Your local guide

A day, a weekend, your Des Moines.

Flexible suggestions; confirm opening days and admission before traveling.

Start with East Village.

East Village is a practical starting point for local restaurants, shops and public places in Des Moines. Select a local restaurant from the directory, compare street addresses, and leave time to explore nearby public spaces. Check hours before traveling; these are suggested stops, not a verified walking route.

Explore the guide →

Look behind the street names.

The East Village, Ingersoll and long-established neighborhoods give Iowa's capital a local scale beyond downtown offices. Use the linked history sources to go beyond the brief timeline, then choose a local shop or restaurant for the rest of the visit.

Explore the guide →

Make room for culture.

Dot's Gallery & Frame Shop offers a starting point for a cultural visit. Check opening times directly, and use the forecast and regional air report before adding outdoor plans. Keep distances, heat and parking in mind.

Explore the guide →

Hours and availability change, so check with each place before you go.

Choose a local meal

Start the day at one of these local restaurants.

Restaurant

Hessen Haus

Restaurant · 101 SW 4th St

Hessen Haus is a restaurant in Des Moines, Iowa, that recreates the authentic atmosphere of an old-world German bier hall. The restaurant features imported German biers on tap, authentic German fare on the menu, and a…

Restaurant

SIMON'S

Restaurant · 5800 Franklin Avenue

Simon's, also known as J. Benjamin's, is a local Des Moines restaurant located at 5800 Franklin Ave, Des Moines, Iowa 50322. It is a small Italian restaurant with a big menu. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes,…

Restaurant

Lua Brewing

Restaurant · 1525 High St

Lua Brewing in Des Moines, Iowa, operates at 1525 High Street, serving handcrafted beers and scratch-made smashburgers, along with a dog-friendly patio and a warm neighborhood vibe. The menu features smashburgers,…

Add a cultural stop

Pair your meal with a museum or cultural visit. Check the map before choosing a route; these stops are not necessarily walkable from each other.

Art gallery

Dot's Gallery & Frame Shop

Art gallery · 4223 Fleur Dr A

Dot's Gallery & Frame Shop has been a staple on the Southside of Des Moines for over 50 years, specializing in custom matting and framing as a family-owned business in Des Moines, Iowa. The staff takes great pride in…

Art gallery

Liz Lidgett Gallery and Design

Art gallery · 2921 Ingersoll Ave

Liz Lidgett Gallery and Design features a collection of art from emerging and mid-career artists from around the world in Des Moines, Iowa. The gallery provides art advisory, interior design, and custom commissions, as…

Art gallery

Hoyt Sherman Place

Art gallery · 1501 Woodland Ave

Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines, Iowa, serves as a cultural destination where people connect with art, music, history, and each other. This venue features a theater with good sound, a historic mansion, and an art…

Leave time for a local shop

Save a shop for a second stop or another afternoon.

Bicycle shop

Ichi Bike

Bicycle shop · 311 E Walnut St

Ichi Bike is a bike shop located in Des Moines, Iowa, with two locations: one in the Historic East Village and another in Highland Park. The shop offers a range of bikes, including electric bikes from brands like…

Bookstore

Storyhouse Bookpub

Bookstore · 505 E Grand Ave Suite 102

Storyhouse Bookpub is a bookstore on 505 E Grand Ave Suite 102 in Des Moines.

(720) 925-2808

Clothing shop

Fontenelle Supply Co.

Clothing shop · 524 E Grand Ave

Fontenelle Supply Co. sells menswear, accessories and leather goods on East Grand Avenue in Des Moines’ East Village. Its website also lists custom leather work.

Use the hearts to save your stops. Open saved places → · Compare locations on the map → · Find an event for your visit →

Des Moines AI

Your Des Moines local guide
Hey there!

I'm Des Moines AI. Ask about neighborhood food, independent shops, local history or planning a visit.

AI recommendations may be inaccurate. Verify hours and prices. Questions are processed by Cloudflare. Privacy