John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park – Des Moines, Iowa

[Photo courtesy of Des Moines Parks and Rec]
[Photo courtesy of Des Moines Parks and Rec]
The Pappajohn Sculpture Park is a fun burst of greenery and art downtown, with lots of open space for picnicking, walking, and observing the art. It is a part of Western Gateway Park, which has a water feature and other art nearby.

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Information:

Name: John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Address: 1418 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Type: Places to visit and places to take a walk
Bathrooms: No
Shade: No
Playground: No
Trails: Yes, paved
Water: No
Other notes: The sculpture park is sandwiched between several busy roads, for reference if you’re taking kids. You are not supposed to touch or climb on the sculptures, with the exception of Scott Burton’s Seating for Eight. You can schedule a free guided tour April-October here. An audio tour of the Pappajohn Sculpture Park is available online or by dialing 515.657.8264
Official Website:   http://www.dmgov.org/Departments/Parks/Pages/PappajohnSculpturePark.aspx
DSMOF Blog posts:
Other things nearby of note:

  • Central Library is within walking distance
  • If you walk a little further, the SE corner of the library has a little courtyard with chessboards and greenery (right outside the Starbucks)
    If you’re looking for other places to get outside, check back-in with the interactive map!

Pictures:

[Photo courtesy of Des Moines Parks and Rec]
[Photo courtesy of Des Moines Parks and Rec]

Have you been here? Leave a comment and let people know what you think!

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