From RAGBRAI Des Moines (aka Des Moinesapalooza):

RAGBRAI, the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, is riding through Des Moines and Polk County on Wednesday, July 26, and Thursday, July 27, 2023.

This notice informs you of the road closures, detours, and impact of this race on the traffic near your home or business. There will be approximately 50,000 cyclists participating in the event from approximately 9 AM – 5 PM Wednesday and 6 AM – 12 PM Thursday.

Roads that will be closed or partially closed include:

Wednesday, July 26:

Northwest Madrid Drive (Madrid/Polk County)
North 3rd Street (Polk City)
East Northside Drive (Polk City)
Northwest 16th Street (Polk County, Ankeny)
US Hwy 69/NE 14th Street (Polk County, Des Moines)
East University Avenue (Des Moines)
East 9th Street (Des Moines)
East Walnut Street (Des Moines)
15th Street (Des Moines)
Martin Luther King Junior Parkway (Des Moines)
Northbound Fleur Drive (Des Moines)

Thursday, July 27:

George Flagg Pkwy (Des Moines)
Northbound Fleur Drive (Des Moines)
Martin Luther King Junior Parkway (Des Moines)
15th Street (Des Moines)
Walnut St and E Walnut St (Des Moines)
Dean Ave (Des Moines)
Northeast 27th Avenue (Polk County, Pleasant Hill, Altoona)
Northeast 72nd Street (Polk County, Altoona)
Northeast 96th Street (Altoona, Polk County)

Full maps and routes can be found here. We recognize this may affect your travel plans, and appreciate your understanding and help ensuring this is a safe event as we showcase the Metro. There will be significant law enforcement along the route and stationed at all major intersections helping to guide traffic. In addition, flaggers and volunteers will be wearing orange safety vests and assisting with traffic control.

RAGBRAI will overnight in Des Moines on July 26 at Water Works Park with Lynyrd Skynyrd playing a free concert for cyclists and the public that evening at the Lauridsen Amphitheater. Whether you’re a resident, a rider, or just want to be a part of the rocking atmosphere, we look forward to welcoming you to the heart and soul of Iowa.

Thanks for your understanding and assistance as we plan for a safe and fun event!