Bondurant

Located just north of the hustle and bustle of Altoona’s theme parks, shopping, and gambling, the city of Bondurant is a quaint and charming oasis filled with foodie faves, summer festivals, and trails begging to be explored. It’s no rants, all raves for this hidden gem! Greater Des Moines has something for everyone and is filled with communities worth shouting about! 

Food and Drink

Start your day at Somewhere in the Middle Coffee Shop with a perfectly brewed coffee paired with a breakfast burrito or one of their soon-to-be-famous freshly made bagel sandwiches. Pro tip: Their smash burger basket is worth going back for lunch too. For other lunch or dinner options, check out Zaika, serving classic Punjabi cuisine, or Abbie’s, where you can enjoy delicious onion rings while you wait for a loaded pizza. Sample one of the best tenderloins in the state at the diner-style Brick Street Market & Café, where you can get it as a regular tenderloin, breakfast tenderloin, or even tenderloin strips. Craving an after-dinner drink? Check out Reclaimed Rails Brewing Company for a craft beer on a patio made from wood from the old log ride at Adventureland while you watch the cyclists on Chichaqua Valley Trail whiz by. Founders Irish Pub has all the things you want from a good Irish pub: dark woods, cold Guinness, and a killer reuben. And for something with a little more color, craft your own personal soda at Twist Sips, a local favorite in Greater Des Moines.

Arts and Culture

Bondurant is currently working through enhancing their cultural landscape throughout the community. The city came up with the ARTocka Trail Loop project, aimed to liven up the trail loop around Lake Petocka through public art. The first installation, The Dining Room, was completed in the fall of 2024. Designed by I/Thee, the piece of art serves as a communal hub, a gathering place for people to connect with big tables and benches amongst natural eroding rock. Next up, Moving Curiously, a bike-themed sculpture to be installed near the Chichaqua Valley Trail.

Parks and Outdoors

Bondurant offers an abundance of parks, trails, sports fields, and dozens of stocked ponds for fishing. The centerpiece of outdoor recreation in Bondurant is the Chichaqua Valley Trail, a fully paved trail loved by hikers, runners, cyclists, and cross-country skiers. The trail spans 26 miles from Berwick to Baxter, and the Bondurant Regional Trailhead offers a green area and open-air shelter replicating the site’s original train station. Lake Petocka, a popular fishing spot, offers picnic areas, trails, and a playground – perfect for a family-friendly outing.

Festivals and Events

Are you looking for events and activities in Bondurant? Explore the Bondurant Farmers Market, held Wednesday evenings from May through October on Main Street, where local farmers, bakers, and artisans showcase their best goods. A beloved tradition in the area, Summerfest is a two-day event hosted by the Bondurant Men’s Club each June in downtown Bondurant. Highlights include a street parade, a carnival, live music, a pie-eating contest, and a kids’ tractor pull! Experience live music and community spirit at the annual Bondu Blues & Brews Festival held each July at the Bondurant Regional Trailhead Depot. Hosted by the Bondurant Parks and Recreation Department, this celebration pairs blues performances with craft brews, food, and local vendors. Kids will love the inflatables, face painting, and balloon artists. The day kicks off with the Bondurant Sidewalk Chalk Festival, organized by the Bondurant Community Foundation, where you can join the fun and create a pavement masterpiece of your own!

Attractions and Things to Do

No visit to Bondurant is complete without exploring the shops and restaurants along Main Street, a community hub where local flavors and unique finds come together. Don’t miss Little House on Main, a cute boutique where you’ll find everything from the perfect seasonal statement piece to a cozy cardigan and jar of artisanal jam. Off the Rails Quilting is a lovely quilting shop with tons of beautiful fabrics and quilts on display. And nothing goes with this little slice of Americana than a slice of pie from the acclaimed Home Slice Handmade Pies. In fact, why not opt for a pie flight so you can sample even more flavors? Treat yo’ self.

Des Best of Bondurant

Brick Street Market – Best Tenderloins
Little House on Main – Best Boutiques
Somewhere in the Middle – Best Coffee
Brick Street Cafe – Best Sandwiches
Home Slice Pies – Best Hidden Gems (Part 2), Best Desserts
Reclaimed Rails Brewing Company – Best Breweries
Brick Street Cafe – Best Hot Beef