My Local Guide

Capital Energy, River Trails, and Big-City Variety

Polk County, Iowa

Polk County is Iowa’s most populous county and the heart of the Des Moines metro, combining state-capital energy with neighborhoods, suburbs, parks, trails, lakes, arts, sports, shopping, and major events. Des Moines anchors the county, while Ankeny, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Altoona, Johnston, Pleasant Hill, and other communities add distinct destinations. From downtown museums and the Iowa State Fair to Saylorville Lake and Jester Park, the county offers something for almost every kind of day.

Polk County at a Glance

Population516,546 (2025 estimate)
County SeatDes Moines
Largest CityDes Moines
Established1846
ZIP CodesMultiple metro ZIP Codes
Total AreaApprox. 592 sq mi
Major RoutesI-35, I-80, I-235, US 65, US 69, IA 141
Area Code515
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Greenfield County courthouse
Discover Polk County

Polk County

Polk County was established in 1846 and grew from a river-centered frontier county into Iowa’s largest population center. Des Moines became the state capital and developed into a major center for government, finance, insurance, health care, education, manufacturing, and culture. Railroads, highways, suburban growth, immigration, and regional development expanded the county well beyond downtown, creating today’s mix of dense urban neighborhoods, fast-growing suburbs, historic communities, working farmland, lakes, trails, and protected natural areas.

Polk County rewards variety. Spend a morning at the Iowa State Capitol, Science Center, Art Center, or East Village, then walk Gray’s Lake or the Principal Riverwalk. Head north for Jester Park and Saylorville Lake, east for Adventureland and Altoona shopping, or west for Valley Junction and Jordan Creek. Farmers markets, sports, concerts, trails, festivals, libraries, breweries, museums, and neighborhood restaurants make the county easy to explore in many different ways.

What Shapes Us

Capital Heritage

State government, historic neighborhoods, civic institutions, museums, architecture, and migration stories give Polk County a layered history at the center of Iowa.

Metro & Nature

River corridors, lakes, parks, trails, prairie, wetlands, and more than 16,000 acres of county-managed natural areas balance the county’s urban growth.

Regional Momentum

Des Moines and surrounding communities drive statewide growth through business, education, health care, arts, sports, events, neighborhoods, and expanding local economies.

Where Iowa’s capital connects culture, commerce, and outdoors
My Local Guide

Polk County

Our County - Our Stories
Polk County Wire

Polk County Wire

Local Stories - DailyPhoto Credits
Radio Iowa

Iowa Business Council survey shows postive outlook on state’s economy

The Iowa Business Council (IBC) has released its third quarter Economic Outlook Survey that gauges the outlook for…

Read the Story Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read

Around Polk County

Stories from every corner of Polk County.

Iowa Business Council survey shows postive outlook on state’s economy

The Iowa Business Council (IBC) has released its third quarter Economic Outlook Survey that gauges the outlook for…

Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read

Horror film fest is highlight of Ottumwa’s Halloweenapalooza

The leaves are starting to change color, pumpkins are appearing on porches, and a scare is in the…

Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read

Names of northeast Iowa boaters who died in Mississippi River accident released

The Iowa DNR has identified two northeast Iowa men who drowned after their fishing boat hit a submerged…

Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read

Iowa farmers didn’t get much field time last week waiting for drier conditions

The harvest didn’t advance much last week as farmers waited for fields to dry out. The lastest U.S.D.A.…

Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read

Celebrating Iowa 4H from calves and canning to astronomy and robots

This is National 4H Week, recognizing the accomplishments of the program that reaches more than 120,000 young people…

Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read
POLK COUNTY WEATHER
Shop - Dine - Discover

Meet Local Businesses

Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.

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Polk County Resources

Everything You Need. All in One Place.

Find practical Polk County links for government, schools, health care, public safety, parks, trails, utilities, libraries, courts, transportation, veterans services, and employment.

Government

Polk County Government
County departments, services, public records, notices, and administration.
Official Website

Polk County Board of Supervisors
County legislative and administrative oversight.
Official Website

Polk County Auditor
Elections, county records, payroll, and administrative services.
Official Website
Phone: 515-286-3080

Polk County Treasurer
Property tax, vehicle, and financial services.
Official Website

City of Des Moines
Municipal government and services for the county seat and largest city.
Official Website
Phone: 515-283-4500

City of West Des Moines
Municipal government and services for West Des Moines.
Official Website

City of Ankeny
Municipal government and services for Ankeny.
Official Website

City of Urbandale
Municipal government and services for Urbandale.
Official Website

We’re Here To Help.

Useful answers for exploring, visiting, and living in Polk County.

Helpful Information

Frequently Asked Questions

From downtown Des Moines and the Iowa State Fair to Jester Park, Saylorville Lake, regional trails, suburbs, and neighborhood destinations, these answers focus on the Polk County details people actually ask about.

Shop - Dine - Discover

Meet Local Businesses

Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.

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My Local Guide

Find Something Fun

Top Picks for Every Kind of Day

Build a Polk County day around museums, trails, lakes, local food, shopping districts, sports, parks, family attractions, and major events.

Kids’ Fun

  1. Science Center of Iowa
  2. Blank Park Zoo
  3. Jester Park Nature Center
  4. Iowa State Fairgrounds
  5. Adventureland Resort

Restaurants

  1. Zombie Burger + Drink Lab
  2. Fong’s Pizza
  3. Miyabi 9
  4. Harbinger
  5. Hessen Haus

Shopping & Retail

  1. Jordan Creek Town Center
  2. Historic East Village Shops
  3. Historic Valley Junction
  4. Outlets of Des Moines
  5. Uptown Ankeny & Prairie Trail

Clothing & Boutiques

  1. RAYGUN
  2. East Village Boutiques
  3. Valley Junction Boutiques
  4. Jordan Creek Fashion Retailers

Outdoor Fun

  1. Jester Park
  2. Gray’s Lake Park
  3. Water Works Park
  4. Easter Lake Park
  5. Saylorville Lake

Free Things To Do

  1. Des Moines Art Center
  2. Iowa State Capitol
  3. Jester Park Nature Center
  4. Principal Riverwalk
  5. Des Moines Public Library
Every place has a story.Find Your Next Favorite.
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