The River Bend Neighborhood is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the City of Des Moines, Iowa. Within this area, you’ll find a diverse mix of families living in some of the oldest homes in the city. Many of the houses in River Bend date back to the 1870’s. Each year, the Neighborhood Association sponsors a tour of homes in the district.

The annual Historic Home Tour is River Bend Neighborhood Association’s largest fundraising event. It has helped fund projects such as the new neighborhood entrance signs, restoration of the Ruan House, maintenance of various empty and neglected lots and properties and River Bend’s newest community building and support event, the Heart of Des Moines Farmers Market.

The tour is an opportunity to provide the community at large a glimpse into some of the homes, farms and businesses in the district. The tour highlights homes in varying stages of renovation and restoration, several designed by prominent architects. This year marks the 24th year for the tour. It will be held on Saturday, September 10 and Sunday, September 11. Whether you’ve been on the tour many times or this will be your first time, we are excited to welcome you to our neighborhood and our Home Tour!