Holding an Event at The Thoreau Center

Due to remodeling work, the Thoreau Center is not available for rent in June, July or August of 2025.

The Thoreau Center offers an air of warmth and a distinctive quality to your event.  Built in 1926, the multi-room venue is appropriate for seated events, as well as for reception-type celebrations.

In the heart of a historical residential district, the Thoreau Center is unique among Des Moines rental facilities –

• • Parking is nearby and free;
  • You may bring in your own food, or use the caterer of your choice;
  • You may serve your own beer and wine;
  • We provide and set up tables and chairs to your liking;

By holding your event at the Thoreau Center, you and your guests can get away and think, relax, and celebrate.

Basic Rental Fees:

• • Most events Mondays through Thursdays – $350.
  • Most events on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and holiday weekends – $495.
  • Weddings, wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners or other events related to a wedding – $950.
  • Daytime business meetings on Mondays through Thursdays – $250 for the first four hours, plus $35 per hour for additional hours or a portion of an hour, with a maximum rental fee of $350 per day.

The above rates are for your rental period on the day of the event. If you want to set up the day before or clean up the day after your event, and the times are available, additional fees will be charged.

Contact us about rates for recurring events such as classes, monthly meetings, etc.

General Rental Information

To rent the Thoreau Center, contact the Thoreau Center at 515-279-7312 or info@thethoreaucenter.com.  A short Rental Agreement, one-half of the rental fee and a refundable damage/security deposit is required to reserve your event more than 120 days in advance. The other half of the rental fee is due 30 days prior to the event. If you want to reserve a date that is less than 120 days away, then the entire rental fee and damage/security deposit is required to reserve the date. The rental fee will be refunded to you if the event is cancelled at least thirty days before the event.

Except for daytime business meetings, your actual event cannot last more than four hours, but you can have up to three hours before your event to get set up and one hour after the event to clean-up. Your event must be over by 9:30 p.m., with cleanup done by 10:30 p.m. or with one hour after the end of your event, whichever is earlier.

Damage/Security Deposit

A damage/security deposit of $300 is required to be paid at the time you reserve your event. The damage/security deposit for weddings, wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners and other events related to a wedding is $700. The deposit will be refunded within thirty days after your event with the following exceptions:

– Your entire deposit will not be refunded if you cancel your event 45 days or less before the date of your event.

–  One-half of the deposit will not be refunded if you cancel your event more than 45 days before the date of your event.

–  Your deposit will not be refunded if the event lasts longer than the reserved ending time of your event, or if you do not follow the Thoreau Center rules, including rules regarding noise, smoking and the use and serving of alcohol.

– Your deposit will be used to pay for any damages to or theft from the Thoreau Center during your rental period. You will be financially responsible for any damages that exceed that exceed the damage deposit.

– Your deposit will be used to pay for cleaning services if you fail to return the Thoreau Center to its condition prior to your event. Cleaning services will be billed at $40 per person per hour.