Jump in the car and hit the road for Greater Des Moines! Experience the award-winning restaurants, attractions and first-class hospitality that our city has to offer. Plan your trip around an event, a season, or the weekend you have free! Whether you have a night to spare or three days off work, Greater Des Moines is the perfect place for your next getaway.
What to Do
Cooking With Alessandra
Want to learn Italian cooking? You could jet off to Milan, or stop in Des Moines for a lesson at Cooking with Alessandra. Alessandra Meschini, a native of Italy, shares recipes and techniques inspired by her grandmother in Italy’s Lazio region. One-night classes in Meschini’s East Village loft fill up fast, so reserve your spot early.
The Dinner Detective at Embassy Suites
Mirth, murder and meals go hand-in-hand, theatrically, on Saturdays at Embassy Suites in Des Moines’ East Village. Enjoy laughter and intrigue at the Dinner Detective shows, where you can’t tell the actors from the audience as the action unfolds. Detectives uncover clues, interrogate witnesses and crack the caper with your help. You might even be a suspect.
Des Moines Performing Arts
Broadway shows, dance troupes and international stars are regulars on the stage of the Civic Center downtown, managed by Des Moines Performing Arts. Year after year, the calendar includes the very best of musical theater, from Cats to Phantom to Hamlet, plus the Des Moines Symphony and such legendary singers as Paul Simon and Diana Ross.
Backspin Golf
Golfers can play on the world’s great destination courses, such as Pebble Beach and St. Andrews, indoors at Backspin Golf in Ankeny, just a few strokes north of Des Moines. State-of-the-art TrueGolf simulators put you and your wicked swing amid scenes you’ve dreamed of. And you don’t have to watch for the beer cart; someone is always ready to serve you.
Argo Adventures
Central Iowa’s only full service outfitter for canoeing, climbing, biking, fishing and winter sports is Argo Adventures, whose goal is to make outdoor recreation fun, accessible and educational. Argo's home is Waterworks Park, with canoe day trips on the Raccoon River from Walnut Woods. They also arrange custom adventures throughout central Iowa.
Photo Courtesy of the Argo Adventures Facebook Page
Flix Brewhouse
Think about the best of theater movies: big screens, awesome sound, the latest blockbusters. And the best of movies at home: comfort, endless food, adult beverages. Experience the best of both at Flix Brewhouse, located in Merle Hay Mall. At this cinema-brewery, beers and food are crafted on site, where a night at the movies is much more than staring at a screen.
Where to Eat & Drink
Fire Creek Grill
Locally owned and operated, Fire Creek Grill is a neighborhood treasure at 800 S. 50th St. in West Des Moines. The classic American fare includes seafood, steaks, burgers, sandwiches, appetizers and salads. Fine wines are available, or bring your own (no corkage fee Mondays). Wednesday is Martini Night and happy-hour specials are available daily.
Madhouse Brewing Company
Specializing in craft beers including barrel-aged and sour ales, Madhouse is just blocks from downtown, where they take pride in the slogan "crazy good beer." They serve hot pretzels, and patrons are welcome to bring their own food or order deliveries to the Madhouse tap room or patio. Want beer to go? Madhouse offers growlers of their flagship brews.
