
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.