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.
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.
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.
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…
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,…
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,…
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…
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…
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.
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…
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.