Blank Park Zoo, Zoo in Des Moines, United States.
Blank Park Zoo is a facility spanning roughly 50 acres featuring more than 100 animal species gathered from regions around the globe. The grounds include multiple areas where animals from Africa, Australia, and beyond live in spacious enclosures.
The zoo was established in 1966 with a design inspired by fairy tales, including a castle with a moat and a miniature train. This whimsical beginning shaped the character of the place and influenced how it was laid out.
The zoo hosts educational programs where visitors learn about wildlife protection and how animals depend on their natural habitats. These experiences help families connect with conservation efforts and understand their role in protecting nature.
The grounds are arranged so visitors can walk comfortably between different areas with plenty of spots to pause and observe the animals. Several viewing areas and rest spots throughout allow you to get good views without rushing.
The David Kruidenier Australia Adventure area displays animals from the Australian outback in a setting designed to mirror their natural home. This section was created specifically to give visitors a genuine sense of how these animals live in the wild.
Location: Des Moines
GPS coordinates: 41.51916,-93.62260
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:04
Des Moines, the capital of Iowa, brings together history, culture, and nature in one city. The State Capitol stands out with its golden dome, while art museums, historical museums, and galleries share the city with botanical gardens, a zoo, and neighborhood parks. The downtown area comes alive with theaters, restaurants, and breweries. Local farmers markets and shops give you a sense of how people here spend their time. This collection shows where visitors and residents gather. The Des Moines Art Center and State Historical Museum hold works and stories worth seeing. Family spots like Blank Park Zoo and Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden offer different kinds of experience. Parks along the Des Moines River—including Gray's Lake Park and the river trails—are places where you walk and watch the water. The East Village has smaller galleries and shops mixed in with restaurants. For live entertainment, the Civic Center and theaters host performances and sports. The Pappajohn Sculpture Park lets you walk among artworks outdoors. The Iowa State Fairgrounds, Court Avenue, and the Downtown Farmers' Market show you where the community gathers. Between museums, parks, river trails, and local food and drink spots, Des Moines offers many ways to spend a day or weekend.
Principal Park
6.8 km
Fort Des Moines Provisional Army Officer Training School
1 km
Des Moines' Downtown Farmers’ Market
7.3 km
Principal Riverwalk
7.4 km
EMC Insurance Building
7.3 km
Gray's Lake Park
6.2 km
Polk County Courthouse
7.3 km
Civic Center Historic District
7.1 km
National Biscuit Company Building
7.1 km
Standard Glass and Paint Company Building
7.2 km
George Washington Carver Bridge
7.1 km
Crane Building
7.3 km
Ralph Rollins House
4.9 km
F. W. Fitch Company Historic District
7.2 km
Southwest Fifth St. Bridge
6.4 km
L. Harbach and Sons Furniture Warehouse and Factory Complex
6.9 km
Southeast Water Trough
7.3 km
Studebaker Corporation Branch Office Building
7.3 km
Clemens Automobile Company Building
7.3 km
D.S. Chamberlain Building
7.3 km
Earle & LeBosquet Block
7.3 km
G.W. Jones Building
7.3 km
Science Center of Iowa
7.1 km
Rumely–Des Moines Drug Company Building
7.1 km
Hubbell Warehouse
6.8 km
Mary A. and Caleb D. Scott House
4.9 km
Hotel Fort Des Moines
7.3 km
Southeast Fourteenth Street Bridge
6.6 kmReviews
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