So you love Des Moines. You’re quick to defend it when out of state friends and family poke fun and you politely correct New Yorkers when they ask you how life in “Ohio” is.

But how much do you really know about our great city?

We decided to dig up some information for you and give you some fun facts and figures that you can share with all your friends and family, and make you the talk of the dinner party.

As of the 2010 Census Des Moines has a population of just over 203,000

Des Moines was originally named Fort Raccoon, then it was changed to Fort Des Moines and finally shortened to the current name, Des Moines.

Des Moines is the 3rd largest insurance capital of the world. It follows London and Hartford, Connecticut.

The infamous bat bite that Ozzy Osbourne took, happened during his concert in Des Moines in 1982.

Des Moines also consistently makes top national lists: Forbes Magazine recently ranked Des Moines as a best place for Business in 2010 and and MSNBC named Des Moines as one of the best mid-sized cities for quality of life.

During the week more than 77,000 people come to work in downtown. One of the highest rates per capita in all of the U.S.

And according to one study the residents of Des Moines consume over 11 pounds of potato chips per year. More than any other metro area in the nation.

Since 1972, every 4 years Des Moines captures the nation’s spotlight with the Iowa caucuses, the first major electoral event in presidential nominations.

So there you go. Now you’re a Des Moines expert, go out and share your knowledge with the world.

Facts and information provided by:
City of Des Moines Economic Development
Living Downtown Des Moines

Spring has sprung in Des Moines. The weather is getting nicer and we are all getting tired of being shut indoors because of the snow and cold.

We’ve looked around and have found some great things to in Des Moines over the next couple of months that will warm you up and get you excited to be out and about.

First up, is the Natural Living Expo, going on Saturday and Sunday this weekend at the Polk County Convention Complex. The expo features over 200 exhibitors offering green, natural, healthy, organic, holistic, renewable,reusable goods and services in everything from pet care, gardening and recreation. To food and drink, energy and community organizations. This free event will also have live entertainment, workshops and fun for the kids. For more information on the event, click the above link!

Next up is the Tony nominated musical “Rock of Ages” which takes the Civic Center stage April 16th through the 25th. “American Idol” finalist, Constantine Maroulis, reprises his role as Drew in “Rock of Ages” first national tour! The musical tells the story of a small town girl who meets a big city rocker in LA’s most famous rock club, where they fall in love. Rock of Ages is an arena-rock love story told through the mind-blowing, face-melting hits of Journey, Styx, Reo Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Whitesnake and many more. Order your tickets and read more about this hair raising musical on the Des Moines Civic Center website.


If you don’t get a chance to see “Rock of Ages” or if it just leaves you wanting more, Bon Jovi makes an appearance at the Wells Fargo arena on May 12th! Tickets for the concert range for $20 to $130. For ticket information check out the Iowa Events Center on-line.

If you’re looking for something to do outdoors, one of most anticipated Spring events is the opening of the Downtown Farmers Market! Located on Court Avenue, the farmer’s market features over 200 vendors with products ranging from artesian breads, organic vegetables, fresh flowers, breakfast burritos, coffee and so much more! If you plan on going, be prepared to walk, last years opening day drew over 3,000 shoppers!!

Of course these are only just a FEW of the great things going on this Spring in Des Moines, for more outdoor events, including adult rec leagues, check out the Des Moines Parks and Recreation website.