Historic East Village

Des Moines

Historic East Village
Historic East Village
State Historical Society of Iowa Museum showing interior views
Historic East Village
Historic East Village

Find beautiful government buildings, cultural attractions and a garden oasis in this older section of the city extending along a pretty riverfront. 

Des Moines’ Historic East Village is neatly squared off in the downtown core between East 14th Street and the riverfront. The impressive State Capitol building and its golden rotunda serve as the inland boundary of this district.

Start exploring the area with a tour of the government building, which is open on any day except Sunday. The marble and rich-looking woods will leave a lasting impression. This historic and modern seat of government was built between 1871 and 1886.

Walk toward the river after leaving the State Capitol and pass Simon Estes Amphitheater. Check the schedule of events. You could see a live concert, an event on a big screen or perhaps a wedding.

Continue until you come to the Iowa Genealogical Society building, also open any day except Sunday. Here find detailed information on ancestry in the state. You may discover that your family has some roots in Iowa.

Stay in a historical frame of mind with a visit to the nearby State Historical Society of Iowa Museum to learn about parts of Iowa’s past that may surprise you. It’s open every day except Sundays and holidays and entry is free.

Look for the Des Moines River as you approach Robert D. Ray Drive. On this street you’ll find the Brenton Skating Plaza, which has year-round activities, such as open-air ice-skating in the winter and concerts or community events the rest of the year.

Walk along the river on Robert D. Ray Drive to reach Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, a perfect spot to end your trip through Historic East Village. The garden features an interior tropical oasis, coupled with 14 acres (6 hectares) of landscaped and natural gardens that provide an opportunity to relax and reflect on the excursion you had through this interesting area. The garden is open most days except select holidays.

Venture back the way you came to discover Historic East Village’s eclectic and unique shopping and dining establishments.


Popular places to visit


Top hotels in Historic East Village

Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown

Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown

3.5 out of 5
101 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA
The price is P8,355 per night from Aug 19 to Aug 20
P8,355
P9,358 total
Aug 19 - Aug 20
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,113 reviews)
"The happy hour and breakfast"

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown
Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG

Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG

3 out of 5
201 E. Locust Street, Des Moines, IA
The price is P6,049 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P6,049
P6,775 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"Very clean and modern suite room. Free full breakfast and free Mon-Wed cocktail hour with hot food. Rooms were very quiet and blackout shades were excellent. Five minutes walking distance away from downtown dining district and sports locations. Full-sized refrigerator and even had dishwasher, stovetop, ..."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

4.5 out of 5
1000 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA
The price is P8,009 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P8,009
P8,970 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,040 reviews)
"No"

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

2 out of 5
1901 Hackley Ave, Des Moines, IA
The price is P4,311 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P4,311
P4,828 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,575 reviews)
"The property was well located and clean. It's very dated but comfortable."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG

Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG

3 out of 5
1050 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA
The price is P7,843 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
P7,843
P8,785 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Never ate at the hotel."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
Motel 6 West Des Moines, IA

Motel 6 West Des Moines, IA

2 out of 5
7655 Office Plaza Dr N, West Des Moines, IA
The price is P3,955 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P3,955
P4,429 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in West Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
7.8/10 Good! (475 reviews)
"I stopped here to sleep during a road trip. I had my dogs with me. I had reserved and paid for a room ahead of time. I was not given the room that I reserved. Instead of a king bed I had two queen beds. Because I had brought my dogs I wanted more room for them to run around. The lobby could use a ..."

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

Motel 6 West Des Moines, IA
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Historic East Village

Des Moines Botanical Center showing a cascade

Capitol Park

While Capitol Park isn't home to many top sights, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and Iowa State Capitol Building are some notable places to visit nearby.

Capitol Park
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Court District

Court District is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Science Center of Iowa and Polk County Courthouse while in the area.

Court District
State Historical Society of Iowa Museum which includes a high rise building, landscape views and a city

Downtown Des Moines

The abundant dining options and live music are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Des Moines. A stop by Polk County Courthouse or 801 Grand might round out your trip.

Downtown Des Moines
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Columbus Park

Though Columbus Park might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Principal Park and Science Center of Iowa.

Columbus Park
John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park featuring a high rise building, a city and outdoor art

Western Gateway

While visiting Western Gateway, you might make a stop by sights like John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park and Pappajohn Sculpture Park.

Western Gateway
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Sherman Hill

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Sherman Hill and surrounding area, you can visit Hoyt Sherman Place and John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park.

Sherman Hill

Historic East Village