Timeline
15:09
Arrive at Blank Park Zoo while the afternoon light is still fading. The zoo is open until 17:00, so use this time to find a good vantage point for the sunset. The zoo closes at 17:00, so ensure you are inside the gates before then.
17:09
Stay for the sunset. The sun sets toward the WSW at 17:09. Since the zoo closes at 17:00, you will need to exit just before or as the sun begins to set, or check if the zoo allows evening access for special events like Zoo Brew. If not, catch the final moments of light from the perimeter or a nearby spot outside the gates.
18:09
Head out for dinner and a drink. No food or drink options are listed in the immediate context for Blank Park Zoo. Check the route to find a nearby restaurant in Des Moines that is open late.
Local tip
The zoo closes at 17:00. Plan to be inside or exiting by then. The sunset is at 17:09, so you might miss the very end of the sun inside the zoo unless there is a special event allowing extended hours.
Check before you go
- Blank Park Zoo closes at 17:00. Sunset is at 17:09. You may need to exit just before sunset or look for special evening events like Zoo Brew.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Des Moines (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).