The Pedestrian Bridge in Des Moines, Iowa….a Must See! Photos by Bob Kelly

The 400 foot long pedestrian bridge across the Des Moines River, in downtown Des Moines is a stunner.  Its graceful arch with the help of many cables holds two decks for walking and biking.  One portion of it in the center  has a glass bottom that has criss-cross supports built into the glass, but does allow some views of the water below as one walks on it.  

At night colored lights spread across the walking and biking decks, while lights shine down through the glass bottom on onto the Des Moines River.  All of this as colored spotlights add color to the underside of the arch. 

 You may have seen it as you cross the Des Moines River on I-235, but to really appreciate it, drive down to the Botanical Center, park in their lot, walk past the Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens and temple, and onto the bridge.  The skyline view of Des Moines is lovely, particularly in the early morning hours as the sun lights up the west side of the river.