Sherman Hill - Image 1
1 / 3

Sherman Hill

Des Moines, United States

Explore Des Moines' oldest neighborhood, a treasure trove of Victorian architecture and community spirit.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

October evenings

Spooky Halloween decorations

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Sherman Hill - Image 1

Sherman Hill

Best Time

October evenings

Spooky Halloween decorations

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore Des Moines' oldest neighborhood, a treasure trove of Victorian architecture and community spirit.

"A true gem of Des Moines, Sherman Hill offers a captivating glimpse into the past with its stunning historic homes."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Wander and Explore

Take your time to walk around and admire the stunning Victorian homes. Many are privately owned, so be respectful!

🎃 Halloween Hotspot

Visit in late October for 'Halloween on the Hill' – a truly spectacular neighborhood event!

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Victorian Architecture

Victorian Architecture

Stroll through streets lined with beautifully preserved Victorian homes, showcasing intricate details and historical character.

Halloween on the Hill

Halloween on the Hill

Experience one of Des Moines' biggest Halloween events with elaborate decorations and community festivities.

Local Boutiques & Eateries

Local Boutiques & Eateries

Discover charming local spots like Big Grove Brewery and Lua, blending historic charm with vibrant new businesses.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Historic Charm

Sherman Hill is one of Des Moines' oldest neighborhoods, boasting beautiful Victorian architecture. Plan to wander its streets to admire the historic homes and soak in the unique atmosphere. Many houses are privately owned, so remember to be respectful of residents' privacy.

Seasonal Spectacles

If you're visiting around Halloween, don't miss 'Halloween on the Hill,' a major local event where residents go all out with decorations and activities.TikTokInstagram+1 This event is a fantastic way to experience the community spirit and see the neighborhood in a festive light.

Best Times

When
October evenings
Why
Spooky Halloween decorations
Crowd
Medium
When
Spring/Summer afternoons
Why
Pleasant for walking tours
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Sophia Connell Sherman Born 1818 in Pennsylvania Died 9 Sep 1871 Des Moines, Iowa Burial Woodland Cemetery Des Moines, Iowa Andrew Perrin instagram.com/i_shew_you_a_mystery
@millennialstonecleaner
60.3K likes • 843K views

🚶‍♀️ Wander and Explore

Take your time to walk around and admire the stunning Victorian homes. Many are privately owned, so be respectful! Instagram+1

🎃 Halloween Hotspot

Visit in late October for 'Halloween on the Hill' – a truly spectacular neighborhood event! TikTokInstagram+1

The best kept secret in #desmoines #iowa
@brad_podray
25K likes • 390.9K views
Halloween on the Hill 📍Sherman hill, Des Moines
iowalovers
269 likes • 6.4K views

☕ Support Local

Check out local spots like Big Grove Brewery and Lua for a taste of the neighborhood's vibrant scene. Instagram

📸 Photo Opportunities

The historic houses and tree-lined streets offer beautiful backdrops for photography enthusiasts. Instagram

119 enters the grade crossing while tackling Sherman Hill 🛑 Taken on 6/1/25 📸 #theomahazoo #omahazoo #omahazoorailroad #ozrr #ozrr119 #zootrain #narrowgauge #crownmetalproducts #railroadcrossing
omahazoorailroad
564 likes • 16.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Wander and Explore

Take your time to walk around and admire the stunning Victorian homes. Many are privately owned, so be respectful! Instagram+1

🎃 Halloween Hotspot

Visit in late October for 'Halloween on the Hill' – a truly spectacular neighborhood event! TikTokInstagram+1

☕ Support Local

Check out local spots like Big Grove Brewery and Lua for a taste of the neighborhood's vibrant scene. Instagram

📸 Photo Opportunities

The historic houses and tree-lined streets offer beautiful backdrops for photography enthusiasts. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Sherman Hill's stunning Victorian architecture and its charming, historic atmosphere. The neighborhood is particularly celebrated for its vibrant 'Halloween on the Hill' event, which brings the community together in a spectacular display. While primarily residential, its proximity to local eateries adds to its appeal.

What People Like

Beautiful Victorian homes
Historic charm
Halloween on the Hill event

What People Dislike

Limited dining within the district

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Sherman Hill is located just west of downtown Des Moines. It's easily accessible by car, with many visitors finding it convenient to park and explore on foot. Public transportation options are also available, though walking is often recommended to fully appreciate the neighborhood's charm. TikTok

Absolutely! Sherman Hill is best explored on foot to truly appreciate its historic architecture and charming streets. Wear comfortable shoes for your stroll. Instagram

Street parking is generally available throughout the neighborhood. During special events like 'Halloween on the Hill,' parking might be more challenging, so arriving early is advised. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Sherman Hill is a residential neighborhood and is free to visit and explore. You don't need tickets to walk around and admire the historic houses. TikTok

As a neighborhood, Sherman Hill doesn't have set operating hours. It's accessible at any time, though visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and better viewing of the architecture. Special events may have specific times. Instagram

While there aren't official guided tours readily advertised, many visitors enjoy self-guided walking tours to discover the historic homes. Local real estate listings sometimes highlight the unique properties available. Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

The entire neighborhood is a photographer's dream! Focus on the intricate details of the Victorian homes, the tree-lined streets, and the unique character of each house. Instagram+2

Yes, you can photograph the exteriors of the houses from public streets. Remember that these are private residences, so be mindful and respectful of the residents' privacy. Instagram

Definitely. The blend of historic architecture, mature trees, and the occasional local event like 'Halloween on the Hill' provides excellent opportunities for street photography. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While Sherman Hill is primarily a residential historic district, it's adjacent to areas with many dining options. Popular spots like Big Grove Brewery and Lua are within walking distance and offer a great local experience. Instagram

You'll find a variety of cuisines near Sherman Hill, from casual pub fare at breweries to more upscale dining experiences. The proximity to downtown Des Moines means endless culinary choices. Instagram

You may also like

Sherman Hill (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide