East Village, Commercial and residential district in downtown Des Moines, United States.
East Village is a commercial and residential district in downtown Des Moines that stretches from the Des Moines River toward the state capitol building. The area features independent shops, restaurants, and a mix of older and newer buildings that shape street-level activity.
The neighborhood developed over multiple phases of Des Moines' growth, accumulating architectural layers from different eras. Its buildings earned recognition on the National Register of Historic Places for preserving these construction periods.
The neighborhood gathers people at street-level shops and eateries that reflect local tastes and independent business culture. These places serve as daily meeting points where residents and visitors connect with the community through everyday interactions.
Hundreds of street-level parking spaces make it straightforward to arrive and explore the area on foot. The district also connects to public transportation, so visitors can reach it easily without a car.
A local clothing shop called Raygun produces apparel with regional references and local humor that draws visitors. The store has become a neighborhood landmark where people seek out distinctive items.
Location: Iowa
GPS coordinates: 41.58700,-93.61100
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:43
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.
Iowa State Capitol
759 m
Principal Park
850 m
Des Moines' Downtown Farmers’ Market
815 m
Principal Riverwalk
485 m
Des Moines City Hall
489 m
Plaza Building
871 m
World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
664 m
Public Library of Des Moines
636 m
Civic Center Historic District
596 m
United States Post Office
703 m
United States Courthouse
356 m
Teachout Building
334 m
Syndicate Block
275 m
Court Avenue Bridge
557 m
Hawkeye Insurance Company Building
904 m
Elliott Furniture Company
315 m
Baker-Devotie-Hollingsworth Block
431 m
Youngerman Block
880 m
Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens
876 m
Science Center of Iowa
945 m
East Des Moines Industrial Historic District
430 m
State Historical Building
436 m
Des Moines Civic Center
792 m
Rotary Riverwalk Park
930 m
Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument
694 m
Locust Street Bridge
570 m
Iowa Judicial Branch Building
825 m
Principal Riverwalk
793 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
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