Iowa may be a flyover state, but we have made an impact on our communities and the world in various ways. Agriculture makes up 85% of the land in Iowa - we are the top producing state for corn, eggs, and hogs - who happen to outnumber people 4 to 1. Sliced bread was invented here, a miracle which we are all conveniently thankful for. Iowa has the highest literacy rate and the first electronic digital computer was invented at Iowa State University. We have produced over 20 Olympic athletes, like Shawn Johnson, Dan Gable, and Lolo Jones (who comes to visit and participate in the annual Drake Relays). Yearly, thousands of people gather to bike across the state in a week-long venture known as RAGBRAI. The Iowa State Fair, held in Des Moines, attracts nearly a million visitors or more each year. It is unlike any other, the state whose name means beautiful. Iowa combines small down living with big city attractions and plenty of things to do. Read on to see what some of our residents, faculty, and staff’s favorite things are about living in Des Moines, Iowa. 

"The bike trails!" - Jennifer Johnson, DO PGY 2

" I like that you can get almost anywhere in Des Moines in 15-minutes by car." - Austin Zeng, DO PGY 2

"City feel without the big city cons, affordable, family-friendly." - Tyler VanMilligen, DO PGY 4

"The School districts are really good. I have had nothing but great experiences and this stability makes it easier to remain focused on work." - Tony Nepusz, DO PGY 3

"Des Moines is a peaceful middle-sized city that offers amenities of a big metropolitan area along with quality of life and affordable cost of living." - Faith Kokdere, MD PGY 2

Our Favorite Things to do in Des Moines! 

Sports: Iowa Buccaneers Arena Football, Iowa Wolves Basketball, Iowa Wild Hockey, Iowa Cubs Baseball (Minor League for Chicago Cubs) 

Fairs & Festivals: Iowa State Fair, Des Moines Art Festival, 80/35 Concert Series, National Balloon Classic, numerous suburban festivals all summer! 

Markets: DSM Farmers Market, Beaverdale, Valley Junction, and Ankeny Farmers Markets, Outlets of Des Moines, West End Salvage, East Village 

Music/Theater: Hoyt-Sherman Place, Des Moines Symphony, Des Moines PlayHouse

Museums: Botanical Gardens, Science Center, Historical Center, Art Center, Living History Farms, Children’s Museum  

Outdoor activities: Gray’s Lake, Saylorville Lake, Jester Park, Raccoon River, Bike Trails - Green Belt Trail, High Trestle Trail. Lauridsen Skatepark, Skiing, Snowboarding, Ice Skating at Brenton Plaza, Golf, Kayaking, and Canoeing. 

Stadium Events: Held at Wells Fargo Arena and Iowa State Fair Grounds throughout the year - well-known performances come to town frequently! 

Food/Breweries: From Mi Patria to Annalise Winery to Confluence Brewing, there are numerous restaurants, wineries, and breweries to hangout at with friends and family to enjoy the beautiful nights and weekends Iowa’s warm weather has to provide.