Weekends
Things to do near The Jefferson
The south side's weekends are the repeatable kind: the zoo, the lake, the park, and the city a short drive up the street when you want more.
Blank Park Zoo
4.0 miles southwest, at 7401 SW 9th Street. Blank Park Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and run through a partnership between the City of Des Moines and the Blank Park Zoo Foundation. It is the metro's zoo, close enough to be a regular outing rather than a trip.
The lake and the parks
Easter Lake Park, 2.8 miles away, has a four-mile loop trail around the water for a walk, a ride or a paddle (Polk County Conservation runs it). Ewing Park, 2.2 miles south, has the lilac arboretum. The parks and trails page has the rest.
The city
Downtown Des Moines is about 3.4 miles north for the bigger things: the Court Avenue district, the East Village, the riverfront and the events that fill the calendar. Close enough to go on a whim. Every home is a renovated two-bedroom, one bath, about 850 square feet, with a new kitchen, a redone bath, new flooring and fresh paint, and a stove and refrigerator included. Live pricing is on the availability page.
Questions people ask
What is there to do near The Jefferson?
Blank Park Zoo (4.0 miles), Easter Lake Park with its loop trail (2.8 miles), Ewing Park (2.2 miles), and downtown Des Moines (3.4 miles north).
How far is Blank Park Zoo from The Jefferson?
About 4.0 miles by road, at 7401 SW 9th Street. It is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Is there anything to do with kids nearby?
Blank Park Zoo is 4.0 miles away and Easter Lake Park, with its trail and water, is 2.8 miles. Both are short drives from SE 14th Street.
Distances are road miles from 3712 SE 14th Street, measured with OpenStreetMap routing in October 2026. The site keeps no distance module of its own, so the route planner is the source. Zoo and park facts from Blank Park Zoo, Polk County Conservation and the City of Des Moines, October 2026.
More about living here
- Living in South Des Moines
- Shopping near The Jefferson
- Groceries and everyday errands near The Jefferson
- Eating and drinking near The Jefferson
- Commuting from The Jefferson
- Apartments near the Des Moines airport
- Parks and trails near The Jefferson
- The floor plan at The Jefferson, explained
- Renovated kitchens and baths at The Jefferson
- Pet-friendly apartments at The Jefferson
- How to apply at The Jefferson
- Working from home at The Jefferson
- What residents say about The Jefferson
- The neighborhood guide
- All questions