DES MOINES: I Explored the BEST and WORST Parts of the City - This Is What I Found

[@froter1]

the area around Des Moines was first discovered by the French and they named the River ..the French were long gone when Des Moines was settled and incorporated

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Yep. What I meant to say was that French explorers were there first, hence the name and then the city was later founded in the mid 1800’s. I misplaced my notes and as a result bungled that one.

[@froter1]

@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip I like your videos 👍 just clearing that up .. I understand , there's a lot to go through 👍

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

@@froter1 Thank you for understanding, Joe. 👍

[@jimwilcox2964]

Capt. Allen led Dragoons back to the site in 1845 to establish the fort. Near as i can tell my first relatives arrived Oct/Nov 1854 from Ohio. 24 days by wagon

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

@@jimwilcox2964 That’s awesome!

[@Amir-qw9qp]

I'm born in Iraq and I moved here in 2008 as a refugee and I've fallen in love with this city it's always felt like home and the people are here are the nicest people in the country. I've made some amazing friends and met my gf of 5 years in high school too this place will always feel like home I travel a lot and whenever I go to a bigger city like LA, Miami, New York I always get homesick fast because I love the peace and quiet here and the traffic isn't bad compared to bigger cities it's super clean with amazing people and amazing schools great place to raise your kids and start a family. Also there are a lot worse parts in Des Moines especially on the east and south side and that neighborhood you showed is not considered nice at all compared to some of the modern ones in West Des Moines/waukee/ankeny/johnnston

[@doloresbriseno2567]

I grew up on the south side. I just moved back 5 years ago. The southside is still the best to me. Sadly, the economy has devastated the southside (since I left 20 years ago), but we are coming back. That's what I like about our town, people want to make it better.

[@Aya9_6]

السلام عليكم.. Thank you for the information. I’m from Iraq came to the state of Maine 2012.. SIV program. Lived here since then worked the education.. the state is getting very expensive and I’m thinking of relocating to Iowa. A family of six.. I don’t know any thing about iowa

[@malybo0ah]

I moved to Des Moines in 2013 from California. I have to agree you did not highlight some of the best or worst. We’ve been here since and it was one of the best decisions ever. Iowa is such a beautiful place. Plenty of state parks, architecture, it’s pretty diverse, they definitely support locals and art is huge here. So much more to see but never enough time to see it all! Definitely come back and highlight some more landmarks! Iowa is growing for a reason!

[@trayceesue]

An interesting fact that wasn't mentioned. The gold on top of the dome is actually gold leaf. If they were to scrape it all off and roll it up into a ball, it would be the size of a softball.

[@stephaniehayes2613]

Ah I see you too toured the capital as a elementary school field trip 🤣

[@jamescoleakaericunderwood2503]

California had a better one

[@souphypanyanouvong256]

Nice video, I was born in Thailand, Relocated here in 1989 been here ever since and tbh I would be lost in any other city so this is definitely my home and I love living here. People are very nice and friendly too.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

We really liked Des Moines, far more than we thought we would.

[@schulermarka]

A little history about Kum & Go. The 2 founders of the company are Bill Krause and Tony Gentle, that's why you see a line from the K to the G. I used to work there and the store I worked in had a quote on a plaque by them, it says, "I'd rather have one customer a thousand times than a thousand customers one time." Always loved that quote

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you for the info!

[@Carmen-us1ew]

That's some cool info. We had Kum & Go in my town but a few years ago they all went to Yesway. I really liked Kum & Go, they always had great deals!!

[@ua7pyro591]

Kum and go has seen better days

[@el_bee89]

Hell ya, The 515! Born, raised and still here! This is awesome, thanks for stopping through 🤘🏻

[@MissKittys]

Being from Des Moines and knowing the area pretty well, I’d say you didn’t even come close to the best or the worst. Des Moines and all it’s suburbs contain multi million dollar homes that, I personally would consider the best and based on your video you certainly didn’t hit the worst. There’s some real dumpy areas in Des Moines. Nice documentary though. We have a beautiful capital building.

[@pramitvyas3747]

Even in capitol east, there are worse looking parts

[@jiiaga5017]

Funny, I would consider the multi-million dollar homes one of the worst areas. Crooks in fancy suits aren't much to my taste, and as the home to one of the biggest insurance hubs in the nation its got plenty of crooks.

[@ryoung5592]

He sure didn't

[@brendakriens7201]

It’s a critique of Des Moines…Not the new suburbs and million-dollar homes. Maybe you should do a documentary of those homes….Personally, I think the huge homes are completely overdone

[@timnewman1172]

The Sherman Hill neighborhood is one of the nicest parts of Des Moines...

[@lilyrose3145]

I have lived here for 70 years and I love it.❤️

[@jimmyday9536]

I enjoyed your video, thank you! A native Marylander, I retired two years ago and relocated from Baltimore to western IA. Housing is more affordable, and the people are friendly. As to the "trash" in the beginning, I suspect it was simply washed up by the river during a high water event. I remembered Baltimore City, and I chuckled, thinking hey, as long as there's no rats in that garbage, no big deal. 🤠 Also, IA has a bottle and can deposit, which seems to keep litter down. And as for the weather, well, the Midwest has it's advantages, but as they say, no one moves there for the weather. LOL. My first winter there, it got to -25 at night, I had never in my life seen anything below zero. The wind is always blowing, too, and I like the fact that IA gets over half it's electricity from wind farms.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Oh, don't get me wrong, Des Moines was the cleanest city I've been to. While roaming downtown, I happened upon a team of city employees who were cleaning the streets. I told them they are unsung heroes, and that they had my total respect.

[@junioradult6219]

maybe, that was a fishing pole twig set up right next to it so maybe person fishing and drinking who knows though

[@D.R0550]

My beautiful home! I miss everything about it! I grew up fishing those river banks! They look totally different! Down town as well! Over all Des Moines, Ia is a small beautiful city filled with good hearted people from all back grounds of life! My birth rite! My home! My city!

[@MrTruckerf]

Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

[@alsimon4722]

From Des Moines. It's nice to see another perspective of the city I grew up in.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

It’s a great town. We really enjoyed our time there. 😀

[@PancakeJake]

Great video, man! I grew up in Des Moines and haven’t been back for over 10 years, so this felt like a free trip home!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Awesome! :)

[@jordanpritchardvlogs]

Iowa Native here, the crime rate has gone up and all crime happens in the night time. Idk why anyone from Iowa try’s to hide the fact that Des Moines has folks from the other major cities that moved here and that’s why crime has gotten worse. About 2 or 3 months ago a lady was stabbed over a Lawnmower and she lived 3 doors down from me.

[@Carmen-us1ew]

That's really horrible!!

[@johnb8097]

This is the truth, Chicago, Minneapolis, Milwaukee and St.Louis people have moved here and are helping to ruin the city. Also, the Highland Park 6th Ave area is the worst part of town. Drive around down there at night.

[@pauls4522]

​@johnb8097 south east bottoms up until a lot of it was gutted for rich people was worse. A new smell every night.

[@iavagabond124]

Des Moines is a beautiful city. One of the best and most beautiful capital building and grounds in the U.S as it sits looking over downtown Des Moines. The Asian garden by the river, the statue park, how clean it is for a city, it's definitely a capital city to be proud of plus the beautiful and fancy name of Des Moines. Also fun fact the original Iowa capital building from 1842 is actually in Iowa City!

[@doloresbriseno2567]

I worked for the state for a few months and was able to access the tunnels that run from the Capitol to nearby state buildings. They are long and some have murals on the walls. There were spots where there was water (or sludge, not as thick as oil) on the floor. Workers use them during the winter. It was very interesting. Other than the wet areas, I felt very safe walking through there.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Interesting.

[@menaramadan2619]

You should come at night when des Moines is all lit up with beautiful lights and greys lake has a bridge that is gorgeous all lit up. People everywhere enjoying the free music by the river, food and drinks. It really is amazing.

[@YerkYT]

Lol! At 16:25 if you panned the camera to the left while at the corner of e18th st instead of right you’d have looked right at my house! I just bought this place in At the beginning of the year and I love it here. Had absolutely no problems at all! Great neighbors.

[@BrianHutzellMusic]

12:15 These two horse sculptures are actually not wood, but bronze made to look like wood! According to the Des Moines Art Center (with which the sculpture park is connected, and also where I happen to work): “The artist [Deborah Butterfield] begins by selecting a handful of substantial branches that are then individually cast and reassembled to form the basic shape for each horse. Butterfield then attaches real sticks to the metal armature until she achieves the gesture and demeanor she wishes to portray. The sculpture is then meticulously photographed and disassembled so the individual wooden elements can be cast in bronze. Finally, the metal branches are reattached to the original armature and a patina is applied to the bronze that enhances the look and texture of wood.”

[@Carmen-us1ew]

Wow, how amazing!! That sounds like it's a lot of work and a lot of time!!

[@troydavenport9244]

These videos are fascinating yet heart breaking. Thank you.

[@carriewillis757]

Thank you for shining a light on our beautiful city of Des Moines! I'm a lifelong resident and live a mile outside of downtown. I was excited to hear an outsider's perspective and am so glad you enjoyed your time here. Des Moines has so much to offer; great dining, cultural, musical and athletic events, fun shopping and 6 public libraries within the city. It's a great place to live and to visit!!

[@jcmhanel1]

I just called my daughter who lives in a suburb of Des Moines . Her church, Capital Hill Lutheran is in the East Village. I asked about the East Village as well as the neighborhoods. She told me the city of Des Moines has worked very very hard to revitalize the area, that includes the neighborhoods.

[@qbeenzotherside]

They have every year since late 2000s

[@fritobandito41iphone]

You should try going to Iowa City. College town and also Iowa's first capital before Des Moines. We have a whole block where the Old Capital building stands with 4 tertiary buildings around it where the University took over and has classes now (one building has the Museum of Natural History).

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

We will definitely be going to Iowa City.

[@Carmen-us1ew]

I'd kind of like to move there, is it a nice place to live? It seems like there's be plenty of jobs too?

[@sandyk5346]

If your going to Iowa City you have to go to the Amana’s…wonderful old German group of villages.

[@jimfranklin3079]

Nice video. I worked and lived in Des Moines for a couple years and loved it. For a decent sized Capital city, it has surprisingly low crime. That is NOT to say "it has none," but compared to where we lived in SW Florida, it is an overall very pleasant city vibe with many amenities to be proud of. I was told by a few locals the same people who designed the skywalk system in MSP did a chunk of the work here. You can walk from building to building all over in AC/heat in much the same fashion. I would tend to agree that (at least when I was there) the only places with a pretty bad rep for crime were north of the hospital, off of Drake and certain pockets close to downtown around the fairgrounds and east side. That may have changed, but there were also many NICE parts close to those areas as well. Since I did a morning show on the radio, I was pretty aware of the news each day and it was NEVER some crazy endless parade of violence and murders overall. Court Avenue district often has live music and outdoor street parties during the summer and there are plenty of bike trails, parks, first rate shows, sporting events of all kinds, all over the area. Work took me away from there, but I would love to visit again soon. Very nice city in my opinion. Big enough to be "metropolitan," but not a choking sprawl either. Great people too.

[@damitajojones6969]

It pretty much still as you described. They've added a few things since then probably. Being a Florida native definitely less crime & "hoods" if you can even call them that here.

[@jennifer50158]

Iowa native and have lived in Des Moines for over twenty years. So interesting that this is considered the worst neighborhood. I was totally expecting the North side; Carpenter, MLK, Mondameon and so on. Those aren't even that bad. Interesting video..

[@austincastillo-leovan6981]

Right, the neighborhoods just get a bad rep for old reasons.

[@patriciaburch6471]

Those you mention are the worst ever and Northside they never fix the roads nice.

[@austincastillo-leovan6981]

@@patriciaburch6471 nope, Capital East

[@sethbarnes7608]

I've only lived here for 2 years. I was raised in San Diego, and have lived everywhere from there to Seattle, to Las Vegas, Arizona, and everywhere in between. I have never seen a bad area of des moines that even close to compares with some of the places I've seen. Never been anywhere in Des Moines where I felt scared or uncomfortable.

[@jkmerriwether9919]

For sure. I remember about ten years ago there was a riot - riot by Des Moines standards - in the park adjacent to the Forest Avenue library. I used to live just south of MLK and University, and in the summer when I had the windows open, I heard gunshots on the regs. Plus plenty of falling-down houses and similar decrepitude in the whole are you mention. Capitol East is far cleaner, and better kept, than they are. Guess he's referring to some published crime statistics...?

[@zerog5041]

Hi Joe and Nic from beaten up south London UK where the current temperature is 16C, wow what a fantastic City, I personally think the best you've found yet, so calm and surreal for such a large conurbation! In case you're wondering why I'm commenting now it's because I am catching up with all your past videos, they're all so fascinating. Keep up the good work.

[@brendakirk7250]

So embarrassed I’ve lived in Iowa 99% of my years and have never visited the capital building. I would definitely say there are worse parts of Des Moines if you talked to the locals.

[@Lalunabreeze]

I think it was the best. Really fabulous outside and in.

[@otnesoriginals7946]

Those guys in the green shirts cleaning the streets are doing a VERY important job.

[@haleyyoung8663]

Thank you for your sweet video! I grew up in Des Moines and this is my first summer away from home; seeing all of these nostalgic spots made me a little emo!! :')

[@ameliarhodes5000]

Just getting around to this one. Not a fan of winter but in almost every other way this might be the next place. Affordable apartments, funky cool places to enjoy, good mass transit, and a rather historic city. Wrestling with that winter. Thanks for taking us along for a look see. Feel like I've been there though this video? Mission accomplished.

[@kellydevig5687]

Iowa is truly a beautiful place to live!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

I agree.

[@tomgunn8004]

The only thing wrong with IA is the leftist faction here! Go away!

[@debbiebasche7760]

I0WA is wonderful 🌽...

[@cayennepepper2010]

The art, although unusual and unnerving during the spring and summer, fits right in with the dreary, inhospitable atmosphere of the remaining 8 months of an Iowan year.

[@Gpgnick89]

Thanks for visiting ole Des Moines... I am a proud Iowan and its cool to see people not from here's opinion on it. You're welcome back anytime. 😎

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

I really, really liked Des Moines. Way more than I thought I would. :)

[@eunhyexss5471]

I'm from North Texas but I'm going to college in Iowa (Drake University) which is in Des Moines and this video was pretty interesting to watch! I would say the area around my school isn't the best but I don't think it's horrible but then again I've only seen it twice and from what I've heard from the school officials. I've also only visited West Des Moines and really enjoyed it because it reminds me of my city. Nice video, thanks!

[@monteggooverman8341]

I love all of your videos. They are really great and informative. I live in Des Moines Iowa I've lived here all my life for 53 years. Thank you for making the video

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you!

[@mytube3358]

At 12:43 hit pause. It’s while you were standing in the sculpture park. The building in the background is the Kum &Go corporate headquarters. It was just finished a couple years ago. It in of itself is quite the work of art. Designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano. The chain is still owned by the original family. The young blood in the family didn’t see the point in the headquarters being in a boring brick building in the suburbs. So he spent $150 million of the companies money on this gem. We are lucky to have it.

[@mytube3358]

And glad you enjoyed Des Moines by the way. I think people are pleasantly surprised by it.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the city. One of the best I've visited.

[@Carmen-us1ew]

@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip that's awesome!! I'm in Southeast Iowa and really enjoyed your video!! 💕

[@Carmen-us1ew]

Do you happen to know why they sold out down here in se Iowa? I really liked Kum & Go, but now they're Yesway.

[@dovmoen]

Des Moines is probably the nicest city of its size (roughly 200,000) in the entire country. It’s very pretty, clean, safe, lots of interesting things to do and see, and it’s a thriving city with lots of jobs, big corporations and business. And I say that as a Minnesota native (Iowa is often the butt of our jokes).

[@reneeElliott_]

Next time you're through stop at Court Ave Restaurant and Brewery on Court Ave by the Old Courthouse. The Brewery is in the old historic Saddlery building from the original downtown strip. You can even get a tour of the Brewery in the basement!

[@susanebrown-yp5ny]

I am Des Moines native also. When I was a child the population was about 125,000. The old brick office buildings have been replaced with nicer ones. It was a very pleasant place to grow up.

[@johnnyt5347]

I live on south side of Des Moines . 44 years old . Dad always lived on southside. Mom lived on east side , south of grand, New Virginia then back to southside. Was told houses by the river was the top notch expensive houses where ya can get on boat, jet ski from backyard and go on river. But ya gotta know how to be on/in the river also. And “the hood” over north of university east of carpenter and 6th avenue was nice place too with huge homes which are still there. I work for an area of government where we have to go mow yards all over town when it gets over a foot tall or nuisance weeds but I’ve met all types folks from all walks of life doing it and some pissed as hell. ( which I can see why too) . But I don’t turn them in. Lots of times it’s a pesky neighbor and/or city inspectors going around writing yards up turning them in . . Of course at night time and/day could be different but that’s anywhere. Don’t watch the news . Get outside and go places to check things out yourselves. Don’t take peoples words or Opinions . Regardless, stay blessed and enjoy your life .. no time for negativity. ✌🏽💯

[@deanbarcelona1427]

One of my favorite towns, love it.

[@cyndidiercks]

Life long Iowan, incredibly proud of my state! People are typically kind & compassionate, weather is extreme but We would not have it any other way! My home is in the eastern most part of Iowa were the Mississippi for a short time runs east and west! I have traveled to all 50 states but I can honestly say there is not another state in the union that I could call home!

[@iowastatewelder]

🤣

[@jonathanlee5185]

👍Fantastic. Many of us Brits are familiar with Des Moines as the childhood home of Anglo-American writer, Bill Bryson, but I never realized it is so imposing and classy. 👍

[@rhondarascon8247]

Iowa city was the original capitol chosen in 1839 finished 1842. In 1857 the capitol was moved to des Moines because it was in thcenter of iowa (Iowa city was on the east of Des Moines close to the Mississippi river) Des Moines is a great city to live in & Iowa is a great state. I've lived here my whole life & I've never wanted to be any place else. The grass is definitely greener on this side of the fence.

[@fredbowers493]

Wasn’t it going to be on the west side of the river but was built on the east side and that’s where the east side/west side rivalry was formed?

[@jananderson672]

Burlington was actually the first Capitol in Iowa Territory, then it was moved to Iowa City. My mother was from DM and she always had fond memories My cousins still live there.

[@brentbails3085]

historic valley junction, where i grew up, is on the boarder between des moines and west des moines and is where the first settlements were made. you should check it out if you ever come back!

[@onehundreddoors5715]

Thanks for coming!!!

[@DirtNassty]

Sure hope you guys tried BBops when you were in town! 😁 Best fast-food burger you'll ever eat. (yes much better than Five guys or In n Out)

[@s30nghwa11]

I used to live in the capital east, and it wasn’t that dangerous, I did witness a robbery, a men yelling outside of our house in the middle of the night, car crashes, and so much more. But I won’t say it’s really that dangerous in my perspective!

[@damienhelfer8814]

The Drake neighborhood....Sherman Hill is even more beautiful!!!

[@markboden4592]

That library though! Excellent video.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you for the kind words, Mark. And yes, that library was magnificent. The camera really didn’t capture it’s grandeur.

[@brianconway4275]

That's the law library. It's a truly beautiful space. CBS has used that for its nightly news during caucus time for several presidential cycles.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

@@brianconway4275 It’s breathtaking, honestly. Camera didn’t do it justice.

[@letsgocows]

you should smell it. they need to make a candle of that scent.

[@courtney5157]

As a local over by Drake university is actually the worst gun shots once a week I used to live over there and the north side of des Moines is the second worst spot and capital east is the third but its not that bad over on the east side of des Moines lol

[@Carmen-us1ew]

I've heard that, why don't they keep it safe for the students? I'm not from Des Moines but drive through there sometimes. I can't drive 235, so I take University all the way out when I need to go that way.

[@courtney5157]

@@Carmen-us1ew They have security all around Drake and cameras to keep them safe but a couple blocks down you would think the cops would handle it but idk why it keeps happening. I haven't lived over there since 2016 but my sister lives near Drake and she tells me there's still gun shots every now and then. Smh 🤦‍♀️

[@Cryptic0631]

Idk if you guys stopped at the store “Ray Gun” it’s right by Zombie Burger. Absolutely AMAZING midwest themed store!

[@johnparker2752]

Just a hot note for you rookies. The CAPITAL of Iowa is Des Moines. The building is spelled CAPITOL. Anyway, great video man. If you stop back go south of Grand Avenue and look at those houses. Old, huge, and cool as hell. Cory Taylor from Slipknot has a house down there.

[@letsgocows]

or the houses by watrous

[@candyhoops3332]

Lived in des moines my whole life, its like small town feel, which I suppose compared to every other major city it is a small town lol. But it is definitely expanding exponentially. Especially in our suburbs. Capital east is tweakerville which is probably why the break ins and thefts are high. Also, check out downtown at night headed north on Indianola Rd. from south side. Also, if you want good beer go to the keg stand in west des moines near the olive garden

[@kailswelch1114]

I’ve always said that the view of downtown from Indianola Rd is the best

[@KarenG55]

Enjoyed this Iowa segment. I live in NW Iowa. Maybe some day you'll come thru Sioux City. It has a beautiful refurbished theater downtown that's a can't miss, along with a beautiful courthouse.

[@ezradirkx3903]

Just driving through various residential areas, you can find cool early 1900 apartment buildings as well as really unique Victorian mansions and houses.

[@CrickBritt]

Sherman hill is truly gorgeous

[@woody5551]

At 10:16 the historical looking structure is the World Food Prize headquarters. When I visited DM they offered tours. It is truly a jewel. I also visited the DM Art Center which is a feast of art. If you like history Terrace Hill, the Capital and the Historical Bldg are very nice.

[@doloresbriseno2567]

I love the Art Center and area around the art center is beautiful. I only found out recently that the World Food Prize building is the old public library in Des Moines. It is a beautiful building.

[@MrSoulauctioneer]

61 year old native of Des Moines, that first spot you were at on the fork of the rivers is an awesome place to smoke a joint. The trash is left by fishermen and the homeless.

[@menaramadan2619]

The "beautiful" neighborhood he drove through we consider it to be a poorer neighborhood. I grew up in that neighborhood. Our city has worked hard the last few years to fix it up nice and give the people a sense of pride. And the neighbors have been doing a wonderful job keeping nice.

[@pstan5899]

love your tours

[@pitbull1026]

The tallest building you said was called 801 Grand, actually, we call it the Principal building. Insurance mainly occupies it. FYI, parking sucks downtown if you work there. I lived here for 58 yrs and all that scaffolding is a permanent fixture of our capital. I cannot remember a time when they are not under construction. I'm serious. As for the bad neighborhood, who told you that? There are a lot of areas that are bad. It's just not contained all in one area. That area is probably filled with more low-income families but hard-working low-income families. That nice neighborhood was not too far from the other. You were just a few miles from million-dollar homes too. We have our share of crime, the problem with that is the police. They are always getting in the way. Criminals just can't get a break with our police all up in their business. It's just easier to take it elsewhere. What we have is the best in small businesses. Many, many are family-owned.

[@p.w.f.]

I work for Principal. We technically own the building but it’s mainly rented out. The buildings actual name is 801 Grand Building.

[@gamerboy-fr6gj]

My grandma works like 2 miles away

[@harrisonholthaus581]

Only newschool yuppie nerds call it principal. Go back to the suburbs.

[@theawesomekid221]

Criminals just can't get a break?

[@ilyab4792]

801 Grand is also a really nice high end restaurant, in that building

[@bethzumwalt1625]

You should have gone to Latin King for the Steak DeBurgo. A very Des Moines centric meal. Pre air conditioning in almost every home and building, on hot humid nights, the Capitol grounds would be filled with people because it was the highest hill and coolest spot to sleep.

[@williamlane2126]

Chicken Spiedini amiogo is pretty good too 😋

[@khaterehlunden5136]

Thank you very much for nice video

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Most welcome!!

[@robertroberts7166]

I like it.. I think i am having a good time there for the next three months.. Thank you for sharing..😊

[@zdaat6229]

You need to check out the south of grand houses.

[@jb117354]

The building at 20:45 is amazing. Beautiful; Personified!

[@kyleelsbernd7566]

Another great video! I have family living in DM so I know it pretty well--you captured it well! I will say that DM is a city for families and professionals, thus the impressive network of historic, well-maintained neighborhoods in the hills of the city.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

I liked Des Moines a lot more than I thought I would. Great little city.

[@maryholloway5487]

I LOVE THOSE OLDER HOMES.💝💝

[@4000angels]

This was a great video. Thank you. I really appreciate it.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thanks!

[@rxqueen333]

The Taproom and Zombie Burger are literally the worst places you could have gone for food 🤣

[@angelacunningham8153]

I was born and raised in Des Moines. Great video!!!! Now I’m homesick! ♥️🥹

[@qbeenzotherside]

Awe I miss you too! I'm just and likeable person don't mind me 😂

[@vintageheart9646]

That library in the capitol is gorgeous! Thank you for making this video. I am thinking about moving to Iowa and it was interesting to get to see a tour of this city. I live in Florida so I am doing a lot of research to get a good idea of where I want to move in that state.

[@kaitlynbrookhart6698]

If you come back I'll show you what is bad and good neighborhoods I've lived here all my life

[@larryelliott8818]

I agree he is way off on capital east the westside is the worst trash everywhere, more shootings and drugs on west side !run down houses .

[@jacobmeyers3446]

Thanks for the great video There is also a huge skatepark. It’s the biggest in the country and it’s really cool just to look at even if you don’t skateboard. It has an artsy feel to it.

[@patriotghormley7131]

They had the community paint the wall holding up the walkway going down to it. And they have an art feature in the park you can skate on

[@joebehrdenver]

DSM has some legit stunning vintage neighborhoods - you folks should make a return visit!

[@abathens]

BIgger downtown than I expected. Thanks for the tour

[@jeffheyer7783]

I subscribed simply because your intro music and video. Great job :)

[@d.e.7467]

I've visited the capital twice but as a kid. I didn't appreciate it like I would now. Especially the law library. That place is architecturally outstanding.

[@karmacamp4272]

Thanks for the tour of my home town, that for some reason randomly showed up on my KZbin stream. I love my home town, I make it back home every couple months to see family. I move to Madison about 8 years ago, did you come here by chance? I'd love to see that video.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

We spent an afternoon in Madison (we toured the capital building), and a bit of that visit is in the Milwaukee video. That said, I thought Madison was incredibly beautiful, and we will be returning to do a full video of the city in time.

[@timothydake4098]

Iowan here, welcome! But I would have to say driving down School st and 26th is not the best neighborhood. Grandparents, parents, and myself lived on 27th and school. Property is now a flood control “bowl”. Most of those “gorgeous” homes have all been completely renovated. 20yrs ago, a lot of them were run down shacks.

[@indigo1590]

You didn’t show a “bad neighborhood” at all. Capital City east is a blue collar neighborhood that like many places in the country is currently experiencing problems due to addiction. The neighborhood that could most likely be considered bad would be further west. Riverbend neighborhood etc

[@stevegraham3907]

Disagree strongly... the marina, Union Park with famous Rocket slide,and beautiful Carousel, Famous Riverview Park, Drake University early Morning rows not to mention some of Des Moines finest homes..Nice try...you can have the Eastside✌😎 Love my Black and Brown and Asian Brothers and Sisters..

[@alsimon4722]

Agreed.

[@cliftonbolden8015]

East side by the fairgrounds is sketchy too

[@goku-pt3nc]

@@cliftonbolden8015 facts😂

[@austincastillo-leovan6981]

Nope, Capital East.

[@janellek21]

Des Moines impressed the hell out of me when I went there a few years ago to go to the state fair. It's not the most ethnically diverse or culturally thriving place in the USA, but it's clean, it's safer than most large cities, and the people were very friendly. There's just a very tolerant and community-oriented vibe there. We went to the fair, did the capitol building tour, visited John Wayne's birthplace and went to an Iowa Cubs baseball game. It seems like a very good place to live, work and raise kids. 11:36 that sculpture looks like Falcor! 11:52 I don't approve of public sculptures of naked women with bigger boobs than me. It just triggers my sense of inadequacy.

[@Antonio_Serdar]

"It's not the most ethnically diverse place, but it's clean and safer than most other big cities." LOL, you do realize that those two facts are not unrelated, right?

[@janellek21]

@@Antonio_Serdar Not entirely. Most immigrant communities know how to behave in public. It's a certain native-born community that makes up about 1/6 of the US population that creates most of the crime and litter.

[@Antonio_Serdar]

@@janellek21 Yeah that is kind of what I meant

[@ryancorcoran6011]

great video thanks for stopping by our city!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

We really enjoyed Des Moines, far more than we thought we would.

[@mikeabresch3827]

Another great stream yall That's my capital been there once about 40 years ago

[@CaptainHowdy1969]

Howdy Spoda...well you know I mentioned that I used to live in Minnesota,so of course I've been thru Des Moines Iowa quite a few times and like you I got a chuckle out of those gas station/c-stores called "kum & go"...well idk if you noticed it or not as you were headed down I-35,but at mile marker 69 on the interstate there is an exit and down at the bottom of that exit is a kum & go store...the first time I noticed it I damn near ran off the interstate due to me laughing so damn hard...lol...anywho...keep up the good work brother

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Russell.

[@rosaliewolf1282]

I am an Iowa native and have never been to the capitol! Thank You!

[@melissakoon2097]

Smokie D's is one of my favorite places to eat in Des Moines or go out to West Des Moines and go to The Club Car Restaurant for a really good steak or Walnut Chicken ♡

[@Cat-Privilege]

As a Des Moines native now living in Kansas City, thank you for your kind words, about my home town I hope you find K.C equally as enjoyable, but be careful, as there is a bit more crime in certain areas, and a lot of homeless. Safe Travels.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Alan! :)

[@charleswillams9501]

Agree about kum and go. They only been in northern Oklahoma for about 12 years. Quiktrip is the biggest for us outside okc with love's

[@mcnairtvmklindia]

Beautiful video.

[@aaronheuss5903]

Where did you get a states capital passport book? I never knew such a thing existed!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

At any state capital building. All the capitals have a special stamp for them as well.

[@jimwilcox2964]

When you were by the river and the baseball stadium, you were near the 1845ish replica cabin near the original fort. I'm guessing you can no longer walk up to the top of the dome. Above the flag and sky.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Yes, you're right, and I actually filmed the cabin but had to cut it out in an attempt to keep the video under 30 minutes.

[@Carmen-us1ew]

I've never seen that, it sounds awesome!!

[@maxwellowens4640]

Iowa taproom is the best! Great choice

[@bkccards64]

That spider sculpture is right out of the movie "Enemy" from 2013.

[@chloejackson8009]

I’m so glad you enjoyed our city!!! There’s so many places you need to check out if you ever come back!

[@hyperbolic-time-chamber-strand]

Iowa native here I'm from Ames live in DM about 5mins from the capital it's kind of a hidden gem lol. I live right across the street from this small artisan ice cream shop called Black cat Ice cream if you ever come back I couldn't recommend it more might be the best ice cream in spot the country. Glad you got a chance to come see what Iowas all about man.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

It's a great place. Really beautiful, moreso than I though it would be.

[@JakesMailbox]

great video, i really enjoyed it. As far as "bad" sections of the city i have always known just north of mercy hospital, the drake area, and the east side by the fairgrounds the most forgotten and run down areas. most of the homeless live along the rivers and the interstate systems in the forests and under the bridges. overall its a great city thanks for the video!

[@loweredyote8416]

Yeha I was born in that mercy hospital and raised three blocks from the fairgrounds and I agree with this 100%

[@patriotghormley7131]

Got a whole ass camp ground on terrace hill facing the tracks. My dad and his buddies would make them canvas tents when I was a kid.

[@patriotghormley7131]

Homeless population that is

[@ronniedavis3397]

Are you my brother in law??😂😂

[@sleepyrelax2]

East side is the “bad side of Des Moines” however if you are out during the daytime then 99% of the time you probably won’t even see anything. Nights it can get a little rowdy but you’ll rarely have any trouble, just drunk people. Also we have the Iowa state fair which is pretty famous

[@ohnoao9847]

I think some might be tweakers... Just saying

[@officialluhcarti]

east side isn’t bad it’s the north side that’s bad asf

[@jayavery5104]

I fished at the same spot u started walking at at the beginning of the video

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Cool! I could see that it is a great spot for that. 😀

[@lauraschwarz4164]

Beautiful! 🎉