Des Moines IA

Des Moines, IA – The Heart of the Hawkeye State, Des Moines blends Midwestern charm with a growing arts and culture scene. From vibrant farmers markets and local eateries to scenic trails and historic buildings, this capital city offers a laid-back lifestyle with a touch of big-city flair. Whether you're exploring downtown, catching a show, or enjoying the beauty of Gray’s Lake, Des Moines welcomes you with open arms and endless possibilities.

• Population: ~215,000
• Weather: Four distinct seasons; warm summers (70–90°F), cold snowy winters (20–40°F), beautiful spring and fall transitions.
• Places To Visit: Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Iowa State Capitol, Blank Park Zoo, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, Des Moines Art Center.
• Top Activities: Biking along the Des Moines River Trail, attending the Iowa State Fair, shopping at East Village, exploring local breweries, visiting farmers markets.
• Famous Food: Pork tenderloin sandwiches, sweet corn, Iowa-style chili, craft brews from local breweries, and classic Midwestern comfort food.

Des Moines, Iowa is a growing Midwest city with a strong economy. It serves as a regional center for insurance, finance, healthcare, and government. Below are some of the most in-demand jobs in Des Moines.

Top 5 Jobs in Des Moines, IA

Des Moines, IA is a vibrant city with plenty of great spots for students to relax, recharge, and have fun with friends. Whether you're looking for trendy cafés, scenic parks, or lively entertainment venues, Des Moines offers something special for everyone.

Gray's Lake Park – A favorite spot among locals, Gray's Lake Park offers scenic trails, kayak rentals, relaxing picnic spots, and an iconic walking bridge lit up beautifully at night. Ideal for chilling out after classes or enjoying outdoor adventures during weekends.

East Village – Known for its cool vibe, bustling cafés, locally-owned shops, and tasty restaurants, the East Village is perfect for exploring, grabbing coffee with classmates, or spending an afternoon shopping for unique items.

Pappajohn Sculpture Park – Located downtown, this outdoor park features striking sculptures and wide-open spaces to enjoy art, relaxation, photography, or picnics on sunny afternoons with friends.

Smokey Row Coffee Co. – Popular among students, Smokey Row Coffee Co. serves up delicious coffee, welcoming vibes, cozy corners, and live music events regularly—making it a top spot to hang out, study in an upbeat environment, or chat with friends.

Up-Down Arcade Bar – For laid-back fun, Up-Down is the go-to spot, featuring retro arcade games, tasty pizza slices, and an exciting social atmosphere that's perfect for unwinding and meeting new people.

Valley Junction – Lined with charming boutiques, cafes, and friendly eateries, Historic Valley Junction provides students with a relaxing atmosphere to stroll, grab tasty treats, or catch local festivals and live music events.

Principal Riverwalk – Running along the Des Moines River, the Riverwalk area offers picturesque views and spaces to jog, cycle, or simply lounge during study breaks. This peaceful setting is ideal for fresh air and beautiful scenery right in the heart of the city.

Des Moines, Iowa is home to several reputable colleges and universities offering a wide range of academic, technical, and professional programs. Whether you're seeking a public institution with strong community ties or a private college with personalized education, Des Moines has excellent options for higher education.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Des Moines

Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) – As Iowa's largest and one of the most respected community colleges, DMACC offers affordable two-year associate degrees, workforce training, and transfer programs. It’s known for its strong healthcare, business, and technology programs.

Iowa State University (ISU) – Des Moines Extension – While the main campus is in Ames, ISU operates outreach and extension centers in Des Moines, bringing access to their renowned programs in agriculture, engineering, business, and education to the local community.

University of Iowa – Des Moines Campus – The University of Iowa runs select health sciences and professional degree programs in Des Moines, especially through its College of Nursing and Carver College of Medicine. It’s a top-ranked research university committed to innovation and service.

Grand View University (Public Partnership Programs) – While primarily a private institution, Grand View partners with public entities and offers public-service-oriented programs supported by state-level initiatives in fields like nursing and public administration.

Drake University School of Law (Public Interest Programs) – Although a private school, Drake’s commitment to public service is evident through its Legislation Clinic and extensive law outreach that serve the greater Des Moines public and legal communities.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Des Moines

Drake University – One of the oldest private universities in the Midwest, Drake is a highly respected institution known for its law school, pharmacy programs, business, and journalism. It balances academic rigor with strong career preparation.

Grand View University – A private liberal arts college with a focus on personalized education and career readiness. Grand View is noted for its strong programs in business, nursing, and education.

Mercy College of Health Sciences – Specializing in nursing and healthcare degrees, Mercy College offers practical, hands-on training in a variety of high-demand medical fields. It has a long-standing partnership with MercyOne Medical Center.

AIB College of Business (now merged with University of Iowa) – Once a prestigious business-focused private college, AIB merged with the University of Iowa. Its legacy continues through specialized programs and career training in business administration.

Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary – Located just north of Des Moines in Ankeny, this private Christian institution offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in ministry, education, and biblical studies. It is known for its faith-based learning environment and close-knit community.

Des Moines, IA is home to several outstanding high schools that offer students excellent academic programs and extracurricular opportunities. Whether public or private, these schools help prepare students for college, careers, and lifelong learning.

Top Public High Schools In Des Moines

• Roosevelt High School – Known for its strong International Baccalaureate program and a focus on global education.
• Central Academy – A top-rated magnet program that serves high-achieving students across the district with advanced coursework in math, science, and humanities.
• East High School – Offers numerous AP courses, athletic programs, and a diverse range of extracurriculars.
• North High School – Provides robust programs in arts, sciences, and career readiness through vocational pathways.
• Lincoln High School – Features strong community partnerships, academic support, and options for college credit during high school.

Top Private High Schools In Des Moines

• Dowling Catholic High School – The largest private high school in the state, known for academic excellence, faith-based education, and competitive athletics.
• Des Moines Christian School – Offers a Christ-centered education with rigorous academics and a broad range of extracurricular activities.
• Grand View Christian School – A growing school with a strong focus on faith, academic development, and character building.
• Saydel Christian Academy – A smaller private school that emphasizes personal growth, strong teacher-student relationships, and biblical values.
• Joshua Christian Academy – Dedicated to supporting underserved communities with a strong commitment to both academic achievement and spiritual development.

Des Moines, Iowa may not be home to major league franchises like the NFL, NBA, or MLB, but it does boast a vibrant sports community with passionate fan support and competitive professional teams in other leagues. From baseball to hockey and soccer, Des Moines offers plenty of excitement for sports fans.

⚾ Baseball – Iowa Cubs (Triple-A Minor League Baseball)

• Iowa Cubs – The Iowa Cubs, commonly known as the I-Cubs, are the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Based at PPrincipal Park in downtown Des Moines, the team has been a key stepping stone for many Major League stars. With a loyal fanbase and beautiful views of the Des Moines skyline, attending an I-Cubs game has become a summer tradition for locals.

🏒 Hockey – Iowa Wild (American Hockey League)

• Iowa Wild – The Iowa Wild are the AHL affiliate of the Minnesota Wild. They play at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines and have been bringing fast-paced, hard-hitting hockey to Central Iowa since 2013. The team is known for its packed home games and plays an important role in developing future NHL talent.

⚽ Soccer – Des Moines Menace (USL League Two)

• Des Moines Menace – Competing in USL League Two, a top pre-professional soccer league, the Des Moines Menace have a proud tradition of excellence. Founded in 1994, the team has won multiple league titles and continues to generate excitement every summer at Valley Stadium. It’s one of the most successful lower-tier clubs in American soccer.

🏀 Basketball – Iowa Wolves (NBA G League)

• Iowa Wolves – An affiliate of the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves, the Iowa Wolves play in the NBA G League. They also call the Wells Fargo Arena home and feature rising basketball stars looking to break into the NBA. The team brings high-energy action and family-friendly fun to the Des Moines area every winter season.

🏈 Arena Football – Iowa Barnstormers (Indoor Football League)

• Iowa Barnstormers – A historic name in indoor football, the Iowa Barnstormers gained fame in the 1990s when future NFL Hall of Famer Kurt Warner played quarterback for the team. Today, they compete in the Indoor Football League (IFL) and still play at the Wells Fargo Arena, delivering thrilling, high-scoring football games to loyal fans.

Des Moines, the capital city of Iowa, may not always be in the national spotlight, but this Midwest gem is full of surprises. Rich in art, politics, and innovation, Des Moines offers both charm and curiosity. Here are 10 fun facts about Des Moines, IA:

1. State Capital Central – Des Moines became the state capital of Iowa in 1857, moving from Iowa City.
2. Corn and Culture – While known for agriculture, Des Moines is also a hub for insurance, finance, and art, often ranking as one of the country’s best places to live and work.
3. Home of the Caucuses – Every four years, the Iowa Caucuses make Des Moines a major stop for U.S. presidential hopefuls.
4. Underground City – Des Moines has a network of skywalks and tunnels that let people walk throughout downtown without going outside!
5. Art in the Park – The Pappajohn Sculpture Park in downtown Des Moines features large, modern art pieces you can walk around and enjoy for free.
6. River Roots – The city sits where the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers meet. In fact, the name "Des Moines" likely comes from French, meaning “from the monks.”
7. Big Blue Dome – The golden dome of the Iowa State Capitol Building is covered in 23-karat gold and is one of the most eye-catching features of the city’s skyline.
8. Home to the Butter Cow – Each year at the Iowa State Fair, visitors line up to see the famous life-sized cow made of butter – a quirky tradition since 1911.
9. City of Trails – With over 800 miles of bike trails, Des Moines is a haven for cyclists and outdoor lovers.
10. Secret Speakeasy Past – During Prohibition, Des Moines had hidden clubs and secret alcohol stashes beneath some of its historic buildings. Some of these underground spots still exist today!