June 11-15, 2017 ♦ Des Moines, IA
The City of Des Moines has focused on revitalizing the downtown area in the past couple of years. There is a lot to do within walking distance. Here are some places to visit and activities in the downtown Des Moines area:
Downtown
(within 1½ -mile radius of hotel)
Iowa Tap Room (http://iowataproom.com/):
120 beers on tap that are all made in Iowa. Featuring a grain bin where all the beer is served out of. Located 0.2 miles from hotel.East Village (https://eastvillagedesmoines.com/):
The East Village is Des Moines’ most vibrant and diverse district, boasting many of the finest shopping, dining, nightlife and commerce in Iowa. Located 0.5 miles from hotel.Botanical Garden (www.dmbotanicalgarden.com):
Learn about fascinating plants, hone your gardening skills or immerse yourself in beautiful gardens in the heart of downtown. Located 0.6 miles from hotel.Science Center of Iowa (www.sciowa.org):
Hands-on exhibits, IMAX shows. Located 0.9 miles from hotel.West End Salvage (www.westendsalvage.com):
As seen on HGTV! 4 floors of inventory coming from New York, Chicago, England, Middle East and other places. Located 1 mile from hotel.Pappajohn Sculpture Park (www.desmoinesartcenter.org/visit/pappajohn-sculpture-park):
4.4 acre park with artwork by 22 of the world’s most celebrated artists. Located 1 mile from hotel.American Dream Machines (www.admcars.com):
One of the largest full service muscle car shops in the country. Located 1.5 miles from hotel.Bicycle Rentals (desmoines.bcycle.com):
You can rent bicycles from 6 nearby locations. The daily rate is $6. A 30-minute pass is $3. Visit their website for more information[ back to top ]
These activities are a little farther out from the Downtown area:
A little farther out
(within 4 - 15½ -mile radius of hotel)
Gray’s Lake (www.dmgov.org/Departments/Parks/Pages/Parks.aspx?Tab=Gray%27s+Lake+Park):
Many opportunities for walking, biking other other activites. 1.9 mile trail encircling the lake. The trail is lit and provides a beautiful, clean and safe outdoor experience. Fish, rent a boat or canoe or go swimming. Located 4 miles from hotel.The Cheese Shop (thecheeseshopdsm.com):
A local shop that serves over 100 Artisan and Farmhouse cheeses. Enjoy in their cheese tasting bar, craft beer and wine or cured meats. Located 4 miles from hotel.Blank Park Zoo (www.blankparkzoo.com):
Located 6 miles from hotel.The Great Escape in Pleasant Hill (premierebowling.net):
Bowling, cosmic bowling, laser tag, arcade. Located 6.5 miles from hotel.Living History Farms (www.lhf.org):
Interactive outdoor museum which educates, entertains and connects people of all ages to Midwestern rural life experiences. Located 10.7 miles from hotel.Adventureland Amusement Park (www.adventurelandpark.com):
Located 11 miles from hotel.Indoor Kart Racing (www.mb2raceway.com):
¼ mile road course that will get your heart pumping, Also have junior karts for kids. Located 15.5 miles from hotel.[ back to top ]
Other ideas:
Downtown Farmers' Market (www.desmoinesfarmersmarket.com/general-info):
If your plans allow you to arrive on Saturday morning, the Downtown Farmers Market is something to see with an attendance of 20,000. This Downtown Farmers’ Market has been ranked #2 of the 101 Best Farmers Markets in America by The Daily Meal for the two consecutive years, 2013 and 2014. The Market has also been named “#2 of the Top 10 Farmers Markets in the U.S.” by Shape Magazine, “One of America’s Best Farmers’ Markets” by Midwest Living Magazine, “Best in the Midwest” by Country Living Magazine, featured in a blog on RachelRay.com, and mentioned by The Huffington Post in “5 Free Things to Do in Des Moines”.Area Bike Trails (madridiowa.com/high-trestle-trail):
Be sure to bring your bikes! If you enjoy bike riding, you will enjoy the flat Iowa trails. From the hotel you can connect to various 100+ -mile trail loops. The most popular would be a 75 -mile loop to the High Trestle Trail Bridge.[ back to top ]
Last Update: 6/10/17