Cowles Commons — Attraction in Des Moines

Cowles Commons is not a structure or building so to speak, it is a nice open public area with beautiful sculptures, landscaping, many park like seating areas and in the summer, a beautiful LED lit pool / dancing fountains.

It is a peaceful, pleasant and CLEAN well maintained paved park ( well lighted in the evenings), and safe for individuals, families.

During our hot summers here, the little tikes, even 'grown up tikes' are allowed to frolic and run through the synchronized fountains, ( under parent's supervision of course), which is a welcome respite and cooling off.

Also, i must mention that the Commons has evolved into hosting / holding MANY free outdoor musical events which range in many venues and styles of musical enjoyment and enrichment. Upscale food and treat vendors are also available in the warm months.

I have also attended some very nicely organized black tie events there, and some weddings have been celebrated at the Commons as well.

I hope this enlightens those who read it and helps give you a rounded perspective of how versatile this unique pearl of downtown Des Moines is, and it's...

A nice place to cool off (especially for kids) in the summer, when fountain is on and soft jets of water come up from under the plaza cement.

Also, autumn time is pleasant and relaxing while sitting on one of the benches when the leaves turn color.

The Commons are also a venue for events, festivals, and concerts, depending on the time of year. Also worth noting, the Des Moines Performing Arts Center is directly across the street, and the Court Avenue nightlife district is only a block away.

At night, many of the sculptures are lit up and give the Commons a bit of a cosmopolitan feel. Cowles Commons has updated their small green spaces just last year and looks great.

One bit of warning... occasionally their are groups of homeless folks. Most are nice people, but occasionally, they can be intoxicated and...

Great place to hang out with your family. Colored fountains are fun for kids to play in. They have a public piano in the warmer seasons, that you can play. It's not uncommon to see skateboarders doing tricks. All-in-all, it's a cool place to be.

One caution, is they've glued down decorative metal leaves all over the perimeter of the border ledges where people sit. The edges of all of them are sharp as knives. Can't believe these things haven't been removed or at least dulled already. It's definitely an accident...