A website by Drake University students exploring The Greatest City on Earth.
There is not a lot you can do in Des Moines, Iowa. What there is to do in Des Moines is meet up with friends, drive around, smoke, and workout. When it comes to gyms in the Des Moines, Iowa, area, they offer the best services at decent prices. Not only will you be working on improving yourself physically, but you will also be improving yourself mentally with a high return on investment.
Continue reading “Best Gyms in Des Moines”
Des Moines Water Works is a public water utility located in the capital city of Iowa. The municipal facility has the motto “Think Downstream,” which ultimately encourages members of the community to be cautious and think about their environmental impact on the city’s water sources.
Recently, Des Moines Water Works passed new water rates beginning in 2026. Commercial and industrial customers will be charged $10.70 a month per thousand gallons of Des Moines water used. The increase is reported to have come from the large flush of nitrates into the water sources from farming and residential lawn care. Nitrate removal systems were working overtime from June to August 2025 to produce safe and reliable drinking water for the public.
Des Moines Water Works states their mission to be “Leading and advocating to deliver Water You Can Trust For Life.”
The Des Moines Water Works park is infamous around the city for its beautiful landscaping and public art. Spanning approximately 1,500 acres, the Water Works park covers nearly twice the amount of ground that Central Park does.
The park is also home to the Arie Den Boer Arboretum, named after its developer in 1930. The arboretum is home to one of the largest collections of crabapple trees in the world, making for a beautiful bloom when the trees flower in the spring.
Des Moines Water Works Park often hosts outdoor concerts for the community, with recent performers being Jessie Murph, Willie Nelson, and REO Speedwagon.
The park also hosts Biergarten, an annual, family-friendly German-themed beer garden. Attendees can purchase and enjoy multiple kinds of local craft beer and stop by street-food stands selling hotdogs, pretzels, and more.
Additionally, Water Works has become an iconic spot for Des Moines photographers. Thanks to the unique designs and photo ops around the park, hundreds of people take advantage of the scenery each year to plan grad or family photos.
In addition to its parks and arts investments, Des Moines Water Works also promotes pollution prevention. Outreach includes specific suggestions on how homeowners in Des Moines can limit their environmental footprint — and improve water quality for the community. Des Moines Water Works recommends using natural cleaning products and warns against disposing environmentally toxic materials — Household Hazardous Materials (HHMs) — down drains or into sewers. Recycling and reducing household waste is also part of the equation.
Des Moines Water Works also lists specific guidelines for yard maintenance practices. Because grass clippings and other yard manicuring by-products can block sewer drainage, Des Moines Water Works advises homeowners to bag up waste and put it in CompostIt! Bags.
In public spaces such as parks, Des Moines Water Works encourages community members contribute to group clean-up efforts.
All in all, Des Moines Water Works is more than just a utility company. They care about the Des Moines community and improving water quality for all.
Spring and summer unveil the beauty of Des Moines cycling trails, making Greater Des Moines a haven for riders. With over 100 miles of paths, from the iconic High Trestle Trail to the sprawling Raccoon River Valley Trail, these routes offer scenic views, unique landmarks, and local stops perfect for spring cycling Des Moines. Whether you’re a casual cyclist or a seasoned rider, the city’s trails showcase Iowa’s landscapes and charm. Curious about the best summer bike trails Iowa has to offer? Here’s an informative guide to four top Des Moines cycling trails for your next ride.
The High Trestle Trail stretches 25 miles from Ankeny to Madrid, famous for its 13-story bridge that glows with blue lights at night. Pedal across this engineering marvel, then stop at Porch Light Coffeehouse in Ankeny for a latte or Trailside Tap for burgers and live music. A pedestrian bridge on Oralabor Road connects to other trails, ensuring safe access.
Spanning 89 miles through 14 communities, the Raccoon River Valley Trail is a cyclist’s dream. With this trail, the rider will get a great tour of the Des Moines area, from rural to urban. Start at Waukee’s trailhead, where colorful artwork lines The Loop. In Adel, visit the Freedom Rock, a painted boulder honoring veterans, and grab a brew at Brickyard Burgers & Brews.
The Great Western Trail runs 17 miles from Des Moines to Martensdale, blending urban and rural vibes. In the city, refuel at Mullets downtown or sip wine at Jasper Winery’s summer concerts. Out in Cumming, snap a selfie at The Chicken’s giant statue. This trail’s mix of city and countryside makes it ideal for spring cycling Des Moines. For Seasoned riders, this trail continues and additional 9.5 miles beyond Cumming to the rural community of Martensdale, making this a great way to get an extra workout and see some rural sights.
The 20-mile Chichaqua Valley Trail connects Bondurant to Baxter, passing small towns like Valeria and Mingo. Start at the Bondurant Trailhead and enjoy quiet, tree-lined paths. In Bondurant, Reclaimed Rails offers craft brews like “Freeze Peach” for a post-ride treat. This trail’s rural charm shines in summer.
With diverse Des Moines cycling trails, spring and summer are perfect for exploring Iowa’s landscapes. While these trails are described as seperate entities, the truth is that due to Des Moine’s great cycling infastructure, it is easy to connect between al these large trails and small local ones, meaning you are never far from a great time. Visit the Iowa Bicycle Coalition for trail maps and biking tips. Pick a trail, pack your gear, and hit the paths to discover Des Moines’ beauty. Share this guide with friends and plan your next cycling adventure!
Written by Drake Student
Nestled along the east bank of the Des Moines River, the Des Moines Botanical Garden offers a lush, immersive experience for plant lovers, families, and curious explorers alike. This 12-acre urban garden is more than just a scenic retreat—it’s a vibrant hub of horticulture, education, and community connection in the heart of downtown Des Moines.
At the heart of the garden is its iconic geodesic dome conservatory, which houses more than 1,200 plant species from all over the world. Visitors can wander through towering tropical palms, colorful orchids, and striking succulents, all thriving in a climate-controlled space that provides a warm escape from Iowa’s chilly winters.
The garden’s impressive plant collections include one of North America’s largest Plectranthus (coleus) collections, as well as a historic bonsai display, featuring a Ginkgo biloba tree that dates back to 1865. Outdoor gardens surrounding the dome feature native Iowa plants, water gardens, rose gardens, and seasonal blooms that provide something new to admire throughout the year.
The Des Moines Botanical Garden is alive with activity all year long. Popular seasonal events include “Dome After Dark”, where the conservatory transforms into a glowing tropical escape with music and drinks on Friday nights during the winter months. In spring, the annual Spring Garden Market brings together plant lovers, local vendors, and expert gardeners for a weekend of shopping, learning, and community fun.
Other events include yoga in the garden, live music series, family-friendly festivals, and even botanical-themed art exhibits. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing evening or an educational experience, there’s always something going on.
The garden offers a wide range of classes and workshops for all ages. The “Learn on Saturdays” lecture series invites horticulturists, environmentalists, and gardening experts to share tips and insights on sustainable gardening practices, native planting, and more.
They also offer programs for kids and schools, making it a perfect place for hands-on learning outside the classroom.
The Des Moines Botanical Garden is located at 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, just minutes from downtown. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $7 for youth, with memberships available for frequent visitors.
Whether you’re a lifelong gardener or simply seeking a peaceful place to unwind, the Des Moines Botanical Garden is a must-see destination in Iowa’s capital city.
Our earth is the only one we are going to get, and there are countless environment sustainability organizations in Des Moines who are determined to make it last. Searching for grassroots non-profits to volunteer for or financially support? Here is a list of the top local sustainability organizations in the area.
From establishing Iowa’s multi-use trails to protecting untouched prairie, the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation works to protect and restore Iowa’s land, water and wildlife. Their mission is bound by the idea that together, we can do more.
Click here to volunteer!
Volunteers can share their enthusiasm for the natural world by connecting with guests, nurturing plants, educating, or supporting events and activities.
The mission of The Brenton Arboretum is to inspire joy through the beauty and knowledge of the natural world of trees. It is home to more than 2,500 trees and miles of hiking trails just minutes west of the Des Moines metro.
Trees Forever was established in Marion, IA in 1989. Year round, the non-profit works with landowners and communities to improve water quality, aid in wildlife conservation, manage stormwater, reduce soil erosion and decrease pollutants runoff…
Simply by planting trees on road and riversides.
Sign up to volunteer today!
Join a dynamic team helping the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden become one of the most beautiful attractions in Iowa!
Share your enthusiasm for the natural world by connecting with guests, nurturing plants, educating, or supporting events and activities.
Volunteers are essential to the success. Join the team today!
This non-profit works closely with the community and the Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department to enhance parks and expand recreation opportunities for all residents and visitors of Des Moines.
Their current fundraising efforts are focused on the projects listed on their website which aim to create vibrant, accessible spaces for everyone to enjoy.
Click here to donate!
As you can see, Des Moines offers more than the vibrant city life and diverse cultural experiences. Especially for sustainability projects, local non-profits consistently need all the hands they can get! Many organizations invite the public to donate or volunteer for their activities and events.
Find a local non-profit that interests you, and don’t be afraid to try something new. Share in the fun and the stewarding of our beloved environment!
