics: Ideal for recreational activities and picnicking with family and friends.

5. Des Moines Social Club

A vibrant arts and cultural center offering a variety of performances, classes, and events.
  • Performances and Classes: Provides a wide range of performances and classes for visitors.
  • Unique Space: Features a unique, renovated historic building.
  • Community Engagement: Encourages community engagement and participation in the arts.

6. Des Moines Civic Center

A historic theater hosting a variety of performances including Broadway shows.
  • Historic Theater: A beautiful, historic venue for live performances.
  • Broadway Shows: Hosts Broadway shows and other performing arts events.
  • Community Engagement: Promotes community engagement and enjoyment of the performing arts.

7. Greater Des Moines Public Library

A modern library offering a wide range of resources, events, and programs for all ages.
  • Wide Range of Resources: Provides an extensive collection of books, digital resources, and more.
  • Events and Programs: Hosts events and programs for adults, teens, and children.
  • Community Space: Serves as a community space for meetings, studying, and collaboration.

8. Capitol Building

The beautiful Iowa State Capitol building showcasing unique architecture and historical artifacts.
  • Beautiful Architecture: Features stunning, historic architecture.
  • Historical Artifacts: Houses a variety of historical artifacts and exhibits.
  • Free Admission: Offers free admission for visitors to explore.

9. Principal Park

Home of the Des Moines Cubs baseball team. It offers a fun and family-friendly atmosphere.
  • Baseball Games: Hosts games for the Des Moines Cubs baseball team.
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Provides a fun and welcoming environment for families.
  • Food and Drink Options: Offers a variety of food and drink options within the park.

10. World Food Prize Hall of Laureates

A museum dedicated to recognizing individuals who have improved the world's food supply.
  • Recognition of Global Leaders: Honors global leaders in agriculture and food security.
  • Interactive Exhibits: Features interactive exhibits to educate visitors about the world's food supply.
  • Promoting Food Security: Encourages understanding and action towards food security issues.

11. Grey's Lake Park

A popular park with a lake, offering fishing, boating, and picnic areas.
  • Lake Activities: Offers activities like fishing, boating, and swimming.
  • Picnic Areas: Provides picnic areas for a pleasant outdoor meal.
  • Scenic Views: Features scenic views of the lake and surrounding greenery.

12. Des Moines Farmers Market

A large market offering fresh produce, food vendors, and local crafts.
  • Fresh Produce: Sells a variety of locally grown fruits, vegetables, and more.
  • Local Crafts: Features local artisans selling their handmade crafts.
  • Community Gathering Spot: Serves as a community gathering spot and social event.

13. Blank Park Zoo

A family-friendly zoo showcasing a variety of animals from around the world.
  • Variety of Animals: Showcases a wide range of animal species.
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Offers activities and exhibits suitable for families.
  • Conservation Efforts: Supports conservation efforts for endangered species.

14. Witters Park Skatepark

A popular skate park with a variety of ramps, rails, and obstacles for skaters.
  • Variety of Obstacles: Offers a variety of ramps, rails, and other features for different skill levels.
  • Skate Community: Supports the local skate community by providing a dedicated space.
  • Fun Outdoor Activity: Provides an enjoyable and physically challenging outdoor activity.

15. Des Moines Bike Trails

A network of bike trails connecting various parks and attractions throughout the city.
  • Network of Trails: Connects a variety of parks, attractions, and neighborhoods.
  • Physical Activity: Encourages physical activity while exploring the city.
  • Eco-Friendly Transportation: Promotes eco-friendly transportation by offering bike trails as an alternative to cars.