Below are some ideas of fun things to do in Des Moines from current DMU students.

"There are many fun things to do in Des Moines. Different programs at DMU have activities set up for us to do as a class, but there are also plenty of things to do by yourself. Some of the things that I've enjoyed doing in Des Moines include going to Iowa Cubs games, the Funny-Bone comedy club, movies, going out for dinner, walking on paths, going bowling and watching hockey games. I've found that being here has definitely opened my mind to many things. There are people in my class that come from throughout the world and have very interesting stories to tell." - Danielle Martinez, first-year PT student

"In Des Moines, I enjoy eating at restaurants, going golfing, watching the Iowa Cubs play and seeing fine arts." - Brad Earp, first-year PT student

"I like to go to the Walnut Creek YMCA to swim and go rollerblading or jogging on the various trails around Des Moines. At night after a big test, a large group of first-year and some second-year students go out to the bars or have parties where everyone is always invited. My classmates are all extremely friendly and helpful - which makes studying all of the time a lot easier. Des Moines is actually a very fun and entertaining place to be." - Taylor Copping, first-year D.O. student

"Des Moines has a lot to offer year round. The major activities that the first-year D.O.s and I partake in to relieve stress are going to the Iowa State Fair, Farmers Market, Valley Junction, Iowa Cubs, lots of restaurants, malls, bars and clubs. In addition to these, there are lots of trails, rivers and lakes around the metro to take the bike out, go for a run or just relax outside on a nice day." - Shane Hess, first-year D.O. student

"I like to salsa dance at dance clubs and go to karaoke bars. When it's nice outside, I like to go to Gray's Lake or run on trails in West Des Moines. I also like going to Jordan Creek Town Center." - Sara Diaz, first-year D.O. student

"I enjoy the outdoors. I live near a bike trail, so I take advantage of it. I walk, ride my bike and in-line skate. Also, I own a home and spend a lot time just doing home improvement projects. I also play in a couple of co-ed volleyball leagues. As for nightlife, I enjoy dining out at the many restaurants and going to movies." - Shad Schrader, first-year PA student

"For fun, my wife and I exercise or go shopping together. Sometimes we go walk around Gray's Lake at night or go to the frisbee golf course at Water Works Park. My wife also likes attending the Student Associate Auxiliary meetings." - Tyler Grout, first-year CPMS student

"I enjoy shopping, and West Des Moines has some good spots to shop. I also love downtown Des Moines; I've never seen such a clean and attractive downtown. My fiance loves Adventureland, and we'll probably get season passes next year. Also, the Raccoon River area is very nice and good for picnics, biking or walking." - Robert Greenhagen, first-year CPMS student

"Whenever we have some free time or have just finished a test, my classmates and I usually go out to eat or watch movies. There are a lot of great restaurants in Des Moines and a lot of fun festivals. Also, there are four malls in Des Moines!" - Kelsey Harvey, first-year CPMS student 

HELPFUL DES MOINES WEB SITES

The following are some links that can help students in adjusting to Des Moines:

• Adventureland Theme Park (http://www.adventureland-usa.com/)
• City of Des Moines official web site (http://www.ci.des-moines.ia.us/)
• Civic Center of Greater Des Moines (http://www.civiccenter.org/)
• Des Moines Art Center (http://www.desmoinesartcenter.org/)
• Des Moines International Airport (www.dsmairport.com)
• Des Moines Families (http://desmoinesfamilies.com/)
• Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau (http://www.desmoinesia.com/)
• Greater Des Moines Partnership (http://www.desmoinesmetro.com/)
• Des Moines Moms (http://www.dmmoms.com)
• I-235 Freeway Construction (http://www.i-235.com/)
• Living History Farms (http://www.livinghistoryfarms.org/)
• Public Library of Des Moines (http://www.pldminfo.org/)
• Salisbury House (http://www.salisburyhouse.org/)
• Science Center of Iowa (www.sciowa.org)

Des Moines is at the crossroads of Interstate 80 and 35, and the campus is just minutes from the I-235 freeway system. Des Moines International Airport is just 10 minutes from campus, and offers convenient short-and long-term parking just steps away from the terminal.

Des Moines prides itself on a relaxed metropolitan lifestyle abounding in recreational and cultural activities. The city offers concerts, theater, Broadway shows, opera, art exhibits, live music, and semiprofessional sports. The downtown area is the centerpiece of the city, and features an enclosed skywalk system that connects all major retail, business, and entertainment centers. The historic Court Avenue District offers a variety of events, cuisine, and music. Just outside the city are numerous lakes, parks, and recreational areas, some of which are connected to the city through bike paths.

Snapshot of Des Moines

• Metro population of 450,000
• Affordable housing
• Cultural attractions & entertainment
• Public transportation
• Outstanding public schools
• Manageable traffic
• Low crime rate
• Convenient airport access just 10 minutes from campus