Today more than 192,000 people live in Des Moines, and the City is recognized as a centre for government, education, business, culture, and the arts. Des Moines also has gained national recognition as a major insurance centre (the third largest in the world) with nearly 60 life, health, and casualty companies. The City's climate-controlled skywalk system serves as an important link to parking garages, hotels, restaurants, stores, and businesses. Skywalks make up more blocks per capita in Des Moines than in any other city of comparable size in the U.S. The City's numerous tourist attractions and facilities have established it as a popular and thriving Midwest city. Des Moines International Airport - Today, its an airport that serves approximately 50 different agencies and businesses and employs over 900 persons. In 1966, it topped the one-half million air passengers mark. By 1979, the figure was close to one and a half million passengers. And there is every indication the number of air travellers will continue to grow. As you look back on Des Moines Airport history, there's a montage of memories -- some humorous, some heart-breaking, some frustrating. But the past is dimmed by the present. Des Moines now has an airport that's a strong, viable part of the business community of central Iowa. Public Library of Des Moines - The Public Library of Des Moines Foundation is a non-profit community foundation founded in 1998 to promote, facilitate and implement collaboration between public and private funding sources in support of ensuring outstanding public library services in Des Moines today and tomorrow. As the largest public library in the state, the PLDM offers an outstanding variety of resources. In addition to its vast collection of printed materials, the PLDM provides a multitude of services for the greater Des Moines community. Whether you are looking for recreational reading material, help with your homework, or doing extensive research on a specific topic, you will find friendly professionals ready to serve you at any of our six locations. The Municipal Building, Des Moines' City Hall, is of historic significance for several reasons. Built in 1910, the building is a well-preserved example of Beaux Arts classical architecture. The structure was closely linked to the birth of the commission form of government in the United States and its construction was at the centre of a landmark Iowa Supreme Court decision on women's rights. Adventure land Park "Iowa’s Largest - Located on the northeast corner of the Des Moines metro area you’ll find one of the nicest family resorts in the Midwest. Adventure land provides fun and entertainment to hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Adventure land Park, Adventure land Inn, and Adventure land Campground all go to make up the resort complex where there’s plenty to do for all ages Adventure land Amusement Park contains over 100 rides, shows, and attractions including some of the country's most exciting roller coasters and thrill rides that can challenge the most avid amusement park enthusiasts. There are also plenty of rides for less adventurous guests including great water rides as well as a full compliment of children’s rides spread throughout the park. Since 1975, Metro Arts Alliance has worked to encourage appreciation of and participation in the arts in Greater Des Moines. We believe a rich cultural life is necessary to ensure the vitality and well-being of our community. Metro Arts maintains a calendar of scheduled events in the Des Moines area, produces Jazz in July , Jazz Under Glass , and other special events like the Show motion Outreach Program.