Timeline
16:24
Grab an ice cream from Black Cat Ice Cream. It is just a two-minute walk from the Sherman House, so you can grab it early and have it ready while you explore the grounds. Note that it is closed on Mondays, so check if your visit falls on that day.
16:44
Walk around the Lampson P. Sherman House. Spend twenty minutes looking at the crossed gables, the shingles in the gable ends, and the turned porch columns. The late afternoon sun will be hitting the frame dwelling nicely, highlighting the architectural details before the light fades.
17:09
Watch the sunset. Stand near the porch or in the front yard and look west-southwest. The sun will set at 17:09, casting a final warm glow on the historic structure and the surrounding Drake University-owned grounds.
17:29
End your visit with a slow walk through the immediate neighborhood. The historic charm of the area continues just beyond the property lines, making it a peaceful place to digest your ice cream and reflect on the architecture.
Local tip
Black Cat Ice Cream is closed on Mondays. If you are visiting on a Monday, skip the ice cream step or check the hours for other nearby options like Drake Diner, which opens at 07:00 on weekdays.
Check before you go
- Black Cat Ice Cream is closed on Mondays (Tu-Su 12:30-21:00).
- Drake Diner is open Mo-Sa 07:00-23:00 and Su 07:00-22:00 if you prefer a full meal instead of ice cream.
Worth knowing
- Black Cat Ice Cream is open at 16:24 only on Tu, We, Th, Fr, Sa, Su
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Des Moines (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).