Michael's Guidebook
Live entertainment & meeting/banquet facilities
Nestled on the eastern edge of the historic Sherman Hill district in Des Moines, Iowa, Hoyt Sherman Place boasts one of Des Moines' most magnificent entertainment, banquet and meeting facilities. Built in 1877 by prominent pioneer businessman Hoyt Sherman, the elegant family home is graced with marble fireplaces, parquet floors and a carved mahogany entryway. Expanded over the years, the building also includes an impressive and elegant art gallery as well as grand and historic theater. Each room is available for special events and corporate functions.
From its beginnings in the 1870s, our neighborhood has maintained a prominent place in the city’s heritage, and its architecture earned the distinction of Des Moines’ first local historical district in 1982.
6 locals recommend
Sherman Hill
From its beginnings in the 1870s, our neighborhood has maintained a prominent place in the city’s heritage, and its architecture earned the distinction of Des Moines’ first local historical district in 1982.
Hoyt Sherman Place
1501 Woodland AveSightseeing
The 4.4 acre park, located within a major crossroads of the urban grid, creates a pedestrian-friendly entryway to downtown Des Moines. The Pappajohns’ contribution of more than two dozen works for the park is the most significant donation of artwork ever made to the Des Moines Art Center.
78 locals recommend
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
1330 Grand AveThe 4.4 acre park, located within a major crossroads of the urban grid, creates a pedestrian-friendly entryway to downtown Des Moines. The Pappajohns’ contribution of more than two dozen works for the park is the most significant donation of artwork ever made to the Des Moines Art Center.
Food scene
Founded by award-winning restaurateur Tony Lemmo, Aposto is a one-of-a-kind destination offering modern classical cuisine inside a 1880 Victorian mansion.
Aposto is open for dining in Wednesday and Thursday, 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., as well as Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
10 locals recommend
Aposto at the Scala House
644 18th StFounded by award-winning restaurateur Tony Lemmo, Aposto is a one-of-a-kind destination offering modern classical cuisine inside a 1880 Victorian mansion.
Aposto is open for dining in Wednesday and Thursday, 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., as well as Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Gateway Market is Iowa’s GOOD FOOD store, creating memorable food experiences by offering an abundant selection of the finest natural, organic and specialty foods sourced both locally and from around the world. Our welcoming, customer-centered environment encourages culinary exploration and honors the simple pleasures of the table.
35 locals recommend
Gateway Market
2002 Woodland AveGateway Market is Iowa’s GOOD FOOD store, creating memorable food experiences by offering an abundant selection of the finest natural, organic and specialty foods sourced both locally and from around the world. Our welcoming, customer-centered environment encourages culinary exploration and honors the simple pleasures of the table.
Lua Brewing was born, in most ways, when founders Scott and Whitney Selix met while working together at a craft beer bar. After a decade together brewing, serving beer and food, and traveling near and far for unique victual experiences, they decided to open Lua in historic Sherman Hill. As fortune sometimes works, close friend Zack Dunbar (then lead brewer at Forager Brewing in Rochester, MN) was looking for a new beer adventure at the same time. Chef James Arbaugh joined the team after leaving Michelin-starred Plumed Horse in the Bay Area to move to Des Moines. Together, they created Lua, which opened its doors in November 2019.
13 locals recommend
Lua Brewing
1525 High StreetLua Brewing was born, in most ways, when founders Scott and Whitney Selix met while working together at a craft beer bar. After a decade together brewing, serving beer and food, and traveling near and far for unique victual experiences, they decided to open Lua in historic Sherman Hill. As fortune sometimes works, close friend Zack Dunbar (then lead brewer at Forager Brewing in Rochester, MN) was looking for a new beer adventure at the same time. Chef James Arbaugh joined the team after leaving Michelin-starred Plumed Horse in the Bay Area to move to Des Moines. Together, they created Lua, which opened its doors in November 2019.
A cool coffee shop just a few blocks away. PS…amazing ice cream!
31 locals recommend
Smokey Row Coffee Co.
1910 Cottage Grove AveA cool coffee shop just a few blocks away. PS…amazing ice cream!
Big Grove Brewery & Taproom
HomeGrown Des Moines - Crescent
Gateway Market
2002 Woodland AveBars
Juniper Moon
2005 Ingersoll AveAmazing craft cocktails in an intimate setting
Traveler advice
What to pack
Clothing
The weather in Des Moines can be unpredictable. Pack layers and comfortable shoes. The Carriage House is within walking distance of countless restaurants, bars, live entertainment and the sculpture park.