Des Moines

Des Moines is a lot like Drake - big enough to have lots of resources and opportunities but small enough to be accessible. The capital city of Iowa and a center for insurance, government, publishing, business, and much more, Des Moines is a great place to land internships or start a career, enjoy modern art or classic architecture, experience metropolitan amenities or explore scenic bicycle trails.

Drake and Des Moines have enjoyed a mutually advantageous relationship since the University was founded in 1881. The two are connected through the city's business and civic leaders, many of whom are Drake alumni and friends. They form a dynamic network of professionals and volunteers who work together for the success of the University and central Iowa at the same time they reflect a wide variety of interests and activities. Des Moines offers students plenty of employment, dining, shopping, and recreational opportunities as well as additional cultural, atristic and entertainment options.

So enjoy Des Moines - and explore! Fuel up with some meatloaf and a malt at the Drake Diner or savor the peanut sauce at Taste of Thailand. Take in the 3,500 works by more than 1,600 artists in the Des Moines Art Center's permanent collection, take in a production at one of several local playhouses or take it easy under the 300 varieties of flowering crabapple trees in Water Works Park. Ponder democracy under the Iowa State Capital Building's 22-carat gold dome or shop in West Des Moines' historic Valley Junction. Volunteer your time, contribute your talents and put your abilities to work. Both Drake University and Des Moines welcome you and your ideas!

For a more detailed look at Des Moines, visit our fun stuff to do page.

Here are some other links to help you when you visit:

Campus Map - including driving directions to campus

Road Construction - State of Iowa updates

Des Moines Weather - current temperatures and forecasts for the area