River Bend Historic Home Tour

Annual Home Tour Showcases Architectural Treasures and Local History RIVER BEND, DES MOINES – September, 2025 – The River Bend Historic Home Tour returns for its 27th annual celebration of local architectural heritage and community history on Saturday, September 20th and Sunday, September 21st, 2025. This much-loved community tradition offers visitors an exclusive opportunity to step inside some of the area's most significant and beautifully preserved historic residences. Tour Highlights The self-guided tour will feature more than half a dozen carefully selected homes spanning the Victorian era through the early 20th century, each offering unique insights into River Bend's rich architectural and cultural legacy. Properties on this year's tour include: • The boyhood home of John Ruan, Sr. • A fully renovated home celebrating 150 years in 2025. • Homes that haven’t been on the tour in years. Event Details Dates: Saturday, September 20th and Sunday, September 21st, 2025 Hours: Homes will be open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM each day Tickets: $20 day-of, $15 in advance Starting Point: Ticket booth located at 1531 7th Street (just east of Moulton Elementary) Advance tickets are available now via www.riverbendneighborhood.org or for purchase at the ticket booth on tour days. Proceeds benefit the River Bend Neighborhood Association and its mission to improve quality of life, sense of community, and pride in its urban neighborhood. Special Features This year's tour includes several special attractions: • Commemorative tour booklet with architectural details and historical background. • Restoration demonstrations at select properties. • Unique views of the Des Moines River (and possible bald eagle sightings!). • Homes just beginning their renovation journeys – get a glimpse of the “before” and imagine the “after.” • An opportunity to connect with Des Moines history and your community. About the River Bend Historic Home Tour Organized by the River Bend Neighborhood Association, the River Bend Historic Home Tour has been connecting community members with their local heritage nearly every year since 1997. The annual event serves as both an educational opportunity and a fundraising effort to support ongoing community initiatives throughout the River Bend area. “At a time when community is so important, connecting with our past connects us with each other,” said Kathy Hellstern, President of the River Bend Neighborhood Association. "Each home tells a piece of River Bend's story, as well as the story of Des Moines itself, and we're honored that our neighbors are willing to share these treasures with our community." Visitor Information Tour maps and detailed property information will be available at the starting point. The tour is self-paced, and visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes. Limited parking is available at each location. A courtesy shuttle service will be available during the tour; however, please note that it has limited capacity and may not be able to accommodate all visitors at all times. For more information about the River Bend Historic Home Tour, visit www.riverbendneighborhood.org or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RiverBendNeighbors. About River Bend Neighborhood Association River Bend Neighborhood Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving quality of life, sense of community, and pride in their urban neighborhood. River Bend provides resources for special events and activities that promote community involvement, appreciation of diversity, education and safety, architectural preservation and restoration, small business opportunities, and effective communication.

Event Links

Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3241326-0

Facebook: https://go.evvnt.com/3241326-2

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