Due to the presence of a major public university, Ames is a hub of cultural and artistic occurrences in Iowa. Des Moines, Iowa’s capital city, also offers a wide variety of opportunities for students.

Des Moines is reachable from Ames by Interstate 35. The interstate runs along the east side of Ames and continue south toward Des Moines.

If driving the interstate, be aware that Interstate 35 becomes Interstate 235 when it meets the intersection with Interstate 80. Interstate 235 will ferry travelers into West Des Moines if it is driven out of the Des Moines city limits.

Downtown Des Moines benefits from a series of urban development initiatives. The Des Moines Public Library and the new John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park were recently completed.

The library is a model of cutting-edge architecture with a “green” roof and an outdoor fountain walkway to center the edge of the downtown area with civic space. The library itself is also a community center of sorts, with programs and book clubs hosted throughout the week.

The sculpture park west of the library showcases the works of numerous artists. The nearby Ritual Cafe, a free-trade coffee house, is an intimate meeting place.

The Court Avenue Entertainment District, though affected by the recent floods, includes several city blocks of the newest and most diverse dining and bars in the city. Mexican, Dos Rios Cantina and Tequila Lounge, German, Hessen Haus, English, Royal Mile Bar, and Italian, Spaghetti Works, foods are all available in one centralized location.

A variety of bars offer both indoor comfort and outdoor patios for the better summer weather. Touring the area is sure to yield new favorites.

For civic entertainment, the Des Moines Civic Center offers a variety of major touring shows and smaller local productions in its secondary Stoner Studio Theatre. The local, often provocative, StageWest Theatre Co., based at 221 Walnut St., offers a large variety of work year-round.

The Science Center of Iowa, off 5th Street, has Des Moines’ only IMAX Theater and shows some major theatrical releases in addition to educational films. The nearby riverwalk area, connected by a series of new pedestrian bridges, provides a scenic urban pathway through the heart of the city.

East of the Des Moines River, just west of the Iowa Capitol, is the East Village shopping district.

Renowned local retailers such as RAYGUN and a ZZZ Records, one of the central retailers of classic vinyl in Des Moines, are located here.

For the more retail inclined, the Jordan Creek Town Center is one of the newest and largest retail centers in the state. To make your way there, follow Interstate 235/80 through Des Moines and take the exit at Jordan Creek Parkway.

The mall centering the West Des Moines commerce hub offers an incredible variety of retail outlets including an Apple Store and the Century Theatres. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday.