Life in Des Moines

Be at the center of it all

Des Moines is a thriving, 折衷的, diverse city that’s equally proud of its rural roots 和 its cosmopolitan flair.

It’s where young professionals soak in scores of local music, arts, 和 culture. And it’s a hub for business 和 industry where career opportunities are constantly springing up. It’s a city that defies comparison because it’s something that is completely its own.

Come experience great food, great music, 和 great times.

Schedule your Drake campus visit today.

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Professional Opportunities Abound 

The city is a thriving hub with vast opportunities in the financial services, insurance 和 state government fields. Plus, there’s a myriad of fortune 500 companies, advertising agencies, start-ups 和 more. 

At Drake, students can take advantage of the growing job market while still in school with 实习 和 other professional experiences. Drake’s Professional 和 Career Development 服务 connects students with these industries—和 many more.

Drake student at a professional opportunity in the Des Moines metro area

Two Drake students enjoying downtown Des Moines dining

The Food Scene

In the Drake neighborhood, you can eat everything from classic diner food to New York style pizza to 折衷的 coffee house bites. Venture a little further into the city 和 you’ll find all sorts of unique places, including international cuisine, 素食食物, up-和-coming breweries 和 much more. 

And for dessert? Des Moines has a delicious array of cupcakeries, ice cream shops, 和 bakeries scattered throughout the city.

艺术 & 文化

There’s lots of exciting music venues not far from campus, such as 羊毛的Wells Fargo Arena. Plus, Des Moines’ annual two-day 80/35 Music Festival brings some big names 和 big fun. 

The Des Moines Art Center offers a unique collection of art works 和 exhibitions while the Des Moines Playhouse puts on incredible productions. 和 Des Moines Civic Center features a variety of acts from Broadway shows to A-list comedians. While at Drake, be sure to experience the nationally renowned Des Moines 艺术 Festival 每年夏天. 

Maybe the best showcase of life in Des Moines is the diverse lineup of festivals: the 世界粮食 & Music Festival, Latino Heritage FestivalCelebrASIAN.

学生 和 local Des Moines residents enjoying the 世界粮食 & Music Festival

Drake student walking on the pedestrian bridge over Raccoon River near downtown Des Moines

The Great Outdoors

With more than 550 miles of regional trails 和 multiple 当地的公园, Des Moines provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy classic outdoor activities. But the city also offers some unique ventures like the Brenton Skating Plaza, Sleepy Hollow 体育 ParkLauridsen Skatepark.

购物

Quirky shops 和 boutiques reign supreme in the Historic East Village, where you’ll find vintage clothes, mystical shops 和 a whole lot more. Other neighborhood retail meccas include the 商店s at Roosevelt 和 Valley Junction. The area also offers the Jordan Creek MallOutlets of Des Moines.

Two Drake students shopping in the historic East Village

体育

When you’re not busy watching the Bulldogs, there’s plenty in the Des Moines sports world to keep you busy. Cheer on affiliate teams at the 爱荷华州的幼崽, 爱荷华州的狼, or 爱荷华州野生 游戏. Or catch a game of the Des Moines Buccaneers, Iowa Barnstormers or 爱荷华州的粉碎.

Getting Around Town

While students are welcome to bring cars to campus, there’s also other modes of transportation. A quick walk or Des Moines BCycle ride puts you in reach of everything you need. For longer trips, the DART bus system travels around the city 和 makes stops right on campus.

Drake student riding a BCycle in downtown Des Moines