Des Moines County

Des Moines County is an administrative area in eastern Iowa that extends along the Mississippi River, containing Burlington and several smaller communities. The region features river bottomlands and suburban areas that serve as home to residents with access to water-based settings.

The county was established in 1834 by the Michigan Territorial legislature as one of two original counties in Iowa, alongside Dubuque County. This early founding made it a cornerstone of the region's settlement story.

The county's location along the Mississippi River shapes how residents and visitors experience the region today. Communities here maintain deep ties to the waterway, visible in local practices and how people gather around the river.

The area is accessible by several road routes that allow visitors to explore different communities and natural areas across the region. Spring through fall offers the best conditions for outdoor activities, especially those near or on the water.

Though it shares a name with Iowa's capital city, this county sits roughly 160 kilometers east of Des Moines and occupies a completely different part of the state. Many visitors find it surprising that the two places are so distant from each other.

Location: Iowa

Inception: 1834

Capital city: Burlington

Shares border with: Louisa County, Henderson County, Lee County, Henry County, Mercer County

Website: http://co.des-moines.ia.us

GPS coordinates: 40.92778,-91.18389

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:31