Doors to the Past 2026, Walking Tour of Homes: 50th Anniversary

Sherman Hill, one of Des Moines’ oldest organized neighborhoods, is listed on the National Register of Historic Districts and features nearly 300 structures developed in the 19th and 20th centuries.
This walking tour—now a Des Moines staple—invites visitors to explore the neighborhood at a leisurely pace while being guided through the history and architecture of approximately 15 historic homes, along with gardens, buildings, and other notable points of interest.
Homes on the tour are in various stages of restoration, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at both completed projects and works in progress, as homeowners and volunteers share the stories that shape Sherman Hill’s past and present.