Facts for Kids

Des Moines is a super cool city in Iowa! 🌽

It's the capital, which means it's the most important city in the state. With around 215,000 people living there, it’s the biggest city in Iowa! It sits near the joining of the Raccoon and Des Moines rivers. Des Moines is a bustling place known for its friendly people, tasty food, and exciting activities. 🎉

If you like fairs, sports, or art, you’ll find it all right here! Let’s explore this vibrant city together and uncover some amazing facts!

Des Moines is a diverse city with about 215,000 residents of different backgrounds! 🌎

The population includes people of various races and ethnicities, which makes it vibrant and inclusive. The city has lots of families, children, and young professionals. With various cultures living together, there are many languages spoken, including English, Spanish, and more! Des Moines is a place where everyone can find something to share, learn, and celebrate! 🎊

Getting around Des Moines is pretty easy! 🚍

The city has a public bus system called DART that helps people travel without needing a car. Biking is also popular, with many bike paths and trails! 🚴

‍♂️ For those who need to travel farther, Des Moines International Airport connects residents to other cities by plane. Plus, the city is close to major highways, making it convenient for road trips! 🚗

There’s always a way to explore more of this amazing city!

Des Moines has many fascinating landmarks to visit! 🏙

️ The Iowa State Capitol, with its gold dome, is a must-see! Another popular spot is the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, where you can find gigantic and unique sculptures! The Science Center of Iowa offers cool exhibits to discover science and nature. 🧪

There’s also the Des Moines Botanical Center, where you can explore beautiful gardens and learn about plants! Each landmark tells a story about the city’s culture and history! 🌳

Des Moines has a strong economy! 💼

Many companies, especially in finance and insurance, are based here. Major companies like Principal Financial Group and Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield have their headquarters in the city. Additionally, agriculture plays a big role in the economy because Iowa is famous for its corn and soybeans! 🌾

When it comes to jobs, Des Moines has opportunities in healthcare, education, and technology too! It’s a great place to work and live! 🌟

Des Moines is located in the central part of Iowa. 📍

It has a mix of flat land and rolling hills, perfect for bikes and outdoor fun! It experiences all four seasons: hot summers and chilly winters. 🌞❄️ Summer temperatures can reach 85°F (29°C), while winter can drop to around 20°F (-6°C)! The city gets rain throughout the year, and sometimes even snow in winter! With its beautiful parks and rivers, there's always something fun to do outdoors in Des Moines! 🌳

Des Moines was founded in 1843, but it didn't become a city until 1851! 🏙

️ The city's name comes from the Des Moines River, which is linked to the French phrase “Rivière des Moines,” meaning “River of the Monks.” Over the years, it grew as a trading center, especially with the railroad coming through in 1866. Des Moines officially became the capital of Iowa in 1846. From early settlers to today, the city’s history is full of growth and excitement! 🌟

Des Moines is packed with fun activities! 🎨

There are art galleries, theaters, and music festivals for everyone to enjoy! The city is famous for the Iowa State Fair, one of the largest fairs in the country! 🎡

You can try delicious food, ride exciting rides, and see animals! For sports lovers, there's the Des Moines Buccaneers hockey team and the Iowa Cubs baseball team that play exciting games. Des Moines truly has something for everyone to enjoy! ⚾

Des Moines has many schools, both public and private, where kids can learn. 📚

The Des Moines Public Schools system serves over 30,000 students. There are also great colleges and universities, such as Drake University, where older students can continue their studies. 🌟

In schools, kids learn about math, science, reading, and even local history! The city values education and offers programs to help students succeed. Learning is fun in Des Moines! 😃

Des Moines is the capital, where important government decisions are made! 🏛

️ The Governor of Iowa, Kim Reynolds, works here, along with many other leaders. The Iowa State Capitol building, with its shiny gold dome, is a beautiful place where laws are discussed and made! The city also has a mayor, who helps run Des Moines and keeps it a great place to live! Civic events and local meetings let everyone join in the decision-making! 🗳

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Des Moines loves to celebrate! 🎉

The Iowa State Fair is the biggest and is held every August, with tons of rides, food, and games! There’s also the Des Moines Arts Festival in June, where artists display their amazing work and people can enjoy music and food from local vendors. Additionally, the World Food Festival celebrates international food and culture! 🍽

️ Throughout the year, there are many fun parades and community events that bring everyone together to have a great time! 🎈