Iowa's capital city and largest metropolitan area, Des Moines is an insurance hub and cultural center in the heart of America's Heartland.
Population (2020 Census)
Metro Area Population
Named State Capital
Fort Des Moines Founded
Des Moines is the capital of Iowa and seat of Polk County, located on the Des Moines River at its juncture with the Raccoon River in the south-central part of the state. With a population of 214,133 at the 2020 census, Des Moines is Iowa's largest city. The six-county Des Moines metropolitan area encompasses approximately 750,000 residents, the largest metropolitan area located entirely within Iowa.
The city has earned recognition as the "Hartford of the West" and "Insurance Capital" due to its headquarters of numerous insurance companies. Des Moines is also a major hub for communication, retailing, manufacturing (notably tires and farm implements), government, and publishing. The city holds significant political importance as the site of Iowa's first caucuses during the presidential primary cycle.
Des Moines originated with the construction of Fort Des Moines in 1843 at the confluence of the Raccoon and Des Moines rivers, built as a military garrison to protect the rights of Sauk and Fox tribes and serve as an agency for their transition. The Iowa River Valley opened to new settlers in 1845, and by 1846 when Iowa achieved statehood, Fort Des Moines numbered 127 residents.
The city as it exists today was formally incorporated in 1851. In 1857, after the city charter was adopted, the "Fort" was dropped from the name, and Des Moines was designated as Iowa's second state capital, replacing Iowa City. A second Fort Des Moines was established in 1901 and completed in 1903, which later served as a training site for African American officers during World War I, with 1,250 college graduates sworn in on June 17, 1917.
The Iowa State Capitol, with its distinctive 275-foot gold-leafed dome, has served as the symbol of Iowa government since its completion in 1886. Built between 1871 and 1886 and designed by Alfred Piquenard at a cost of $2.9 million, the Capitol houses the Iowa General Assembly, the Office of the Governor, and offices of the Attorney General, Auditor, Treasurer, and Secretary of State.
The architectural marvel incorporates 29 different types of marble and required fourteen million bricks in its construction. The gold dome and four smaller domes dominate Des Moines' skyline. The Capitol is open Monday-Friday 8 a.m.–4 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m.–4 p.m., welcoming nearly 78,000 visitors annually from across the state, nation, and world.
Science Center of Iowa: A 110,000 square-foot creative lifelong learning center located at 401 Martin Luther King Jr Parkway downtown, featuring hands-on exhibits, special-format theaters, science theater, and a complimentary planetarium (admission included with entry).
Des Moines Art Center: Free admission museum, art school, and sculpture park. The John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park features artwork by more than two dozen world-celebrated artists, always open to the public.
Blank Park Zoo: Family-friendly wildlife facility providing diverse animal encounters.
Terrace Hill: Historic governor's mansion and state historic site offering tours and cultural programs.
State Historical Museum: Features Iowa heritage and history exhibits.
Drake University is Des Moines' primary private institution, with 4,685 students making it Iowa's largest private not-for-profit university. Other institutions include Grand View University (small private university), Des Moines University, and Mercy College of Health Sciences. The University of Iowa operates a Des Moines campus providing additional educational opportunities in the metro area.
Area Attractions, Points of Interest, Performing Arts, Events and Shows, Museums and Historical Sites.
Last updated on November 24, 2025