Your Guide to Downtown DSM’s Near-Neighborhoods

Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is a wonderful place to live, work and play, with several distinct neighborhoods that make up the burgeoning core of the region. But the unique history, charm and attraction doesn’t stop there. Have you ever looked closer at the areas surrounding the Downtown DSM mecca?

We’re here to help you uncover some surprise, and show you there are tons of hidden gems in Downtown DSM’s near-neighborhoods. Many that are staples — considered institutions to DSM themselves. Both newbies and longtime locals might learn something new, so let’s explore:

Near Neighborhoods to the North

Offering a rich array of amenities and community, these northern neighborhoods of Downtown Des Moines are among the oldest and most diverse in the area. Check out what each neighborhood has to offer:

Drake Area

• Black Cat Ice Cream – known for its homemade ice cream in unique flavors, such as sugar cookie, campfire s’mores and gluten-free orange creamsicle. Walk up to the ordering window and select from the list of innovative ice cream flavors available daily at Black Cat Ice Cream.
• Drake Diner – a Des Moines landmark since 1987, Drake Diner is not just a neighborhood favorite. It’s a Des Moines classic. Enjoy the ambiance of this upscale ‘50s diner, featuring homemade classic American comfort food and breakfast served all day.

• Drake Relays – one of the top track and field events in the United States is at Drake Stadium on the campus of Drake University. The Relays have been hosted by Drake since 1926 with the famous blue oval at the center of the event’s activities, drawing Olympians and Olympic-hopefuls for amazing athletic feats over the years.
• Greek Food Fair – this annual event, hosted by the Greek Orthodox Church and Serbian Orthodox Church of St. Demetrius, celebrates Greek culture and delicious Greek food. Many Serbian Orthodox Church members are refugees who came to Central Iowa after the wars in the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s. All the food served is handmade, and many recipes have been passed down from generations! The event drew a record of 1,700 people in 2024.
• Varsity Cinema – the last remaining historic theater in Des Moines, Varsity Cinema, is the place to enjoy prestige new releases and the best of art house and international films in Des Moines. Combining the unique historic touches of the cinema with modern movie-going conveniences, Varsity Cinema is an inclusive space for film lovers and aspiring filmmakers alike.

Union Park and Birdland Park Neighborhoods

• Birdland Park – a full renovation is underway to elevate Birdland Park from a neighborhood park to a recreational destination in Des Moines. The project includes an all-new playground, an expanded marina, as well as an ice skating ribbon for the winter months.
• Birdland Pool – a hidden neighborhood gem, Birdland Pool features a 50-meter pool with 8 lanes, a baby pool, diving boards, a water slide and more.
• Captain Roy’s – located on the historic Thompson Bend of the Des Moines River, Captain Roy’s is the perfect place to enjoy great food and drinks, live music and a patio atmosphere. The unique location is also a convenient pit-stop on the Neal Smith Trail for your next cycling adventure.
• Des Moines Rowing Club – founded in 1983, Des Moines Rowing was created to promote the sport of rowing in Des Moines and the surrounding region. The organization offers recreational and competitive rowing opportunities though a multitude of programs along the Des Moines River. Mark your calendar to watch their annual Head of the Des Moines Regatta from the riverbank each September, and you won’t be disappointed!

 

• The Heritage Carousel, pictured above, is a Des Moines treasure featuring hand-carved animals and paintings of historic places throughout the city (and a ride is just 50 cents for kids and $1 for adults!).
• Union Park – one of the five original city parks in Polk County, Union Park is the perfect place to relax and play. Known to many as “The Rocket Park,” the centerpiece of the park is a huge, historic rocket slide that is over 40 years old.  
• Riverview Park – originally opened in 1915 as an amusement park, Riverview Park holds great memories for many people of Des Moines. Although the carnival rides are now gone, the park was renovated starting in 2021 and is now home to an inclusive playground for children of all abilities, as well as the Prairie Meadows Riviera Amphitheater. Riverview Park strives to bring the Des Moines community together to celebrate unity, diversity and culture.

Photo Courtesy of B2wins.

 

Areas of River Bend, Chautauqua Park, Cheatom Park, Oakridge, King Irving and Mondamin Presidential

• Evelyn K. Davis Park – the park was named after Evelyn K. Davis, a community leader and family advocate for the less-privileged in Des Moines. The Evelyn K. Davis Park includes an accessible playground, basketball courts, sand volleyball court, sprayground, outdoor exercise equipment, futsal courts (pictured below) and more. Keep your eyes peeled for the vibrantly colored mural to be created by local artist, Jill Wells, on the basketball courts.
• Forest Avenue Library – this neighborhood library offers an extensive Foreign Language collection and a wide variety of language accessible materials in Spanish, Arabic, Vietnamese and Karen. Community groups, individuals and children are welcome to take advantage of everything the Forest Avenue Library has available!
• Heart of Des Moines Farmers’ Market – hosted by the River Bend Neighborhood Association, this area farmers’ market takes place on the second Saturday of the month from June through October. The market strives to provide access to food, grow neighbor relations and support business development in the community.
• SWISH Murals by Jordan Weber – with the help of local artists and community members, Jordan Weber transformed a basketball court in Oakridge Neighborhood into a colorful public art project. The art is a moving, provoking piece depicting the sudden loss of 14-year-old Yore Jieng. 

Photo of Evelyn K. Davis Park is courtesy of Des Moines Parks and Recreation

 

Near Neighborhoods to the South

Whether you’re a young professional, a family with kids or enjoying your retirement, these neighborhoods south of Downtown Des Moines (DSM) have so much to offer.

Fleur Drive Area

• Italian American Cultural Center – immerse yourself in all aspects of the rich Italian-American culture of the DSM region. The Center offers a variety of programs and events for groups or individuals, including language classes, as well as cooking and folk dancing opportunities.
• Rollins Mansion – built in 1925, this historic residence is a highly visual gem of the neighborhood and the perfect venue for a dream wedding, formal corporate event or private dinner party. With the elegance and charm of the architecture, coupled with the lush gardens, the Rollins Mansion is a breathtaking venue with endless possibilities.
• Wakonda Club – one of the premier country clubs in the Midwest and home of the Principal Charity Classic, Wakonda Club has a long and meaningful history in Des Moines. For over 100 years, Wakonda Club has boasted outstanding golf professionals and hosted some of the most prestigious golf events. It recently completed an $8 million renovation to its course in 2024.

Places Near McKinley, Columbus Park and Indianola Hills

• Baratta’s Restaurant – having served Italian American food to the DSM area for the past 30 years, Baratta’s is a well-known and celebrated establishment located just outside of Downtown Des Moines (DSM).
• Columbus Park – formerly known as Walker Playground, Columbus Park has been a cherished area in the neighborhood for generations. The park has managed to maintain its history and character, while also meeting the needs of the modern-day community.
• Graziano Brothers (pictured below) – a southside tradition since 1912, Graziano Brothers was started by Francesco and Luigi Graziano after they immigrated to America from Italy and found their way to Des Moines. The store opened on South Union Street and eventually the surrounding area became known as Little Italy. Their famous sausage is still sold at the original storefront today, as well as many DSM supermarkets and restaurants.
• Scornovacca’s Ristorante – this family-owned, landmark restaurant has been offering homemade Italian food to the Des Moines area since 1973. Today, over 50 years later, the next generation of the family has taken on the business with the goal to restore it to its former glory and expand throughout the metro.
• St. Anthony Catholic Church – established in the 1830’s, St. Anthony’s was the largest meeting place in Des Moines for many years, hosting Iowa Supreme Court sessions and many civic events. The church is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, as well as the State Historical Society of Iowa.

Near Neighborhoods to the East

Explore the unique eastern neighborhoods of Downtown Des Moines (DSM), seamlessly blending historic charm, modern vibrancy and a plethora of diverse culture.

Capitol East & Surrounding Areas

• Jose’s Taco Truck – locally and family owned, Jose’s Taco Truck is a favorite in the community. Featuring some of the best Tacos Al Pastor around, this place will give you a great feel for the neighborhood.
• Kelly’s Little Nipper – the building has had quite a colorful history over the years, ranging from a general store to a gas station, to a brothel, a bar and even holding Sunday church services. Today, Kelly’s Little Nipper is a neighborhood established for the community to gather, enjoy a bite to eat and a refreshing, cold beer.
• La Tapatia Grocery – with the feel of a grocery store in the middle of Mexico, La Tapatia Grocery is always worth a stop. Find everything you need for your favorite authentic recipes!
• Los Laureles Mexican Restaurant – a fiesta of flavor and fun, Los Laureles Mexican Restaurant has offered an array of traditional Mexican and Latin American dishes for over 25 years.

• Paleteria La Michoacana – serving up paletas from the Mexican state of Michoacana, this spot brings sweet treats (see above) and salty snacks just outside of Downtown DSM.
• Pasteleria Raquel – discover your new favorite dessert or coffee at this local bakery. Specializing in sweet confections that are works of art, this is a neighborhood stop you don’t want to miss (check out the photo below for proof!).
• Rolling Wok Café – this local gem was opened in 2013 by first-generation immigrants. Family-owned and passionate about authentic and delicious food, Rolling Wok Café serves Vietnamese, Laotian, Chinese and Thai Cuisine.

 

Near Neighborhoods to the West

Find a neighborhood you love to the west of Downtown Des Moines (DSM). This area is full of appeal with unique, local shops and restaurants, art and sculptures, public parks, gardens and more. This area is a hub of cultural activity, art facilities and community gathering places.

The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand

• Art on The Avenues - The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand feature more than 25 pieces of public art from murals to sculptures and everything in between. Designated an official Cultural and Entertainment District by the Iowa Arts Council, these pieces of public art create an artistic path that forms a link between the Pappajohn Sculpture Park and the Des Moines Art Center.
• Ingersoll LIVE – celebrate summer with a family-friendly block party on Ingersoll Avenue. Enjoy live music, entertainment, food and drink, art, kid-friendly activities and more!

• The Peppermint Trail – enjoy festive fun and a peppermint-themed journey through the neighborhood each winter! Visit over 50 businesses along The Peppermint Trail, offering holiday specials, discounts and free samples, as well as a range of family-friendly activities.
• Terrace Hill – an incredible Iowa landmark, Terrace Hill is the official residence of the Iowa Governor and a registered National Historic Landmark. Overlooking the Raccoon River, the home was originally designed for Des Moines’ first millionaire, Benjamin Franklin Allen.
• Woodland Cemetery – through the front gates stretches the oldest cemetery in Des Moines. Woodland Cemetery is an important part of the community, honoring the history and lives of those who were a part of it. Guided tours are available periodically.

 

Waterbury & North of Grand Areas

• Clare & Miles Mills Rose Garden – stop and smell the over 200 varieties of roses at this idyllic rose garden just outside of Downtown Des Moines. Located in Greenwood/Ashworth Park just off Grand Avenue, the garden is a must-see attraction surrounded with an abundance of other family-friendly destinations (including a nearby free sprayground).
• Des Moines Art Center – a museum of modern and contemporary art and a school for studio art education, Des Moines Art Center offers the people of Des Moines amazing experiences and hands-on opportunities. In order to provide access to art for everyone, admission is always free.
• Salisbury House & Gardens – built in the 1920s, the home was modeled after the King’s House in Salisbury, England. Today the Salisbury House is a historic house museum used for educational and cultural benefit, as well as a unique community venue. Guided and self-guided tours are available with paid admission during public hours.

And we’ve only just scratched the surface of all the cool, hidden surprises in the areas surrounding Downtown Des Moines. Be sure to peek at the various neighborhoods located throughout Des Moines if you’d like to learn more.

Find tips on Downtown Des Moines (DSM) parking and navigation and additional information about things to do. Plus, follow @downtownDSMUSA on Instagram for more epic, things-you-just-can’t-miss happening around Downtown.