Grimes

You'll get a kick out of exploring Grimes, whether it’s sampling old school ice cream, forward thinking coffee, timeless restaurants, or state-of-the-art sports complexes. Greater Des Moines has something for everyone and is filled with communities worth shouting about! 

Food and Drink

There are plenty of unique dining experiences and in Grimes that will surely hit the spot! Stop by Heavenly Delights, where more than 40 flavors of hard-pack ice cream, soft-serve options, and classic treats like malts and sundaes create the ultimate dessert experience. For a taste of Mexico, head to Hacienda Vieja, one of the most colorful restaurants in Grimes, known for its signature shaker margaritas, classic tacos, and free(!) queso. Pour Choices has burgers, beers, and cocktails. Pro tip: Try their award-winning pickleballs! If you need a pick-me-up, Lightbrite Coffee provides premium small-batch, house-roasted coffee and seasonal espresso tonics. Try their Golden Hour Latte (honey and cinnamon latte) or better yet, opt for a coffee flight and try four different concoctions. If you want to have your dinner and cross items off your grocery list at the same time, there’s Food Depot, a locally owned bar and grill offering take and bake and frozen options to go. If you want a meal with a view, grab a bite at Destination Grille and check out their giant rooftop patio. Pair a craft cocktail with a lobster roll or Steak de Burgo and thank us later. And if you're in the mood for some of the best pizza in all of Greater Des Moines, Pepp’s Pizzeria is home of the “upside down” pizza (cheese, then sauce). Pro tip: It’s to go and delivery only, but you can also get it by the slice at lunch without ordering ahead. 

Pepp's PizzeriaLightbrite CoffeeDestination Grille

Festivals and Events

Grimes hosts seasonal events that bring the community together year-round. Governors Days is the grand summer festival held in the heart of Grimes. The three-day event features concerts, parades, carnivals, a talent show, and so much more for the family. The Grimes Annual Fall Festival is packed with activities, including a candy crawl, food trucks, and bouncy houses – costumes are highly encouraged! In late October, families can enjoy a Trunk-or-Treat, where local businesses and city officials can join in on the fun. In the spring, the City-Wide Garage Sale is a popular event where residents sell their items and visitors can discover unique treasures.

Parks and Outdoors

Grimes is home to several family-friendly parks that cater to every type of outdoor enthusiast. Glenstone MultiGolf Park is a unique experience where visitors can play foot golf, park golf, and disc golf on the same 18-hole course, making it the first of its kind in the U.S. For golf traditionalists, there’s Beaver Creek Golf Club, featuring a 27-hole bent grass golf course suitable for all skill levels. At Waterworks Splash Pad, kids can cool off in the splash zones or enjoy nearby playgrounds and picnic areas. The shiny new toy of the metro is the Hy-Vee Multiplex Powered by the City of Grimes. One of the largest synthetic turn multisport complexes in the Midwest, it spans 50-acres, featuring six pods, 12 full size soccer fields, 18 baseball/softball fields, 36 batting cages, and 36 bullpens – talk about a mound of sporting fun! And right across the street is the biggest Hy-Vee in the state, with tons of prepared food options and low key one of the best happy hours in town. With these options, you and your family can stay active year-round and have fun while doing it.

Hulahooping at Heritage Park - GrimesGrimesPlexBeaver Creek Golf Club

Arts and Culture

As you spend time in Waterworks park, you’ll notice a piece of art – one that coincidentally or maybe not so coincidentally – is about water. The water-themed artwork, water water everywhere, is a display of metal signs, nearly 20 feet tall that piece together to say water, depending which angle you are looking at the sculpture. An outdoor amphitheater is currently being constructed at the new public library in Grimes. The amphitheater, featuring stone seating, will be able to host concerts and other events, as well as be an area for fishing. 

Attractions and Things to Do

Fun for the whole family awaits in Grimes. Did you know Climb Iowa is the state’s largest indoor climbing gym? This spot offers bouldering walls, auto-belay routes, and challenges suited to all skill levels, making it perfect for both adults and kids. Sky Zone is another family favorite, where kids can burn off energy on the dodgeball court, basketball zone, ninja warrior course, and open trampoline area – just to name a few! Feeling a little nostalgic? Old School Pinball and Arcade has more than 60 pinball machines and other retro games to take you back to your glory days! Finish any adventure off with a trip to Heavenly Delights, with over 40 flavors of hard pack ice cream and 19 flavors of soft serve.

Catch Des Moines - Climb IowaGrimes Splash PadHeritage Park Grimes

Des Best LogoDes Best of Grimes

Destination GrilleBest Patios
Pepp’s PizzeriaBest Pizza
Destination GrilleBest New Bars and Restaurants in 2023
Hacienda ViejaBest Margaritas
Heavenly DelightsBest Ice Cream
Lightbrite Coffee RoastersBest Coffee
Pour ChoicesBest Appetizers
Climb IowaBest Family Fun Activities
Food DepotBest Hot Beef

“The Old School Pinball and Arcade is a retro game house that's sure to bring you right back to your childhood.”
— Only in Your State

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