| Official name | City of Des Moines |
| Type | Capital city |
| Downtown Des Moines | |
| State | Iowa |
| Country | United States |
| Established | 1851 |
| Population | 215,000 |
| Area (km²) | 238 |
| Time zone | Central (CST/CDT) |
| ZIP code(s) | 50301–50395 |
| Area code(s) | 515 |
Des Moines is the capital and most populous city of Iowa. Located in the central part of the state, it is a major hub for insurance, finance, and U.S. presidential politics. The city combines modern urban development with Midwestern values and charm.
Overview
- Capital of Iowa since 1857
- Known for hosting the Iowa caucuses, which play a crucial role in U.S. presidential elections
- Located along the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers
Landmarks and Attractions
- Iowa State Capitol – with a gold dome and panoramic city views
- Pappajohn Sculpture Park
- Des Moines Art Center
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
- Science Center of Iowa
- Principal Park – home to the Iowa Cubs (minor league baseball)
Economy
Des Moines is a major national hub for:
- Insurance and financial services – headquarters of Principal Financial Group, EMC, and more
- Government and education
- Healthcare and logistics
- Tech startups and data centers
Culture and Lifestyle
- Vibrant downtown with local breweries, restaurants, and farmers’ markets
- Hosts the Des Moines Arts Festival, Iowa State Fair, and 80/35 Music Festival
- Strong cycling culture, parks, and greenbelt trails
- Rapid urban revitalization with a growing young professional population
Education and Research
- Drake University – a private liberal arts and law school
- Des Moines University – medical and health sciences
- Several public and private K-12 school systems
Transportation
- Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
- DART (Des Moines Area Regional Transit) buses
- Interstate highways I-35 and I-80 pass through the city
Fun Facts
- "Des Moines" comes from French meaning “of the monks,” likely referencing early missionaries
- Frequently ranked among the best places to live and work in the U.S.
- The gold leaf on the state capitol dome is real 23-karat gold