Find Des Moines Hotels and information through the Des Moines City Guide , your one-stop source for Des Moines information. We make it easy to search for Des Moines Discount Hotels, Des Moines Luxury Hotels and more.
In addition, our Des Moines City Guide provides information on the Iowa State Capitol Building, the Des Moines Botanical Center, the Science Center of Iowa, the Iowa Governor's Residence and more.
We hope that you enjoy our Des Moines City Guide and that it may be helpful in your search for information about Des Moines. If you find our Des Moines City Guide useful in locating Discount Des Moines Hotels or Luxury Des Moines Hotels, please let us know in our comment section. Also, include other types of information you would like to see in our Des Moines City Guide .
The area now known as Des Moines began as a military post in the 1840's. Several of these posts were set up in the area to protect the rights of the Sac Indians. The garrison, named Fort Des Moines, was decommissioned just a few short years later and with it went the military. 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.
Click to expand
Click to collapse
The area now known as Des Moines began as a military post in the 1840's. Several of these posts were set up in the area to protect the rights of the Sac Indians. The garrison, named Fort Des Moines, was decommissioned just a few short years later and with it went the military. 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.
Des Moines today is the biggest city in Iowa, a booming mid-west metropolis of almost half a million people spreading out into thriving suburbs. Des Moines is headquarters for all sorts of businesses but in the foremost is the Insurance industry. Iowa holds the distinction as being one of the top 3 centers for insurance in the world.
Governor’s Residence
Terrace Hill
2300 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50312
515-242-5841
For a small fee, guided tours of the Iowa governor’s residence are available Tuesday through Saturday from March to December. The home is an example of Second Empire architecture.
Fort Des Moines Museum & Education Center
75 East Army Post Road
Des Moines, IA 50315
515-282-8060
This international tourist attraction honors the U.S. Army’s first officer candidate class for African American men in 1917 and the first Women’s Army Auxillary Corps in 1942. Also experience the Iowa Tuskegee Airmen Memorial while you are there.
Iowa Blues Hall of Fame
1501 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
515-244-3092
Browse through this building that honors the Iowa Blues heritage. New members are inducted each year. Learn about each inductee and what their contributions were to the Blues.
Des Moines Symphony
221 Walnut Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
515-280-4000
This full-service professional orchestra will wow you with their classical concerts, pops performances, family concerts, and more.
Des Moines Art Center
4700 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50312
515-277-4405
The Des Moines Art Center features 19th and 20th century works of art. A gift shop and restaurant are located onsite.
Hoyt Sherman Place
1501 Woodland Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
515-244-0507
The Hoyt Sherman Place is housed in an 1877 building and features antiques and fine arts.
Prairie Meadows Race Track & Casino
1 Prairie Meadows Drive
Altoona, IA 50009
800-325-9015
Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the Prairie Meadows Race Track and Casino is your destination if you’re feeling lucky. More than 1,500 slot machines and simulcast thoroughbred and greyhound racing are featured, as well as both fine dining and casual restaurants and lounges.
Blank Golf Course
808 Country Line Road
Des Moines, IA 50315
515-285-0864
The newest 18-hole golf course in the area. The public driving range features a GPS system, they have a PGA Pro, offer lessons, food and beverages, and more. Please call for your tee time.
Grand View Golf Course
2400 East 29th Street
Des Moines, IA 50317
515-248-6301
Ideal for seniors and juniors, this public course offers food, golf shop, and 18 challenging holes.
Historic Jordan House
2001 Fuller Road
Des Moines, IA 50265
515-225-1286
The Historic Jordan House is an 1848 Victorian home that was a station on the Underground Railroad. The history of Valley Junction/West Des Moines is retold within the 16 rooms of the home.
Iowa State Capitol
East Ninth and Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50319
515-281-5591
The state capitol building is known for its 23-karat golden dome that rises above the city. Four smaller domes flank the main dome. The capitol building houses the governor's offices, legislature and the Supreme Court. Guided tours are available.
The Museum Store
600 East Locust Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
515-283-1757
At the foot of the state capitol is the The Museum Store, a modern granite and glass structure. Permanent and temporary exhibits depict the people, places, events and issues of Iowa's past.
Historic Valley Junction
217 Fifth Street
West Des Moines, IA 50265
515-222-3642
Shoppers in your group will enjoy the Historic Valley Junction in downtown West Des Moines. This renovated railroad district features more than 120 retail businesses, including art galleries, fashion boutiques, antique shops, restaurants and specialty stores.
Great Western Trail
4343 George Flagg Parkway
Des Moines, IA 50321
515-285-7612
Take the 18-mile journey to Martensdale from Des Moines. Nature and history abound on this trip. You can walk, jog, hike or ride a bicycle.
Historic East Village
PO Box 6043
Des Moines, IA 50309
515-281-4011
Thriving retail, entertainment, and residential neighborhood with lots of opportunities for fun and shopping!
Wallace House Foundation
756 16th Street
Des Moines, IA 50314
515-243-7063
Tour this 1882 restored Italianate Victorian home that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is an interpretive center and museum all in one.
Sleepy Hollow Sports Park
4051 Dean Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50317
515-262-4100
60 acres of year round fun! Downhill skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing in the Winter and during the Spring and Summer, they offer miniature golf, baseball batting range, mountain bike trails, roller racers, and more.
Science Center of Iowa and Blank IMAX Dome Theater
401 West Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway
Des Moines, IA 50309
515-274-6868
The entire family will enjoy the Science Center of Iowa. The center features hands-on exhibits, interactive demonstrations and planetarium programs and laser shows. Don’t forget about the IMAX Theater!
Blank Park Zoo
7401 SW Ninth Street
Des Moines, IA 50315
515-323-8383
Visit the Blank Park Zoo to view more than 800 animals all living in spacious natural exhibits. This beautifully landscaped 22-acre zoological park is fun for all ages.
Des Moines Water Works Park and Arboretum
2201 Valley Drive
Des Moines, IA 50321
515-283-8791
1,500 acres of wooded area where fishing, picnicking, jogging, or just relaxing is popular. The arboretum has over 200 varieties of crab apple trees.
Easter Lake Park
2830 Easter Lake Drive
Des Moines, IA 50320
515-285-7612
Beach within reach! They also have a boat rental place and a concession area.
Valley View Aquatic Center
255 South 81st Street
West Des Moines, IA 50266
515-273-0700
Fun for the whole family! Diving boards, drop slides, leisure pool with spray toys, 4 water slides, and a 600 foot lazy river!
Tokens Family Fun Center
313 Grand Avenue
West Des Moines, IA 50265
515-222-5656
Good food and great fun! A two level Lazertag arena, jungle gym for kids, video games and more!
Holiday Aquatic Center
1701 Railroad Avenue
West Des Moines, IA 50265
515-273-0700
Fun in the sun is what you’ll get at this railroad themed water park! The whole family will enjoy water slides, diving boards, drop slide, and an interactive spray zone.
Heritage Carousel of Des Moines
Union Park
1801 Pennsylvania Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50316
515-323-8200
The Heritage Carousel of Des Moines is made of wood and accommodates up to 35 passengers. The unique carousel, one of few created of wood since the 1930s, features handcrafted and painted figures.
Des Moines Botanical Center
909 Robert D. Ray Drive
Des Moines, IA 50316
515-323-6290
The Des Moines Botanical Center includes 14 acres of grounds and an 18,000 square foot conservatory. The center features one of the largest collections of ornamental plants in the Midwest under its dome and on the surrounding grounds.
Brenton Skating Plaza
520 Robert D. Ray Drive
Des Moines, IA 50309
515-284-1000
From November through March you can enjoy the best outdoor ice skating plaza in central Iowa.
Iowa Hall of Pride
330 Park Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
515-280-8969
Kids and adults alike will enjoy the interactive exhibits at this location!
Gray’s Lake Park
1700 Fleur Drive
Des Moines, IA 50321
515-237-1386
You’ll find a boat rental facility, fishing pier, floating boardwalks, resource center, and a lighted trail encircling the whole park.
Great Ape Trust of Iowa
4200 SE 44th Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50320
515-243-3580
This research facility houses bonobos and orangutans. Public tours are offered by reservation only.
May
Seniom Sed
515-282-2022
During the summertime on Fridays Nollen Plaza streets come alive with local bands hitting stages to entertain and vendors provide food and drink. Call ahead for time and schedule.
Asian Heritage Festival
515-273-5103
Enjoy food, cultural exhibits, hands-on activities, gifts, live entertainment, and more!
June
Winefest Des Moines
515-244-0520
The best the festival has to offer can be sampled at this event! Visiting wineries, importers, local restaurants, and others.
July
Iowa Fringe Festival
515-309-0251
Celebration of theatre and performing arts in different locations downtown Des Moines. More than 30 different companies from around the state participate!
Taste of Des Moines
515-245-8839
Tasty food from all over Des Moines including Asian, Mexican, and more. Come enjoy the music and other entertainment!
Jazz in July
515-323-5300
During the month of July enjoy jazz music in a series of free concerts held in outdoor and indoor venues. Call ahead for details!
Rib America Festival
317-576-8466
Family fun event featuring barbecue, music, and much more.
August
Iowa State Fair
800-545-FAIR
The Iowa State Fair covers 400 acres and features a midway area, rides, concerts, horse and dog shows, arts and crafts and much more.
September
Dog Town Fest
515-271-2378
Live music, good food, local artists, and much more!
October
World Food Festival
515-245-3783
Featuring ethnic cafes, folk art, wide variety of entertainment including authentic dress and choreography and a global market.
December
Fire in the Sky
515-286-4943
Kickoff the holiday season with this festive occasion! Children’s activities, lighted parade, food, family entertainment, and fireworks!
Population:
City of Des Moines: 199,000 +
Greater Des Moines Metro Area: Nearly 500,000
Time Zone:
Central Standard
Climate:
Summer temperatures are comfortable, with highs in the 80s and lows in the 60s. Winter highs are a different story, with highs only in the 30s and lows in the teens and 20s. Thirty inches of snow or more is not unlikely during the winter months of November through March. Snow has even been known to fall as early as October and as late as April. Spring and fall bring moderate temperatures and beautiful natural color to the area.
Airport:
Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
5800 Fleur Drive
Des Moines, IA 50321
515-256-5100
Bus:
Greyhound
800-231-2222
Getting Around Des Moines:
Des Moines Area Regional Transit (DART)
City Bus
515-283-8111
Taxis:
Capitol Cab Co
515-282-8111
Yellow Cab
515-243-1111
Dining:
Rock Bottom Restaurant and Pub
4508 University Avenue
West Des Moines, IA 50266
515-267-8900
At the Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery, the food selections are as diverse as the house-brewed beers. Choose from entrees such as the Adobo-Crusted Pork Loin or Wild Mushroom Swiss Burger. A variety of pastas, sandwiches and salads are also available, and don’t miss the beer-batter breads. Soak in the festive atmosphere while enjoying a craft beer.
Judge Roy Beans
210 Court Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
515-243-3700
Casual atmosphere offering a wide array of entrees including their signature BBQ ribs and tender-aged steaks. You might also want to try their homemade Cavetelli and scrumptious seafood!
Raccoon River Brewing Company
10th & Mulberry Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
515-362-5222
Two levels offering you billiards, live entertainment, good food, fresh handcrafted beer, and top-notch service in an exciting atmosphere!
Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse
6800 Fleur Drive
Des Moines, IA 50321
515-287-0848
This full service steak house has an Italian flair and offers hot steaks, hot music, and hot Italian at a cool place!
Nightlife:
Johnny’s Hall of Fame
302 Court Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
515-280-6679
18 beers on tap, tasty and juicy burgers, big screen TVs, pool tables, darts, golf, full bar, patio, and more!
Royal Mile
210 4th Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
515-280-3771
Authentic British Pub with over 100 imported beers with 26 of them on tap! They also offer traditional pub food.
The House of Bricks
525 East Grand
Des Moines, IA 50309
515-727-4370
Voted Des Moines best live music! They have live music almost every night. Call for schedule. Every Tuesday is karaoke at 9:30 p.m. with no cover charge. They also offer Steak Night every Sunday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.