Planning a weekend in Greater Des Moines? Let us help you plan the perfect trip!
Day 1:
Cub Club Restaurant
Start off your first day in Greater Des Moines with lunch at the Cub Club. Located inside Principal Park, the Cub Club Restaurant & Lounge has one of the best views you could have while eating – the ballpark and a glimpse of the Des Moines skyline! The best part about the Cub Club is that they’re open year-round, so you can grab one of their delicious dishes even without a game going on. Check out the Cub Club for breakfast, lunch, weekend brunch and dinner.
Des Moines River Trail
After lunch, head to one of the many BCycle bike rental stations in downtown Des Moines and hit the trails. The Des Moines River trail is located right by Mullet’s and a great place to start your journey. The paved trail diverges from the Meredith Trail and Principal Riverwalk, continuing for 2.6 miles downstream to the James W. Cownie Baseball Complex at Hartford Avenue and SE 22nd Street. The pathway provides both a tranquil riverside traveling experience and stunning views of downtown Des Moines.
Madhouse Brewing Company
Once you’ve finished your biking adventure, take a break and grab a drink at Madhouse Brewing Company. Specializing in wild yeast, spontaneous sours and bourbon barrel-aged stouts, Madhouse Brewing Company has a drink for everyone. While you’re there make sure to check out the seasonal sours!
Jon Anderson Riverboat
When your pint is gone, hop on the John Anderson Riverboat for a cocktail party overlooking the lake. Whether it’s a private, chartered cruise or a relaxing party with friends, let the Jon Anderson White Riverboat and Wheelhouse Room host your next event. The 2019 cruise season is full steam ahead and fully under way with beautiful views at Rathbun Lake Marina.
Day 2:
Bubba
Kick off day two with brunch at Bubba. One of the newer kids on the block, Bubba has generated buzz for their swanky-yet-comfortable atmosphere and tasty southern-inspired menu. Check out their chicken and waffles, Creole omelet or their fried green tomato benedict.
Art Route – Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation
Once you’ve finished brunch, explore all of the public art Greater Des Moines has to offer. With help from the Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation, there is free public art across Greater Des Moines. For starters, check out the classic John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park. The 4.4-acre park, located within a major crossroads of the urban grid, creates a pedestrian-friendly entryway to downtown Des Moines. This accessible setting, coupled with the skilled landscape design and caliber of the art, makes it unlike any other sculpture park in the United States. After the Sculpture Park, take a walk through the streets of downtown Des Moines and check out one of the many murals throughout the city.
Wow! Des Moines Tours
After you’ve checked out the Greater Des Moines art scene, dive into the food scene. WOW! Des Moines Tours appreciates the unexpected treasures in Central Iowa. On the various food tours guests will lean something new, see things in a new way and be inspired by the community!
Historic East Village
With a huge selection of stores, shopping is a must in Greater Des Moines. Historic East Village is one of Des Moines’ most vibrant and diverse districts, with more than 90 shops, restaurants and entertainment destinations. West of the State Capitol in downtown Des Moines, the Historic East Village is minutes from the Iowa Events Center and the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
Finish your day with a glass of wine at Jasper Winery. Located just minutes from downtown Des Moines, Jasper Winery is an "estate style" winery facility in the heart of the metro. Jasper Winery produces high quality wines using grape varieties that thrive in the Midwest. Visit the lively tasting room and sample hand-crafted wines.
Day 3:
Gilroy's Kitchen + Pub + Patio
Start your final day in Greater Des Moines with brunch at Gilroy’s. When it comes to the main course for brunch, options are endless. Pick from a long list of omelets, three different styles of eggs benedict, waffles, pancakes or breakfast pizza.
Historic Valley Junction
Once you’ve brunched, check out Historic Valley Junction. There’s always something going on in Historic Valley Junction. This charming, renovated railroad district, with a collection of more than 150 retail businesses, including art galleries, fashion boutiques, antique shops, restaurants and specialty stores is located in downtown West Des Moines. Make sure to check out some of their annual events, including their Farmers Market/Music in the Junction and their Cinco de Mayo Festival, celebrating the history of the Historic Valley Junction.
Heart of Iowa Market Place
With your day winding down, grab a piece of Iowa before you head home at the Heart of Iowa Market Place. Located in the Historic Valley Junction, Heart of Iowa Market Place offers opportunities to sample, share and remember Iowa with distinctly Iowa gift items and products. Specializing in Iowa gift baskets, gourmet foods, souvenirs, John Deere, Iowa Hawkeye and Iowa State gifts. They are a key resource for gift items that are “All Things Iowa.”
