Get to Know: Pleasant Hill
The residential city of Pleasant Hill offers a mix of entertainment, shopping and growing business districts. During the summer, Chill on the Hill brings a weekly live music beginning in June, while Copper Creek Golf Course offers an 18-hole championship experience for golfers of all skill levels. Copper Creek Lake features a lighted trail ideal for cycling and walking, stretching approximately 1.22 miles. Nearby Sleepy Hollow Sports Park continues to evolve as a year-round destination, with Snowflex bringing tubing, skiing and snowboarding to the region in all seasons. Hungry? Grab a spoon and try the award-winning ice cream at Over the Top, a family-friendly spot that sources ingredients from Iowa dairies and small businesses.
Pleasant Hill at a Glance
- Population: 11,942 (2024, US Census Bureau)
- Location within Greater Des Moines: East
- Distance from Des Moines: 5.9 miles
- Type of Community: Suburb
- School District: Southeast Polk Community School District (Serves the communities of Altoona, Pleasant Hill, Mitchellville, Runnells and some portions of Des Moines.)
- County: Polk
Pleasant Hill in one sentence: Pleasant Hill is a community of choice.
The top five best things about Pleasant Hill: Pleasant Hill is the closest suburb to Downtown Des Moines (DSM) and offers strong parks and recreation, extensive trail connectivity, high-quality first responsive services, a growing community and support for local entrepreneurs.
Hidden Gems and Unexpected Finds in Pleasant Hill: Pleasant Hill features numerous lakes and ponds throughout the city, two public golf courses, mini golf, a bowling alley with an arcade, a movie theater and a variety of local restaurants.
Community Traditions and Annual Events: Events like Chill on the Hill (June/July), the family-friendly parade and fireworks in late summer and Trick-or-Treat Around the Lake (October) bring the Pleasant Hill community together.
Best Ways to Get Connected: Find opportunities to get involved through the local Lions Club, Good Government for Pleasant Hill, city boards and commissions and the Chamber of Commerce.
If you’re coming to check out the community, be sure to spend your day ... visiting Great Escape for bowling or the arcade, enjoying Over the Top ice cream, playing a round of golf, dining at local restaurants, or exploring the trails and parks throughout Pleasant Hill.
Some of the ways Pleasant Hill advances inclusive strategies: Pleasant Hill supports inclusion by working to provide a range of housing options for residents and continuing to ensure city boards, organizations and community initiatives are welcoming and inclusive.
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