Owl's Head Historic District

Owl's Head Historic District is a residential neighborhood in Des Moines with around 50 buildings made of brick, stucco, and clapboard on 26 acres. Most houses are two to three stories tall and sit closely together on small lots.

The area began in 1888 as part of Greenwood Park and became a streetcar suburb after Des Moines annexed it in 1890. Trolley lines along Ingersoll Avenue connected the neighborhood to downtown.

The neighborhood was shaped by architects who created houses with varied styles between 1905 and 1915, establishing a distinctive character. Residents today value the walkable streets and the diverse architectural expressions that define the district.

The neighborhood is best explored on foot since the houses stand closely together on compact streets. A slow walk through the different blocks reveals the architectural variety most effectively.

A former governor's mansion on Grand Avenue features Palladian Georgian Revival architecture with distinctive brick and a central pavilion. This 1905 building stands out for its formal style among the residential houses.