The Iowa State Bar Association is thrilled to welcome you to Iowa’s vibrant capital for the 2026 National High School Mock Trial Championships. We hope your time here is as inspiring as it is competitive. Des Moines is a city that prides itself on its Midwestern hospitality and friendly, walkable downtown. As you prepare to argue your case and make memories, we want to ensure that navigating our city is the least of your concerns.
To make your experience seamless, we have compiled a comprehensive guide to getting around Des Moines. Whether you’re exploring the bustling downtown, visiting local attractions, or traveling to and from the competition, the resources below will help you find your way with ease. We hope these tools empower you to focus on what matters most—delivering a compelling performance and enjoying all that our city has to offer.
It’s easy to get around Downtown Des Moines by car, bike, bus or on foot. Whatever your preferred way to get from one place to another during your time here, we’ve got you covered!
If you’re heading to Downtown DSM for work or play, consider using Uber or Lyft. Enjoy the convenience of finding a ride in one touch while finding the best fares in town. Additionally, various local taxi cab companies also service Downtown DSM and the surrounding region.
DSM has plentiful trails and Downtown DSM is no exception. Run, bike or walk through our connected city and enjoy the scenery of Downtown DSM. For more interactive trail information, try the Iowa By Trail app. The Central Iowa Trail Association updates trail conditions daily for Center Trails such as Greenwood/Ashworth Park, located on the western edge of Downtown DSM. There are more than 800 miles of connected walking, biking and running trails in the region, with Downtown DSM as the culminating point for many of these area trails. Additionally, mountain biking and hiking trails are nearby as well. Many Downtown DSM festivals, markets and events offer free bike valet services, as well, for those that use the trail system to navigate to their favorite events.
Want a bicycle to ride around Downtown DSM? Choose BCycle, a next-generation bicycle sharing program. BCycle members can pick up a bike at any B-station and return it to the same or different station when they’re finished. A 15-minute ride starts at just $4.50! Or try the pay-as-you-go option, which costs $1 to unlock the bike plus 10 cents for each minute of use. For more information, visit Des Moines BCycle.
Want to really get a feel for Downtown DSM? Try a biking or walking tour! Getting out of the car and into the city is a great way to experience what all the buzz is about. There are tours for all types of interests and groups. The Des Moines Bicycle Collective has a great listing of biking and walking tours.
The Downtown Des Moines Skywalk provides a convenient and easy way to get around all year round. The Skywalk system is more than four miles of connected climate-controlled walkways in Downtown DSM above street level. Learn more about the Skywalk system on the City of Des Moines website.
Riding the bus around Downtown DSM is simple with the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART). For the most up to date routes, check out DART’s interactive map and bus stop finder.