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 P6,656 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
P6,656
P7,455 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
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! (1,112 reviews)
"It was a good experience."

Reviewed on Jun 24, 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 P7,831 per night from Jul 7 to Jul 8
P7,831
P8,770 total
Jul 7 - Jul 8
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! (1,007 reviews)
"The hotel staff were amazing. Everything was perfect. I was visiting Des Moines to watch my grandson in the NJHRF, but I was in a virtual class throughout the day. I felt safe, the breakfast was amazing, and the WiFi fit my needs. I highly recommend Staybridge Suites Downtown Des Moines. I can’t ..."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 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 P6,982 per night from Jul 5 to Jul 6
P6,982
P7,819 total
Jul 5 - Jul 6
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! (1,038 reviews)
"Clean, well-designed hotel made for a great stay"

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
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 P6,811 per night from Jul 7 to Jul 8
P6,811
P7,628 total
Jul 7 - Jul 8
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! (1,006 reviews)
"I like the location. However, I couldn't park my car at the hotel parking lot due to construction, which created the inconvenience for guests parked their car across the street, with invisible signs that I couldn't see. I drove around in circles for couple time before I could park my car. I wish ..."

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2025

Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
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 P4,056 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
P4,056
P4,543 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
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! (1,521 reviews)
"OK"

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P3,639 per night from Jul 15 to Jul 16
P3,639
P4,075 total
Jul 15 - Jul 16
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! (421 reviews)
"Honestly, our expectations were low, we just wanted a cheap place to sleep that was pet friendly. To our surprise the room was upgraded, clean and had a comfy bed. The floor was vinyl, wood plank flooring and not the sometimes nasty motel, heavily trafficked carpet. There were phone charger outlets, ..."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 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
View into downtown from the Capitol Building.

#capitol #desmoines #city #downtown

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 landscape views, a skyscraper 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 outdoor art, a city and a park

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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Indianola Hills

While there might not be top attractions in Indianola Hills, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Principal Park and Science Center of Iowa.

Indianola Hills

Historic East Village