Since 2014, the Parks Area Foundation has led a transformation into a modern community park RiverView Park.

• Beginnings (pre‑1915): The site started as the Highland Park Zoological Gardens and trolley destination situated on a wooded island in an oxbow of the Des Moines

• Born in 1915: On June 5, Riverview Amusement Park opened with an affordable 5¢ admission. Founded by Des Moines businessmen led by immigrant theater entrepreneur Abe Frankle and partners, they envisioned a Midwest Coney

• Park layout & early rides: Spread across 40 acres surrounded by East and West Zoo Lakes. Featured a wooden-bridge entrance, promenade, miniature railway, skating rink, shooting gallery, the Jack Rabbit wooden coaster, carousel, and more.

• In 1920, the John Miller–designed figure‑eight roller coaster debuted

• Two hand-carved carousels graced the park: a Philadelphia Toboggan Company original (1923) and a Herschell‑Spillman menagerie (1928)

• Unique "Joy Land" fun house, Tunnel of Love, Tumble Bug, bumper cars, Scrambler, and live animal exhibits including elephants and kangaroos

• The Riviera Ballroom, added in 1940, became a hub for big band, jazz, and later rock concerts. Acts included Ella Fitzgerald (1938), Duke Ellington, and Glenn Miller. It was later inducted into the Iowa Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

• 1933 fire: A major blaze destroyed the arcade, ballroom, and several rides. Fire departments struggled due to low water—pumping from Zoo Lake was necessary

• 1944 flood: Levee failure submerged the park under six feet, forcing installation of permanent pumping to manage residual waters

• Ownership changes: After Abe Frankle died, W.E. “Earl” Kooker continued operations into the

• Rise of competition & decline: The 1970s saw smaller parks struggle against regional destinations. Adventureland opened in 1974; despite picnic bookings sustaining Riverview, economic pressures mounted

• 1978–1983: Riverview closed at the end of the 1978 season. Adventureland bought it in 1979, salvaged rides, then closed the park permanently. In 1983, the land was sold to Des Moines for $1, with a non-compete

• Buried memories: Remnants—like lights and the Tunnel of Love—lie beneath the levee. Enthusiasts still visit the site

Easter Lake Park is a rare gem in urban Des Moines—an example of how intentional restoration, accessibility-focused design, and community vision can turn a troubled site into one of Iowa’s premier outdoor destinations. Located just southeast of downtown, this 469-acre Polk County park is centered around the scenic Easter Lake, a body of water with a complex and inspiring story.

In the early 20th century, the land now occupied by Easter Lake was scarred by strip mining—a legacy of Iowa’s industrial coal era. When the mines closed in the 1950s, the landscape was left altered and unstable. Instead of falling into disuse, local citizens rallied for a better future.

By the 1960s, grassroots efforts led to the transformation of this former mine into a public lake and park. In 1967, Easter Lake Park officially opened, named for Easter Lake—formed in part by the natural filling of old mining pits with water. The park quickly became a beloved community resource.

• In response, Polk County Conservation, the City of Des Moines, the Iowa DNR, and the Army Corps of Engineers collaborated on one of Iowa’s largest urban watershed restoration projects. Between 2012 and 2019, the team:

  • Dredged over 400,000 cubic yards of sediment from the lakebed.

  • Stabilized over 5,000 feet of shoreline.

  • Added in-lake fish habitats and wetlands to improve biodiversity.

  • Installed silt basins to catch future runoff and reduce pollutant loads.

  • Stocked the lake with more than 540,000 fish, revitalizing its fishery.

  • Trails & Biking

    • The Mark C. Ackelson Trail loops the lake for nearly 4 miles, offering beautiful views, varied terrain, and connections to Des Moines’ larger trail system.

    • The trail features scenic boardwalks, prairie overlooks, woodland stretches, and even a covered bridge—the Owens Covered Bridge, relocated from Clarke County in 1968.

    Water Activities

    • Public beach: Open seasonally for swimming and sunbathing.

    • Boat ramp and rentals: Canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards available.

    • Fishing: Home to largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, and bluegill, with dedicated piers and a healthy stocked population.

    Family Fun & Picnicking

    • Three modern playgrounds, including inclusive play features.

    • Five large picnic shelters (reservable), plus numerous shaded areas.

    • Volleyball courts, open lawn areas, and public grills.

Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is more than just the urban center of Iowa’s capital city—it’s a thriving hub of culture, business, government, and entertainment that’s rapidly evolving into one of the Midwest’s most dynamic destinations. With a mix of modern skyline, historic buildings, riverfront parks, art, and food scenes, Downtown DSM offers something for everyone.

The area that is now Downtown Des Moines began its story in the 1840s as a military outpost—Fort Des Moines—where the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers meet. It quickly grew into a regional trade center, and by the late 1800s, railroads, manufacturing, and insurance turned it into a powerhouse of commerce.

The 20th century brought skyscrapers, civic architecture, and growing political significance as Iowa's capital. Like many American cities, it experienced urban decline mid-century but began a major revitalization effort in the late 1990s—and today, that investment has paid off.

Downtown DSM is home to the Iowa State Capitol—a stunning gold-domed structure overlooking the east side—with historic architecture and sweeping views. Nearby, government offices, courts, and agencies anchor the city as Iowa’s political center.

It’s also a financial and insurance hub. Fortune 500 companies like Principal Financial Group, Nationwide, and Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield have major headquarters here, contributing to Des Moines' reputation as one of the most economically stable and affordable cities in America.

Over the past two decades, Downtown Des Moines has transformed into a highly livable neighborhood. Former warehouses have been converted into lofts, high-rises offer skyline views, and public transit connects the area to the metro.

Key residential areas include:

• Historic East Village: Known for its indie boutiques, craft cocktail bars, and restored brick buildings.

• Western Gateway: A cultural corridor flanked by art museums and green space.

• Court Avenue District: The nightlife and dining epicenter, bustling with breweries, rooftop bars, and markets.

Downtown DSM punches above its weight in arts and entertainment. Here’s what you’ll find:

• Des Moines Performing Arts & Civic Center – Broadway shows, ballet, concerts, and community events.

• Pappajohn Sculpture Park – A 4.4-acre outdoor museum in Western Gateway Park featuring world-class sculptures by artists like Jaume Plensa and Louise Bourgeois.

• Science Center of Iowa – A hands-on museum for all ages with a planetarium and IMAX dome theater.

• Downtown Farmers' Market – One of the top farmers’ markets in the country, attracting 20,000+ people every Saturday from May to October.

• Iowa Events Center – Home to Wells Fargo Arena, Hy-Vee Hall, and community expos and sporting events.

Throughout the year, the area hosts a robust calendar of festivals and events:

• 80/35 Music Festival

• World Food & Music Festival

• Des Moines Arts Festival

• Yankee Doodle Pops on the River

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend, moving for a job, or seeking a place to build a business or raise a family, Downtown Des Moines offers the best of urban life without the chaos. It's a place where big ideas meet small-town friendliness—and where the future is being shaped every day.

Entryway Park may be small, but it packs a punch in natural charm and convenience. Whether you're looking for a peaceful break during a drive, a place to stretch your legs with a view, or a scenic picnic setting, this hidden gem near Highway 163 is worth checking out.

The park is anchored by restored native prairie plants and a thoughtfully planned rain garden, which together highlight the importance of conservation and sustainable design. These features help manage stormwater runoff while creating a lush, ever-changing landscape of wildflowers and tall grasses—ideal for pollinators, birds, and those who appreciate Iowa’s original ecosystem.

From spring through fall, Entryway Park bursts with color as native blooms like purple coneflower, black-eyed Susan, and butterfly milkweed create a habitat that feels both wild and welcoming. The area is a magnet for butterflies and songbirds, making it a favorite stop for nature photographers and bird watchers.

Entryway Park lives up to its name—it’s a gateway. A gateway to Prairie City, to the surrounding farmlands and nature preserves, and to a lifestyle that blends sustainability, history, and hospitality.

Whether you’re a resident looking for a peaceful local retreat, a traveler passing through, or an outdoor enthusiast interested in Iowa’s prairie roots, Entryway Park invites you to pause, appreciate, and explore.