Interactive Campus Map | Drake University

Search

Table of Contents

Tours

  1. Self-Guided Tour

    Experience all that Drake has to offer, at your own pace. Use our virtual map to learn more about some key spots on campus.

    Stops

    1. Old Main & Sheslow Auditorium

      Welcome to Drake University! You're currently in front of Old Main, the original building on Drake's campus built in 1882-83. Old Main is now listed in the National Registry of Historical Landmarks.  Originally, Old Main's facilities included classrooms, administrative offices, a chapel, and even a cafeteria.  Currently, Old Main houses administrative offices. On the backside of Old Main, you will find Sheslow Auditorium, which is a 700-seat gathering place and location for numerous events, music performances,  and speakers. Notable events in Sheslow include multiple nationally televised Presidential debates and Presidential campaign events. The auditorium features more than 50 stained-glass windows.

       

      Students flock to picturesque Old Main to take the perfect Instagram selfies. Check out some of our favorite photo spots:  

      • Under Old Main's arch
      • On top of the nearby Drake University sign (just like Drake the Rapper did)
      • Standing on Kissing Rock and kissing your sweetheart, in honor of Drake tradition
      • By the bulldog statue in the South Lawn to capture yourself in front of the entire building
      The Bulldog Statue in the South Lawn is the perfect postcard-worthy spot to capture yourself in front of the entire building.

    2. Cole Hall & Carnegie Hall

      You are now standing in between Cole Hall (South) and Carnegie Hall (North).

       

      Cole Hall was built in 1904 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Today it serves as the Drake Office of Undergraduate Admission. During COVID-19, the office is not open to walk-in visitors. You may reach an admission counselor by emailing admission@drake.edu or calling (515) 271-3181. We invite you to engage in one of our regularly scheduled virtual programs! Register at www.drake.edu/visit.

       

      Carnegie Hall is a "one-stop” student experience for all matters related to student finance and registration as home to the Office of Student Financial Planning, The Office of the Registrar & Student Accounts, and Cashier’s Office. In addition, the lower floor is home to the Computer Help Desk area, which troubleshoots all kinds of help with personal computers and provides students with free Microsoft Office software for both Macs & PC’s. The second floor of Carnegie houses the Graphic Design facilities, which offer 24-hour access to Graphic Design/Art students.

    3. Cowles Library

      Cowles Library is the largest private academic library in Iowa. It provides free academic tutoring, newly refurbished study spaces, and a Starbucks café. The archival vault stores historic documents found only at Drake, such as the political papers of Iowa Senator Tom Harkin, and the extensive online database gives students access to over 30,000 books and 28,000 journals. Certain areas of the library remain open 24 hours a day, which guarantees that students will always have a place to study.

    4. The Painted Street

      This is the iconic Painted Street! Painting the street each year during the week leading up to the Drake Relays is the largest student tradition on campus–and always turns into a giant student body paint fight. The resulting mural is a representation of just some of Drake's 140+ student clubs and organizations tied into last year’s Drake Relays theme. Along the side of the Painted Street, you will find a plaque that commemorates the student-led #PaintItBlack movement and Drake’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

    5. Johansen Student Center

      Opening Spring 2025, the Johansen Student Center will be a hub that offers the first dedicated space for students from both domestic and international populations. This space will become the home to our student clubs and organizations, and will feature lounge spaces, office spaces, and dynamic study spaces, all equipped with the latest technology to promote collaboration.

    6. Meredith Hall

      Meredith Hall houses the School of Journalism and Mass Communication and the Pappajohn Innovation Studio, and the history, politics, international relations, and language departments. The award-winning School of Journalism and Mass Communication is one of only 16 accredited private journalism schools in the nation. The building is named after Drake's partner Meredith Corporation, an international media company and premier internship site based in Des Moines. Students have access to computer labs with the latest software; recently remodeled audio and video facilities; and digital gadgets to experiment with. Students create content for multiple digital platforms, from breaking news to long-form features, and multimedia advertising and public relations campaigns. Informal spaces invite collaboration, and small classrooms inspire engagement.

    7. Aliber Hall

      Aliber Hall is home to Drake's internationally accredited College of Business and Public Administration and School of Actuarial Science. Drake's College of Business is one of 16 universities in the country recognized as a Center for Actuarial Excellence. The College is also known for world-class majors in accounting, business studies, entrepreneurship, economics, data analytics, finance, information systems, international business, marketing, and management & organizational leadership. The College's Career Center and advanced technologies equip students with the professionalism and technical skills needed to navigate an ever-changing business landscape. Forbes ranked Des Moines the "#1 Best Place for Business and Careers," so Drake's location provides plentiful opportunities for learning, internships, and employment in a variety of industries and business disciplines. While at Drake, business students complete multiple internships, which, combined with our extensive business alumni network and personalized approach to education, sets students up for successful careers immediately upon graduation and for a lifetime.

    8. Goodwin-Kirk Residence Hall (“GK”)

      The largest of seven residence halls on campus, Goodwin-Kirk provides suite-style living for upperclass students, a recreational area with pool tables and lounge, laundry room, kitchenette, and mailboxes for residents. The 3 bay window-seats in each suite provides for a wonderful well-lit ambience. The volleyball court and hammock stands add extra outdoor fun in the courtyard. To the west of G-K, you will find the Student Health Center, Greek Street, and a popular off-campus private apartment complex, Drake West Village.

    9. Olmsted Center

      The Olmsted Student Center is a building where students gather day and night to hang out. In Olmsted, you may see a band or comedian on Pomerantz Stage, watch a movie in Sussman theatre, or grab a coffee with friends from the Olmsted Starbucks. The lower level of the building also features “Underground Fitness”–a student-only cardio-gym. The three story building is peppered with student-meeting spaces, comfy chairs, and great study spots for the student who seeks out a hive activity.

    10. Hubbell Dining Hall

      Are you hungry? Hubbell Dining Hall (affectionately called “The Hubb”) received a multi-million dollar renovation in the summer of 2020 with updated wall murals and signage, innovative seating arrangements, a new “food court concept," meal stations, and an extensive menu to meet the diverse dietary needs of Drake's student body.

       

      Drake students can also choose an extended late-night hour menu, grab-and-go options, or can use their meal plan to grab a snack from our on-campus convenience store or at one of the on-campus cafés. Temporary accommodations have been made during COVID-19 for student health and safety in the dining facilities, including limiting capacity for students, no visitor access, increased grab-and-go-options, and managing traffic flow. All food is served to the students to minimize contact with serving utensils.

      Want to see inside Hubbell? View a 360-degree tour here.

    11. "The Quads”: Stalnaker, Crawford, Carpenter, and Herriot Halls

      There are eight residence halls at Drake, however the four “Quads”: Stalnaker, Crawford, Carpenter, and Herriot Residence Halls are home to most Drake's first-year students. These four identical buildings are a part of a large group of buildings on Drake’s west side of campus, which were all designed by acclaimed architect Eero Saarinen (who also designed the St. Louis Arch). Each one of the first-year residence halls offers spacious double, triple, and single rooms. You will find a close-knit community in each residence hall which includes annual social events in the halls and abundant programming by the RAs, residence hall government, and residence hall intramural teams. In their down-time, students socialize in the lobby, which has a television, sofas, and study areas, and quickly becomes the "living room" of the hall. An extra perk: no need to pack quarters–laundry at Drake is free!

       

      Outside the Quads, hammocks welcome students to lounge and “hang-out” with their friends. The iconic hill under the Quad bridges hosts the annual “Hubbelling” sledding event–a Drake tradition that dates back generations and is a planned annual winter event for Drake co-eds.

      Want to see inside of our residence halls? View a 360-degree tour here.

    12. Helmick Commons

      Helmick Commons is named for Bob Helmick, a Drake Board of Trustee member, well-known attorney, and member of the U.S. Olympic Committee. Helmick grew up at 28th Street and Carpenter Avenue (now a part of Drake’s campus) and this area was his childhood playground. His gift to the University secured this area would always be an open and beautiful landscaped space for students. Today, it is common to see pick-up games of frisbee or students outside tabling for their organizations, when the weather is warm. Helmick Commons is also a popular outdoor area to lay out a blanket to read or picnic. On the north side of the commons is an Agora and waterfall. Students love to utilize the blue Adirondack chairs in this area–which were built by campus facilities staff using wood from felled trees on campus-to enjoy the views of our beautiful campus.

    13. Drake Stadium

      Drake Stadium is home to the Drake Bulldogs football and the iconic Blue Oval. The track is the focal point of the Drake Relays–known as America’s Athletic Classic since 1910. The stadium has also hosted USA Track & Field. This historic stadium is the oldest west of the Mississippi River, can seat over 14,500, and has hosted track-and-field legends, Olympians, plus collegiate and high school athletes for over 100 years. The bronze bulldog statue guarding the front gate is a popular spot to Instagram yourself on campus.

    14. Cline Hall & Harvey-Ingham Hall

      Cline Hall, one of five science buildings connected on campus, is home to the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and the chemistry department in the College of Arts & Sciences. The Cline Atrium is a comfortable place for students to study and collaborate. Classrooms feature state-of-the-art technology that allows 3D modeling, and labs simulate the clinical skills students are learning in their classes prior to real life application. Students in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences receive experiential learning opportunities on day one and are trained for a variety of health professions including pharmacy, occupational therapy, athletic training, medicine, and many more. Students consistently have impressive job and residency placement and earn prestigious national awards due to the emphasis on leadership and professional development in the college.

       

      Harvey Ingham Hall houses classroom space for science courses in both the College of Arts & Sciences and the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences. The building is also home to the physics department.  You will find physics labs are on the ground and first floor; geology labs are on the first floor; chemistry labs are located on the second floor. 


    15. Fitch Hall, Science Connector Building & Olin Hall

      Now in front of you, on the left, you'll see the Science Connector Building (red brick) and up the hill, (cement building) is Olin Hall.  These are two of the five buildings on campus which house Drake’s multitude of natural science and health science programs. The Science Connector Building opened in 2017 and emphasizes teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration, which is a reflection of how professional workspaces function. Each level has private collaboration stations and small classrooms, and labs are arranged in a spoke and wheel formation, encouraging different labs to work together when tackling scientific problems. With the design of the Science Connector Building, whether it is in a laboratory experience or undergraduate research, students have the necessary resources and access to conduct biomedical experiments with faculty in areas like molecular biology, biomedicine, biochemistry, genetics, and kinesiology. Some of the coolest features include an indoor running track for movement studies, a virtual cadaver lab, and a rooftop astronomy deck.

    16. Collier-Scripps Hall & Medbury Hall

      Opened in 2017, Collier-Scripps Hall houses the School of Education as well as the College of Arts & Sciences’ majors in artificial intelligence, Data Analytics, and the department of mathematics and computer science. There are no theatre-style lecture halls in Collier-Scripps! All classrooms are designed for small classes and interaction with the professor and other students. Inside, you will find that the classrooms are equipped with the latest technology and the first floor has a School of Education Curriculum Library that holds over 1,000 works of K-12 literature, which helps education students prepare for student teaching. Outside of Collier-Scripps up the sidewalk and to the right is the Ray Promenade, which features an outdoor classroom, gathering spaces, and a performance venue.

       

      Medbury Hall houses the Religion and Philosophy Departments, the Honors Program, and classroom spaces for the College of Arts & Sciences. The main floor also features Medbury Lounge is open to all students and is a comfy spot to study or collaborate. The adjoining Scott Chapel is no longer used as a formal chapel (although it is used a few times a year for special events, services, and weddings.) Eero Saarinen and Associates completed both facilities in 1955.


    17. Bell Center & Knapp Center

      The Knapp Center is Drake's indoor arena. With 7,000 seats, the Knapp Center is the perfect place to cheer on the Bulldogs for one of Drake's Division I basketball or volleyball games. You may also find yourself in the Knapp Center to attend the prestigious Bucksbaum Lecture. Past speakers include President Jimmy Carter, Bill Nye the Science Guy, Tim Gunn, and Neil DeGrasse Tyson. Adjacent to the Knapp Center is the Bell Center, which houses Drake's student recreational services and is a hub for over 25 intramural sports offered each year. Facilities include basketball and racquetball courts, a fitness center, and weight rooms.

    18. Harmon Fine Arts Center

      The Harmon Fine Arts Center–fondly known as "FAC," is home to the College of Arts and Sciences and the art, theatre, and music departments. FAC houses the Turner Jazz Center which offers an intimate club-style setting for jazz performances, and a state-of-the-art recording system. FAC also houses the 460-seat Performing Arts Hall, where each year Drake students perform an opera, a musical, and many plays and musical performances; the William S.E. Coleman Studio Theatre (named after a renowned and beloved theatre faculty member)–a “black box” theatre space used for both Mainstage and student-directed productions; and Drake's own art museum, the Anderson Gallery. Students from every major on campus participate in music ensembles, theatre productions, and art gallery shows.

    19. Cartwright Hall, Opperman Law Library, and Wifvat Plaza

      To your right you will see Cartwright Hall, the home to Drake’s Law School. As the only law school in the capital city of Des Moines, Drake Law School provides a unique educational and practical learning experience through modern facilities, a top-ranked legal clinic, and an exceptional relationship with the bench and bar. The Drake Law School hosts the National Moot Court competition and has an impressive Moot Courtroom. The Drake Law School also operates the Legal Clinic at the corner of 24th Street and University Avenue; the clinics funded through a 4 million-dollar federal grant.

      The connected building is the Opperman Law Library, which provides another study space and research area on campus and can hold 350,000 bound volumes, enough space for the law library's current collection as well as future acquisitions. The facility also features a grand main reading room, 180 individual study carrels, and 24 study and seminar rooms for classes and small groups. The facility's computer classroom, three computer laboratories, and audio-visual room give students access to the latest technology and legal data. The Hall also has a rare books room and special rooms for the library's tax collection and Iowa collection. The building is the home of the Agricultural Law Center, the Constitutional Law Resource Center, and the Center for Law and Civic Education.


      Outside these buildings is Wifvat Plaza. It is designed as a small walkway and plaza and includes a sundial and statues of lyrical musicians.

    20. Howard Hall

      Today, Howard Hall houses several departments and classroom spaces within the College of Arts & Sciences, plus some administrative offices.  However, Howard Hall was originally built for Drake's Conservatory of Music, thus it’s signature stained glass windows are musically themed. Fun fact: the brass numbers on the sidewalks were donated by each of the respective graduating classes as a farewell gift to Drake. 

    21. Dogtown Business District & Surrounding Drake Neighborhood

      From this vantage point you can pivot 360 degrees and see part of Drake University’s campus or the surrounding Drake neighborhood. We encourage you to explore these Drake campus stops around the area, which are a part of the student experience:

      DogTown and the Drake Neighborhood

      Before you venture off campus, be sure to stop at the brick corner Drake University marker and take your photo on top of the sign—just like Drake the Rapper famously did—and countless current students, future students, and alumni do each year! After that, reward yourself with a treat or refreshment at one of our Dogtown businesses. Dogtown, the historic neighborhood district surrounding the east side of campus, is a-buzz of student activity, featuring new and historic restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, shops and other businesses just a short walking distance from campus. 

      You will likely see many construction projects happening in Dogtown as this area is slotted to receive exciting enhancements in redevelopment as a new Special Investment District in Des Moines. While you’re here, you may spot a passing DART bus on University Avenue. Drake students ride DART for free with their student ID anywhere in the Des Moines metro. 

      Multi-Cultural Houses:

      CAYA, La Casa, the Black Cultural Center (on 28th Street, south of University Avenue) and Hillel (on University Avenue between 25th Street and 24th Street) all serve as gathering and event spaces as well as a home away from home for various multicultural student organizations on campus. 

       

      Drake Pubic Safety:

      Drake Public Safety’s headquarters can be seen at 25th Street, across the street from Howard Hall, however their presence is seen all over campus 24/7! Drake Public Safety provides a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, staff and campus visitors through a community friendly approach that enhances safety through the visibility of Public Safety personnel, preventive patrols, 24-hour accessibility, positive conflict resolution, and crime prevention and awareness programs. Drake Public Safety collaborates with local law enforcement and community organizations in fulfilling its mission.

       

      Alumni House:

      Located at 2700 University, this historic, grand house was built in 1901 and over time has served many functions including at one time the President’s mansion, a women's dorm, and a sorority house, among many other things. Today it is home to the Office of Alumni Relations and be referred to as the Drake University Alumni House.

       

      VoteSmart:

      Located on 24th Street, south of University Avenue, Vote Smart is a national non-partisan research organization that is headquartered at Drake University. Vote Smart gathers information on tens of thousands of candidates for state and federal elections. Drake students have access to research internships in areas such as candidate biographies and positions on important issues, public statements made to constituents, key legislative measures ratings, and endorsements by special interest groups.

       

      Harkin Institute:

      The Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement (28th Street and University) produces high-quality, nonpartisan, multi-disciplinary public policy research and analysis dedicated to the issues that defined Senator Tom Harkin’s legislative career, including labor and employment, people with disabilities, retirement security, and wellness and nutrition. The building on University Avenue was erected in 2020. Drake University students have access public policy research opportunities in preparation for a career in a related field.