A website by Drake University students exploring The Greatest City on Earth.
Des Moines, the capital city of Iowa, may not be as well-known as some of the bigger cities in the United States, but it certainly has plenty to offer visitors. From its vibrant downtown to its expansive parks, Des Moines has something for everyone. Here are some of the top places to go in Des Moines.
Celebrate pride month by attending the city’s biggest pride fest of the year! Des Moines will be hosting the 44th Capital City PrideFest from June 9th – 11th at East Village.
Since 1979, Capital City Pride’s PrideFest has welcomed members of the LGBTQ community, friends, family, and allies to join together in unity. This festival celebrates the year round work of promoting diversity and inclusion in the Des Moines community. Events
June 9th 8 am – 10 am – Pride 5k Stride! $40 race fee + 3.40 sign up fee. Registration deadline is May 26th. You can donate here.
June 9th 12pm – 5pm – Poolside Party! Check out the website for detail updates
June 11th at 12 pm – Pride Parade! Come show off your pride at this annual event. If you’ve really got spirit, you can also compete in the float parade contest! The top 3 best floats will earn prizes and the winner gets TWO VIP tickets to 80/35 music festival and four tickets to the Blank Park Zoo’s Rainbow Safari!
Entertainers- TRIXIE MATTEL, SHEILA E. and SHANGELA will be performing! Trixie Mattel and Shangela are former contestants on Rupaul’s Drag Race. Sheila E. is an award winning percussionist, who has collaborated with many artists such as Prince, Pharrell Williams, and Snoop Dogg.
Donate. Capital City Pride is a non-profit organization that contributes back to the LGBTQ community.
Volunteer. Capital City Pride offers a variety of volunteer opportunities to support the community.
Pride Flag Project. Help display LGBTQ flags on street poles around Downtown Des Moines during Pride Month.
Each month, members of the LGBTQ community speak and educate about their experience of being part of the LGBTQ community, and how it has shaped their lives. This series is supposed to be a safe space for those that need comfort and support in their lives.
LBTQ+ literature and stories are shared in a safe and inclusive space. These stories are meant to educate others about the history and achievements of the LGBTQ community. A book will be nominated each month to be read.
May 13th – May 14th CCP Board Drag Benefit– See the board members get glammed up in Drag! It will be a fun and glamorous event that donates all proceeds to Capital City Pride. So go grab some dollar bills!
June 3rd Pride Mrs. Mr. Mx. Pageant- Hosted at The Garden, this Drag show will have three categories: Pride Wear, Formal Wear, and a talent and question section.
June 4th Drag Brunch at Tonic.
Is Drake University’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication Good?
Well, ‘good’ is subjective. For me, yes! My education so far with the SJMC has been more than ‘good.’ It’s been engaging, amazing, well-rounded, etc. Let me tell you why.
I’m a sophomore at Drake with a double major in Multimedia Journalism and Magazine Media. One thing I’m always noticing about the SJMC is that they shift their curriculum and major names to fit this ever-changing industry.
Continue reading “Is Drake University’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication Good?”Looking for the best Italian food in Des Moines? Look no further than this local’s guide! Discover the top-rated restaurants and dishes that will transport you straight to Italy.
Continue reading “The Best Italian Food in Des Moines: A Local’s Guide”
Living in the city doesn’t mean you can’t get your shoes muddy every now and then. The Des Moines has an abundance of parks and trails to hit this spring. We’ve already mentioned some popular trails around town; let’s take a look at three often overlooked but worthwhile parks and conservation areas with hiking trails along the edges of Des Moines.
Fort Des Moines Park lies on the southernmost part of Polk County, about three miles southeast of the Des Moines International Airport. The park’s loop trail guides visitors around a fishing pond and through native Iowa prairie, making this hidden gem a must-see in summer months. The 1.9 mile-long trail can be modified to be about 1 mile if desired–check posted trail maps at the park for details.
Brown’s Woods is a quick drive west of the airport, and has shorter loops for those who might not have the time for a 3 mile hike. Sloping hillsides lead the way through some of the most heavily-forested areas managed by Polk County Conservation.
Yellow Banks Park is about a 15-minute drive from downtown Des Moines, but you would never guess by the amount of wildlife and quiet sounds. The park’s trail cuts around two ponds, grassy and forested hillsides, and has recreation areas for baseball, camping, and fishing.
These paths might be close to Des Moines, but you should still prepare before embarking on a hike, especially on a new trail. Be sure to stay hydrated before heading out for your adventure, and bring plenty of water with you to drink during and after your hike. Putting sunscreen on before leaving the house is always a good idea, even on cloudy days, and wearing a hat to protect your face from the sun can also prevent surprise sunburns. It’s always helpful to review trail routes before you get to the park or hiking area just in case you lose cell service and need to exit on a whim.
Above all, remember to have fun and soak up the sights and sounds of nature as you head to the great Des Moines Outdoors!
