LGBTQ+ Greater Des Moines

The hidden gem of the Midwest, Iowa's capital city is progressive, welcoming, and surprising. Des Moines has a vibrant gay community, with several gay bars in the trendy Historic East Village neighborhood, along with gay-friendly neighborhoods like Sherman Hill, Drake University, and Historic Valley Junction in West Des Moines.

Downtown Des Moines is walkable and safe (with a nifty skywalk system), with a sense of style and art permeating every touchpoint, from the Pappajohn Sculpture Park and Des Moines Art Center to the Des Moines Civic Center and the beautiful Iowa State Capitol building. Check out some of the resources below, courtesy of our friends at Capital City Pride, that will help you best explore Des Best city on Earth!