Historic East Village Travel Guide

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

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 ₹9,145 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
₹9,145
₹10,242 total
16 Nov - 17 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)
"The AC wasn't working right, so we got moved to a new room with an upgrade. The breakfast was the best I have seen with even a few vegetables available and one type of cereals that was gluten-free. The view was the only downside but we loved being downtown."

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

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

Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown

3.5 out of 5
101 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹11,465 per night from 31 Oct to 1 Nov
₹11,465
₹12,840 total
31 Oct - 1 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,069 reviews)
"All around Great"

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown
Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West

Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West

2.5 out of 5
7225 Vista Dr, West Des Moines, IA
The price is ₹8,096 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
₹8,096
₹9,067 total
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in West Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,033 reviews)
"Clean room"

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West
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 ₹12,186 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
₹12,186
₹13,648 total
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,018 reviews)
"The historic building is gorgeous!! The room was spacious and clean, however, many of the floor tiles in the bathroom and elsewhere in the building were broken or lifted up causing tripping or injury risks. Please consider offering bed pillows of various firmness. Mattress felt nice and the room ..."

Reviewed on 20 Oct 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 ₹6,517 per night from 23 Oct to 24 Oct
₹6,517
₹7,299 total
23 Oct - 24 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,636 reviews)
"Parking was great easy in and oiy"

Reviewed on 19 Oct 2025

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University

Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University

3 out of 5
2650 University Ave., Des Moines, IA
The price is ₹9,302 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
₹9,302
₹10,418 total
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,022 reviews)
"The property was clean and the staff was friendly and helpful. The shower gel and conditioner were empty."

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University
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

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Court District

Travellers come to Court District for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Science Center of Iowa and Des Moines' Downtown Farmers' Market while you're in town.

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

Downtown Des Moines

4/5(1 area review)

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

Downtown Des Moines
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Columbus Park

While Columbus Park may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Principal Park and Science Center of Iowa.

Columbus Park
John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park which includes a high-rise building, a garden and a city

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

When in Sherman Hill, you can plan a visit to Hoyt Sherman Place and John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Sherman Hill
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Indianola Hills

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Indianola Hills and surrounding area, you can visit Principal Park and Science Center of Iowa.

Indianola Hills


Historic East Village Travel Guide