Woodland Heights Neighborhood

The Woodland Heights neighborhood is well-loved for its charming older homes and fantastic location. Being just a couple of minutes from downtown and within walking distance of dining and shopping on Ingersoll Avenue has its advantages. Not only that, but residents and community organizations have worked hard to make this one of the most up-and-coming neighborhoods in all of Des Moines.

Kids and adults alike have no trouble finding something to do in and around the Woodland Heights neighborhood. Whether you’re looking for dinner at a local hotspot or a place to cool off on a hot summer day, you won’t have to look far.

Things to do in Woodland Heights

One of the many reasons people choose to live in Woodland Heights is its proximity to, well, everything. When you’re in Woodland Heights, you’re within walking distance of so many great things to do!

With Ingersoll Avenue’s quaint shops and dining all within walking distance, you don’t even have to get in your car for a coffee or bite to eat. Stop by Zanzibar’s Coffee Adventure for a latte or Creme Cupcake for a delectable house-made dessert. Or have an amazing dinner at Star Bar and swing by Ingersoll Tap for an after dinner drink and some trivia.

Chamberlain Park is conveniently located in the Woodland Heights neighborhood. This park is the perfect place for families to gather and enjoy the outdoors. It offers a large playground, shelter, grills and plenty of large shade trees for those hot summer days.

Woodland Heights is also home to a piece of Des Moines history. Woodland Cemetery encompasses 69 acres and was established in 1848 before Des Moines even became Iowa’s state capital, making it the oldest cemetery in Des Moines. Learn more about the history of Woodland Cemetery on the popular tour through the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs.

Things to do close to Woodland Heights

You don’t have to look much beyond the Woodland Heights area to find even more great things to do and see.

Take a stroll through Better Homes and Gardens Test Gardens on Friday afternoons. Admire the beautiful flowers where the well-known publication tests and photographs plants for their website and magazine.

Nearby is Central Library, the library with the green roof! Stop in to check out a book, use a computer or take in a fun and educational library program.

The John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park is a short distance from Woodland Heights, next to Central Library. It’s a unique, outdoor art exhibit everyone is sure to appreciate. Audio tours and guided tours are available.

Gray’s Lake Park is close by and offers the ideal escape to nature in the middle of the city! The trail around the lake is perfect for walking, running or biking, or you could rent a boat and try your hand at sailing or paddling on the lake. Fishing and swimming are also permitted.

The Terrace Hill Historic Site is also located near Woodland Heights. Not only is it a notable historic site, but is also the primary residence of Iowa’s governor and her family. Guided tours are available March through December.

Not far from Woodland Heights are a few area parks that include free spraygrounds, fountains and wading pools for those hot summer days. For lots of enjoyable outdoor entertainment, check out Good Park, Evelyn K. Davis Park, or Drake Park for a day of fun in the sun!

There is no shortage of things to keep you busy in and around Woodland Heights. And you just can’t beat the charm, convenience, and sense of community of this unique neighborhood!