Gay Friendly Des Moines

Gay Friendly Des Moines is located in the heart of the Midwest, at the center of Interstates 35 (border to border) and 80 (coast to coast). The four-time “All-America City” has experienced a boom of development in recent years, including the addition of a 17,000-seat arena, a new riverwalk featuring an outdoor ice-skating rink and a $40 million sculpture park - making this an enjoyable escape for the gay and lesbian traveler.

Historic East Village in Downtown Des Moines has recently undergone a long-awaited transformation. New shops and local restaurants have made this a not-to-miss destination in Central Iowa. East Village events such as the World Food Festival and the Gay Pride Parade and Festival take place in this district annually.

Through all of the recent growth, Des Moines has maintained its small-town charm while still offering the amenities of a large, metropolitan city. Distinctive shopping districts, local entertainment options and more than 850 restaurants in Greater Des Moines ensure all visitors can Do More during their stay.

Des Moines is also home to an extensive four-mile skywalk system – the largest per capita in the world. Explore downtown in rain or shine! Other downtown transportation includes the D-line, a free downtown old-time trolley, as well as the Metro transit system, DART.

As the first Midwest state to legalize same-sex marriage, Des Moines has gained more notoriety from the LGBT community and across the U.S. as a progressive city. The downtown development continues to push Des Moines into a new era of change where more cultural events and attractions abound.


Where to Stay - Gay Friendly Hotels in Des Moines

There are more than 10,000 rooms to choose from in Greater Des Moines, including full-service hotels and charming gay friendly bed and breakfasts. Enjoy the comforts of home at any of our accommodations. No matter what your budget is, upscale hotels and affordable rooms are located throughout the area. Downtown hotels include a luxury hotel recently voted best hotel in the region, a hotel listed on the National Register of Historic Places and lodging along the Des Moines River.


What to See & What to Do in Gay Friendly Des Moines

Arts and culture, attractions, trails, wineries, shopping and nightlife in Des Moines are affordable, centrally-located and allow you to Do More for less. Des Moines’ newest attraction has received national acclaim from the likes of the New York Times and Wall Street Journal. Showcasing an estimated $40 million worth of sculptures, the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park includes sculptures that make up the largest single public gift in Des Moines’ history and the largest public art gift in Iowa history.

The Des Moines Art Center showcases contemporary art in a world-renowned museum space. Designed by architects, Eliel Saarinen, I. M. Pei and Richard Meier, the building itself is a sight to see. The Des Moines Art Center Restaurant is the perfect addition, using fresh ingredients based on the season. A new menu is available every week.

The Des Moines Social Club (DMSC) is a new space in Downtown Des Moines that allows people to come together to see a show, engage with others and gain awareness about the arts and new movements, such as underground and pop-surrealist movements. The Instinct Gallery at DMSC has 12 new shows annually. Other venues in the DMSC, include the Sideshow Lounge, a full-service bar that features nine new grapes each month, and the Black Box Theater, a venue for theater productions with stages and seating as well as lighting and sound systems.

For gay and lesbian visitors interested in majestic architecture and beautiful gardens, the Salisbury House and Gardens is a delightful attraction. The 42-room mansion houses more than 10,000 objects, including a collection of antique fans, rare books, fine arts and crafts. Tours are given of the grounds for individuals and groups.

The Civic Center of Greater Des Moines is a well-known venue in the heart of the city where gay and lesbian visitors can enjoy a Broadway show. The venue is continually voted into the Pollstar Magazine’s top 100 worldwide theater venues – in fact it was ranked 17th in ticket sales in 2010! One of the top venues in the Midwest, the Civic Center has welcomed shows such as “Wicked,” “The Jersey Boys” and “The Lion King” since 2009.

For those who enjoy the outdoors, there is plenty to keep you busy. Meander on foot or bike along one of Des Moines’ many trails. More than 100 miles of trails are located in Central Iowa, making it the perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Gray’s Lake, in the heart of the Metro, includes a two-mile loop and a ¼ mile lighted pedestrian bridge. Rent a paddleboat, partake in Yoga in the Park or take a canoeing lesson at Gray’s. Saylorville Lake offers a place to enjoy a day of boating and enjoy the summer sun. Miniature and public golf courses keep avid golfers busy across the Metro, with fifteen public courses offering at least 18 holes.

Shopping is one of the top reasons gay, lesbian and straight visitors flock to Des Moines. The East Village and Historic Valley Junction cater to those looking for hidden treasures only found in Des Moines. A funky t-shirt store, four floors of one-of-a-kind items in a “funk yard,” custom jewelry and local art galleries are just a few of the distinctive shops that can be found here. Looking for a bit more of a traditional shopping experience? Check out any of the area’s four major malls or West Glen Town Center.


Gay Friendly Dining in Des Moines

The Des Moines Metro offers a wide array of flavors for any palette, but in recent years, Downtown Des Moines has proven to have more than a few hidden culinary gems. The dining scene continues to grow and showcase new and different culinary experiences. Among the more contemporary, the atmospheres of Alba, Django and Proof each offer a modern setting for fine dining.

In downtown’s Court District, Dos Rios Cantina and Tequila Lounge are conveniently located near the skywalk. Visitors and locals alike enjoy guacamole made right at your table, fresh margaritas and refreshing cocktails. In the summer, patrons sit in an outdoor dining patio with a view of the bustling Court District.

City center, the meaning behind the downtown restaurant CENTRO (pronounced Chen-tro), is the perfect venue for a night out on the town. One of Des Moines’ dining hot spots, Centro serves up Italian-inspired entrees and boasts one of the best Happy Hours in town.

Local products, including fine wines and fresh produce, make Gateway Market and Café an unforgettable experience. Signature dishes like the Gateway Omelet are a treat and two locations, including downtown and West Des Moines, make it a convenient stop for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

The dining experience in Des Moines is sure to surprise – from authentic Mexican to sushi to Thai – there’s a restaurant for everyone.

Des Moines gay-friendly attractions, restaurants and shopping districts continue to draw visitors from across the country. A family-friendly destination, Des Moines is also a city on the move, with fabulous new entertainment options and accommodations being added to the city’s landscape. Visit SeeDesMoines.com (http://www.seedesmoines.com) for more and find out how you can Do More in Des Moines.

Des Moines Gay Nightlife

Wine tasting, clubbing, salsa dancing and dueling pianos are just a few things to do at some of Des Moines’ gay and lesbian hotspots. Downtown alone has more than 50 bars and nightclubs (a combination of gay and straight) so visitors can experience a different setting every night. Blazing Saddles and popular dance club, The Garden, are popular gay bars in Des Moines.

Local bands play at many of the venues around Court District and create an exciting ambiance for downtown. Nightfall on the River, a summer concert series at Simon Estes Amphitheater, brings locals and visitors along the river for local, regional and national acts. The nightlife is plentiful and easy to find in Des Moines.

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