How Well Do You Know Downtown DSM?
Whether you’ve lived in Greater Des Moines (DSM) all your life or are a recent transplant, have you taken time to get to know Downtown DSM? For those of you who know it well and those who want to discover some hidden gems about Downtown DSM, take our 10-question quiz and become a Downtown DSM expert!
Question 1: What outdoor recreation opportunities are offered at Gray’s Lake?
Answer:
Swimming, sailing and standup paddle-boarding are all offered, as well as biking, running and walking around the 1.9-mile long lit trail. Gray’s Lake is just one of the many opportunities to experience outdoor recreation in Downtown DSM.
Question 2: Which Downtown DSM restaurant was featured on The Travel Channel’s “Man v. Food?”
Answer:
“Man v. Food” host Casey Webb visited Fong’s Pizza during the revived fifth season of the show. Fong’s was featured in Episode 9, which originally aired on September 4, 2017.
Question 3: What month is the annual World Food and Music Festival held?
Answer:
The World Food and Music Festival is held annually in September in Western Gateway Park. Admission is free and all ages are invited to attend to experience food and music from around the world. Volunteer, Parking and other Festival information can be found here.
Question 4: How many neighborhoods is Downtown DSM known for?
Answer:
Downtown DSM has six well-known neighborhoods: Gray’s Lake Area, Historic Court District, Historic East Village, Market District, Sherman Hill and Western Gateway.
Question 5: Speaking of neighborhoods, which neighborhood is home to the annual Downtown Farmers’ Market? Bonus question: Where is the Winter Market held?
Answer:
The Downtown Farmers’ Market is held in Downtown DSM’s Historic Court District every Saturday May through October. For its November and December dates, the Market moves indoors to Capital Square.
Question 6: Which sports teams play in Downtown DSM?
Answer:
The Iowa Cubs Minor League baseball team, Iowa Wolves basketball team, Iowa Wild ice hockey team and the Iowa Barnstormers indoor football team all call Downtown DSM home. The Cubs play at Principal Park, while the others play at Wells Fargo Arena. More Downtown DSM sports information can be found here.
Question 7: What Historic East Village culinary shop offers cooking classes with experienced chefs?
Answer:
Kitchen Collage offers classes along with eclectic kitchenware and entertaining items. It’s just one of the many “shop local” experiences you can find in Downtown DSM.
Question 8: Name a free attraction in Downtown DSM.
Answer:
If you named the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates, State Historical Museum of Iowa or the Iowa State Capitol, you’re correct! All of these attractions are free to experience. Interested in some other freebies? Check out our blog on free ways to visit Downtown DSM!
Question 9: What breweries can you find in Downtown DSM?
Answer:
PeaceTree Brewery, Exile Brewing Co., Madhouse Brewing Company and Confluence Brewing Company call Downtown DSM home, adding to a growing list of locations that make up the Downtown DSM restaurant and nightlife scene.
Question 10: What are the easiest ways to get around Downtown DSM?
Answer:
Parking is easy to find with on-street spots and 900 free off-street spots. DART’s Downtown D-Line Shuttle is free for everyone. A BCycle daily Fun Pass is just $6. And four-plus miles of connected skywalks make it easy no matter the weather!
To find out more about Downtown DSM, sign up for the Downtown DSM E-Newsletter or check out the Downtown DSM blog. You can also follow our Downtown DSM Facebook, Instagram or Twitter accounts for the latest updates.
Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is a growing, vibrant community that offers the energy, sophistication, housing and attractions of a big city. It’s also easy to visit with plentiful and affordable street and ramp parking options.