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Iowa's Little Lady Liberty

A symbol of freedom in Des Moines' East Village, the Iowa Statue of Liberty offers a moment of reflection and a picturesque escape.

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A replica of the Statue of Liberty graces Des Moines' East Village, symbolizing freedom and the connection to American ideals. This smaller version, donated by the Boy Scouts of America in 1950, offers a moment of reflection and a picturesque photo opportunity.

A brief summary to Iowa Statue of Liberty

  • Des Moines, East Village, Iowa, 50319, US

Local tips

  • Visit during sunset for a beautiful photo opportunity as the light casts a warm glow on the statue.
  • Explore the surrounding East Village for unique shops, local restaurants, and art installations.
  • Take a moment to reflect on the statue's symbolism of freedom and democracy.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are already in the East Village area, the Iowa Statue of Liberty is easily accessible by foot. Head towards Grand Avenue and walk east until you reach the intersection with E 15th Street. The statue is located at this intersection.

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Des Moines, take DART Bus Route 60. Ask the driver to announce when you arrive in the East Village area. The statue is near the intersection of E 15th St and Grand Ave. Walk east on Grand Ave, and the statue will be a short walk from the bus stop. A single ride on DART is $1.75.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Des Moines. A short trip from downtown to the East Village should cost approximately $8-$14, depending on traffic and demand.

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Discover more about Iowa Statue of Liberty

In the heart of Des Moines' vibrant East Village stands the Iowa Statue of Liberty, a scaled replica of the iconic New York landmark. This statue serves as a reminder of the principles of freedom and democracy upon which the United States was founded. Donated to the State of Iowa in 1950 by the Tall Corn (now Mid-Iowa) Council of the Boy Scouts of America, as part of their annual service project, the statue's concept is attributed to Jack Whitaker, a Kansas City businessman involved with the Boy Scouts. After seeing a chicken wire and concrete replica in Spirit Lake, Iowa, Whitaker commissioned a mold to be made, and Scout troops then purchased replicas to present to cities and towns nationwide. Standing at 8 feet 4 inches tall, the Iowa Statue of Liberty is constructed from 47 pieces of sheet copper. While smaller than the original, it captures the essence of the New York statue and provides a space for contemplation amidst the urban landscape. The statue is located near the intersection of E 15th St and Grand Ave. The surrounding East Village neighborhood offers a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it an ideal spot to explore local culture and cuisine.

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