So you've decided to tie the knot? Congrats, man! Or best of luck if you're reading this as the best man tasked with planning the legen...wait for it...dary night of male bonding. Greater Des Moines is the perfect place to celebrate and toast your buddy's next chapter. Read on for ideas for a great night out with the boys.  

Day time activities  

  • Iowa Cubs – There's no better way to bond with your bros then over a game of baseball. Start the day off with a baseball game and a round of hotdogs and cold beers. Bonus points for a Friday night when they shoot off fireworks after the game. 

  • Smash Park – Break the ice over some friendly competition at Smash Park. You can reserve a pickleball court for your party and have your food and drinks delivered courtside.

  • Lumber Axe – Try your hand at ax throwing (disclaimer: best to attempt this activity before you've indulged in too many beverages), get frustrated with your friends in an escape chamber, and then cool off at the whiskey bar.  

  • ICU Paintball – Dudes. Love. Paintball. (I assume. Full disclosure, the author of this blog is female) ICU Paintball's indoor facility offers group fun all year round with low impact paintball equipment – so no worries if you bruise easily. 

  • Range Grill + Golf – Reserve your tee time at the Range Grill + Golf and enjoy playing on the most advanced simulated golf system endorsed b the PGA. Fun for the Ace or the novice, indoor golf is a great activity for your group to get to know each other and practice your swing. No need to worry about weather interrupting your plans! 

Evening drinks 

  • 300 Craft & Rooftop – Enjoy a breezy drink at 300 Craft and Rooftop while the sun sets over the downtown Des Moines skyline. Play bags or listen to live music offered most Friday and Saturday evenings throughout the warmer months. 

  • Iowa Tap Room – With all Iowa beers dispensed from an Iowa-made grain bin, you can rest assured you've sufficiently supported the local economy. Enjoy an order of ham balls and fried pickles with your beer flight - and don't forget to check in on the Brew Moines app! 

  • The Republic on Grand – Housed in the AC Marriott East Village, this top floor fancy-schmancy bar has two outdoor patios with views of downtown. Wear a blazer, order a cheese plate, and try one of The Republic on Grand's signature smoked bourbon cocktails. 

Late-night entertainment

  • Prairie Meadows Racetrack Casino Hotel – Try your luck at table games or play the ponies at Prairie Meadows. A trip to the casino is always a winning strategy for an entertaining bachelor party. 

  • Up Down – Start a skeeball tournament at this popular East Village barcade and make the loser buy the next round.  

  • Ernie's Boondock – Stop by Ernie's Boondock in the East Village – a new bar, billed as a dive bar. Be sure to try the famous "coffee drink," frozen Folgers Coffee with Black Velvet whiskey to give you a caffeine boost through the rest of the evening's festivities. If you're ready for a snack, they also have a permanent food truck parked outside during warmer months serving greasy burgers and fries.  

  • Noce Jazz Cabaret – Keep it classy AF (And Fun!) at Noce Jazz Cabaret. On weekends, Noce typically offers an early and late show with creative cocktails and a lively atmosphere.  

Bonus tip for the groom!

Commemorate your big deal with a custom spirit and thank your closest friends for standing by your side. The Foundry Distillery can create a unique, private barrel of whiskey for serving at your wedding and bottle a special gift for your groomsmen.