Court Avenue District

Court Avenue is one of Des Moines’ oldest downtown areas – and one of its most fun. Historic office buildings and shops have been reinvented as popular restaurants, clubs and an assortment of rapidly growing residential dwellings in a dynamic mix of life that continues to evolve.

Anchored at the west end by the stalwart Polk County Court House, the Court Avenue district extends east to the river bridge. Period street lamps, planters and park benches dot the sidewalks up and down the street, making it an attractive and pedestrian-friendly setting. Jazz and hip-hop music spill out of the establishments, as do the tantalizing scents of the restaurants along the avenue. And, every Saturday morning from May to October, Court Avenue is the place to be. The Downtown Farmers Market has grown in popularity such that vendors now adorn the spur streets next to Court Avenue for a chance to entice throngs of weekend shoppers, and street entertainers and musicians add to the festive atmosphere.

Court Avenue’s ideal location offers retailers, restaurateurs and residents an abundance of downtown activity and foot traffic. Just a block from the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines, Court Avenue serves up dinner, drinks and after-performance fun to theater patrons. Sports fans heading to nearby Principal Park, home of the Iowa Cubs, often make Court Avenue their first stop. And, the proximity of the new multi-million dollar Science Center of Iowa on 4th Street and the planned Principal Riverwalk at the avenue’s east end will encourage even more visitors to easily discover this one-of-a-kind district.