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Making a move to any community can be a big, life-changing decision. Will you like what it has to offer? Are you sure this is the best location for you? For those moving to Des Moines, Minnesota, a small community, you’ll want to take the time to get to know the area and all that’s located nearby. The good news is that there’s a lot to love about what Des Moines has to offer. Here’s what you need to know.

#1: It’s a Small Town, and That’s a Good Thing

Des Moines is home to about 236 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau data from 2020. This is a small township in the southern portion of the state. Yet, it’s large in land size spanning more than 32 square miles. Much of it remains rural and agricultural, creating a private place to call home. Across the entire township, there are about 115 households.

#2: It’s About 5 Minutes to the City of Jackson

Jackson, Minnesota, isn’t much larger than Des Moines, but it does offer more of the amenities that residents typically need. That includes shopping areas, banks, and other service providers. There are also a number of churches in this area. You can stop in at restaurants like Pillars Pub & Eatery for a meal or visit Sunshine Foods for groceries.

#3: The Jackson County School System Serves the Area

The Jackson County School District provides education throughout the area for those who have children in school. That includes Jackson County Central High School and Riverside Elementary School. This public school system is the largest in the region. For those looking to further their education after high school, Minnesota West Community and Technical College is located a few minutes from Des Moines.

#4: The City Was Named After the Des Moines River

Anyone moving to the city will likely spend some time watching (or at least traveling over) the Des Moines River. This river spans 50 to 200 feet wide but moves at a gentle, steady stream. It’s perfect for those who want to do some paddling or fishing on the riverbanks. After a rainfall, those waterways turn into dangerous rapids. It’s possible to canoe much of the area, though there are some lower points that make it a bit more difficult to navigate over the rocks. The Jackson County Park system manages the river and provides routine updates on its overall safety.

#5: It’s Located Just Off I-90

Des Moines is located just a few minutes off I-90, a major U.S. highway that runs 276 miles across the southern portion of Minnesota. For those that need to travel to Worthington, Rochester, Albert Lea, or Winona, it’s easy enough to do so on this freeway. There are exits off I-90 at Rost Township, Hunter Township, Jackson, and Alpha, providing good access throughout the county to the highway system.

Also notable, for those that need to head into Iowa, I-71 also runs through Jackson. That provides easy access to cities such as Fish Lake, Windom, Bergen, Superior, and Spirit Lake.

#6: The Jackson Municipal Airport Is Near

The Jackson Municipal Airport (MJQ) is located just to the east of Des Moines. It’s owned and managed by the city and provides for public use. There are two runways here, and on average, it operates over 50 flights per day. It’s mostly used for private planes, but it is possible to take a plane from this airport to numerous others throughout the region.

#7: You’ll Want to Spend the Day at the Motorplex

The Jackson Motorplex is about a 10-minute drive from Des Moines. It’s a car racing track that often has events taking place throughout the warmer months of the year. It’s been present since 1954, though updated numerous times. There’s camping nearby for those who are coming out of the region to enjoy the events here, though in Des Moines, you’re close to home. It’s home to the Jackson Nationals, IMCA Street Stocks, Championship Springs, and much more.

#8: Spend Some Time Fishing at Clear Lake

Clear Lake (not to be confused with the city of the same name) is a large lake that many people come to for the fishing. Walleye, northern pike, tiger muskie, and largemouth bass are common here. It’s also possible to find bluegill, crappie, and bullhead species. The fishing is open to the public, and it’s easy enough to spend some time relaxing in this densely forested area. It’s noted as one of the best walleye fishing lakes in the state, with good water quality overall. For those after these fish, aim towards the northern portion of the lake.

Also, note that this is a fantastic place to ice fish in the winter. Though conditions can be dangerous, many come out to ice fish. Typically, they catch crappie and walleye during the colder months.

#9: Check Out the Historical Sites in the Area

Jackson County is home to a number of unique historical sites. To get to know the area, visit Ashley Park, where you’ll find the Olson-Slaabakken cabin. It’s the oldest structure in the county and still safe to view. Fort Belmont is also located in this region. The farmhouse there dates back to 1873. There’s also a stockade and log cabin here and, though it is no longer operational, a blacksmith shop.

Des Moines may be small, but it has much to offer to those who want to get to know the area. Check out all it has to offer before moving here.

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