At the heart of Iowa lies Des Moines, a bustling metropolis with a population of about 212,464 people that serves as the state’s center for culture, government, and community life. From the first moment you wander through its downtown and beyond, the slow curve of the river through parks and interconnected trails reflects a place that grew around waterways long before skyscrapers rose. It has long been known for its lively public events, thriving art scene, and welcoming gathering places where residents and visitors come together to enjoy music, markets, and memorable meals.

Morning in this Midwestern hub often begins at the Downtown Farmers’ Market, where hundreds of vendors line the historic Court District each Saturday from May through October. Here, the air is fragrant with sun-warmed produce, fresh breads, cheeses, flowers, and the enticing scent of roasted coffee. It is one of the most recognized farmers' markets in the nation, and the buzz of conversation and commerce have drawn patrons from across the region for years. Close by, Western Gateway Park offers open plazas and rotating art installations that have welcomed music festivals, sculpture exhibitions, and civic happenings under wide skies.

Exploring the neighborhoods reveals stories both familiar and surprising. Historic East Village invites leisurely strolls past century-old storefronts where specialty boutiques and eclectic shops rub shoulders with cafés and galleries. A short ride toward Gray’s Lake Park brings you to scenic trails and waterfront views where paddlers set off at dawn, and walkers trace the loop around the lake, catching glimpses of birds and urban vistas.

Food lovers will find that the heart of this community often beats in its restaurants and lounges. Lachele’s Fine Foods is a beloved stop known for its juicy burgers, hand-cut fries, and laid-back atmosphere that makes brunch or dinner with friends feel effortless. Cooper’s on 5th brings a refined take to classic fare, mixing inventive dishes with an environment that suits both casual nights and special evenings. In the downtown core, the Rook Room Game Lounge and Café invites guests to choose from more than 700 board games while savoring offerings like achiote lime chicken sandwiches or spicy pineapple skewers alongside craft drinks, a communal space where the pace slows and laughter rises.

For those who prefer their entertainment with a side of competition and nostalgia, Up Down blends arcade games with craft beer and pizza, drawing crowds who remember pinball from their youth or are simply discovering these exciting machines for the first time. When the sun dips, the central downtown area also lights up with live music venues, cocktail lounges, and casual spots where friends convene after work or out for a weekend adventure. Elsewhere, local breweries and taprooms add to the region’s evolving palate, combining imaginative brews with seasonal events that keep calendars full year-round.

Seasonal celebrations make this region especially lively. Each summer, thousands gather for an expansive arts festival in Western Gateway Park that showcases painters, sculptors, and performing artists from around the country, transforming green spaces into a temporary canvas of creativity. Music lovers mark their calendars for the multi-day 80/35 Music Festival, an event that features touring headliners alongside local acts on multiple stages with food, art, and community stalls. August brings the Iowa State Fair, a tradition stretching back to the mid-19th century and celebrated with livestock exhibitions, carnival rides, and food offerings that range from the classic corn dog on a stick to inventive deep-fried delights. Many smaller cultural festivals occur throughout the year, too, including events that highlight global music and food, each turning familiar streets into lively spaces of dance, flavor, and shared pride.

Ancient tales combine with modern urban stories here, as well. Locals still recount the legend of the old river steamboat that supposedly glided upriver in the 19th century under mysterious foggy circumstances, an image still invoked when summer mists rise just right. Stories of early settlers and ferrymen echo along the Riverwalk where joggers, cyclists, and families follow paved paths alongside the Des Moines River, bridging the historic and contemporary through everyday use.

When visitors choose to stay a while, they will discover cozy bookstores where an afternoon can slip away in the pages of a novel, botanical gardens that host quiet contemplation amid seasonal blooms, and intimate performance spaces that spotlight dance, jazz, and theater in ways that feel personal and energetic all at once.

For those who live here, preserving the comfort and livability of this city means caring about the spaces both inside homes and out. If you find yourself dealing with unwelcome wildlife in your house, garage, or yard, we understand how disruptive that can be. At Southern Iowa Critter Catcher, we specialize in humane wildlife control and removal so that you can enjoy your home and community without the stress of intrusive wildlife. From raccoons in the attic to groundhogs in the garden, we have the tools and experience to handle whatever your situation is responsibly. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to protect your property and restore peace of mind here in Des Moines.