The Basics
City Name: Des Moines
Where is it located?: Des Moines is in the middle of Iowa, which is located in the Midwest
Why do people go there?: The capital of Iowa, this city retains the midwest, farmtown feel that the region is known for – it’s not the most exciting city, but if you are looking for a relaxing place to be, Des Moines will do the trick.
How do travelers get there?: Drive or bus it.
Currency: US Dollar
City Code: 515
Other phone tips: There are a number of public telephones around Des Moines that can be used.
Population: 200,000
Languages: English
Travel Information
Neighborhoods: Arbor Peaks, ACCENT , Brook Run, Beaverdale, Capitol Park, Capitol East, Chautauqua Park, Carpenter, Cheatom Park, Downtown, Drake, Douglas Acres, Drake Park, Ewing Woods-Evergreen, Easter Lake Area , East Village, Fairmont Park, Fairground Neighborhood Association, Greenwood Historic, Gray’s Lake, Hillsboro, Highland Park, Ingersoll Park, Indianola Hills, Kirkwood Glen, King Irving, Linden Heights, Laurel Hill, Lower Beaver, Martin Luther King Junior Park, Magnolia Park, McKinley / Columbus Park,Martin-Hickman, Meredith, Mondamin Presidential, Merle Hay, North of Grand, Pioneer Park, Oak Park, River Bend, Sherman Hill, Salisbury Oaks, Somerset, Southwestern Hills, South Park, Union Park, Valley High Manor, Watrous South, Waterbury, Waveland Woods, Waveland Park, Westwood, Woodland Heights
Attractions: Museums, Trails and hikes, Capital
Accommodations: Des Moines Hostels
Tourist Office: Des Moines Tourist Office
Off-the-beaten-path: Ames, Marshalltown, Algona
Health Issues: Food safety and federal programs for child nutrition
Tips for Visiting
When to go: Winters can be very unforgiving – shoulder seasons have the nicest weather.
City Specific Events: Des Moines Arts Festival every June, Iowa State Fair every August, the World Food Festival every October, ArtFest Midwest, Des Moines Pride Festival, Celebrasian Heritage Festival, Des Moines Renaissance Faire, Festival of Trees and Lights, Festa Italiana, Latino Heritage Festival, Interrobang Film Festival, Wild Rose Film Festival, Rib America Festival, Winefest, and the 80/35 Music Festival.
How to get around?: Walking will do most of the time, or buses will work too.
Good to know: Des Moines is the cultural hub of Iowa.
Cheapest airport to fly into: The main airport serving cheaper flights to Des Moines is the Des Moines International Airport.
Need more information?: Check out the Des Moines travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
