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Guys Weekend

Des Moines is the perfect place for a guys’ weekend that has it all – great food, top-tier breweries, high-energy activities, and a bit of friendly competition. Whether you’re here to work on your golf game, conquer a burger challenge, or try your luck at the tables, we’ve got you covered. Buckle up for three days of epic fun, where every moment is packed with adventure, camaraderie, and, of course, plenty of cold beer.

DAY 1: Brews, Birdies, and Big Wins

Morning: Tee It Up 

Grab your clubs and your crew – it’s time for the ultimate guys’ golf outing at Jester Park Golf Course. Nestled along Saylorville Lake, this scenic course offers a perfect mix of challenge and relaxation, with rolling fairways, towering trees, and stunning water views. Start with a round on the 18-hole championship course or keep things casual with the par-3 executive course – perfect for friendly wagers and plenty of laughs. Whether you're here for serious swings or just the camaraderie, Jester Park delivers a hole-in-one weekend. 

After an intense morning on the course, it’s time to reward yourself with a well-earned feast at Whatcha Smokin’ BBQ + Brew. This isn’t just your average roadside barbecue joint – it's a mecca for smoked meats. Load up on their tender brisket, juicy ribs, or a heaping plate of burnt ends. If you're feeling bold, go for the Iowa cheese steak or the double wide, a hand-breaded tenderloin that’s just about as Iowan as you can get. Pair your meal with a cold craft brew or a refreshing sweet tea, kick back, and relive the best shots (and worst misses) of the morning before heading off on your next adventure.

Afternoon: Rails and Ales 

Time to burn off that barbecue with a ride on Rail Explorers in nearby Boone, where you’ll soak in some scenic views. This one-of-a-kind experience lets you and your crew ride custom-built rail bikes along the tracks, surrounded by rolling farmland and open skies. It’s a solid mix of relaxation and adventure – perfect for stretching your legs and working off that smoked brisket. The best part? You don’t even have to pedal too hard – the motor-assisted bikes let you focus on enjoying the experience and taking in the countryside. 

After an exhilarating ride, make a pit stop at Fender's Brewing in Polk City on your way back downtown. This small but mighty brewery is known for its rotating selection of craft beers, from smooth stouts to crisp IPAs. Grab a pint, settle in for some conversation, and savor the laid-back atmosphere before heading back into the heart of the city.

Evening: Big Wins at Prairie Meadows 

It’s time to put your game face on at Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack, and Hotel in Altoona. Whether you’re rolling the dice at the craps table, hitting blackjack, or catching live horse racing (seasonal), this is where fortunes – and unforgettable stories – are made. Feeling sporty? Prairie Meadows is a great place to catch a game with a vested interest in the outcome, thanks to their Ceasars Sportsbook, which allows you to make real time bets on everything from collegiate to pro games. Next round is on you if you hit the parlay.  

Cap off the night with a steak dinner at AJ’s Steakhouse, because nothing says "winner" like a medium-rare ribeye. Go all in with a side of loaded mashed potatoes and a whiskey old-fashioned, then make your way back to the casino floor for one last round of luck before calling it a night.

Day 2: Friendly Competition and Legendary Eats 

Morning: Swing and Sip 

Ease into the day with some swings at Topgolf in West Des Moines, where you can crush some drives, talk some smack, and enjoy a breakfast burrito (or beer – it’s the weekend, after all). The climate-controlled bays and digital scorekeeping make it easy to focus on the fun, whether you’re here to show off or just enjoy the game. If you’re more into precision, Net Par in Ankeny offers an indoor golf experience where you can challenge your crew to virtual rounds on world-famous courses. For a high-end twist, check out Range Restaurant + Cocktail Bar in Urbandale, where you can fine-tune your golf swing on cutting-edge simulators while sipping on craft cocktails and enjoying a menu that goes beyond the usual sports bar fare.

Afternoon: Games and Grub 

Head over to Smash Park in West Des Moines, where pickleball, cornhole, and giant beer pong are on the agenda. With a full bar, an extensive food menu, and plenty of space to spread out, this is the ultimate spot for a little friendly (or not-so-friendly) competition. There’s also more than 80 TVs and a 30-foot TV wall if you’d rather watch the action than be a part of it.  

If you need to refuel, Barn Town Brewing is just a short drive away. Their Pastrami sandwich was voted one of the best sandwiches in town and their Neon Hazy IPA is the stuff of legend. It's got arguably the best food of any brewery in the region and even has some NA beer options if that’s your thing. This is our kind of town.

Evening: Dinner and Darts (or Axes!) 

Tonight, it’s all about classic vibes with a modern twist. After a shower and a powernap, throw on a few dabs of your nicest cologne and head over to dinner at Tom Archer's Poor Man’s Supper Club, a spot that delivers old-school supper club charm with a menu that means business. Think crab cakes, shrimp cocktail, pork schnitzel, French Dip sandwiches, and stiff cocktails. Afterward, choose your weapon – Ironside Axe Club for an axe-throwing showdown or Putts and Pins for a little retro mini golf and duckpin bowling. Either way, bragging rights are on the line, and only one guy will come out on top. If there's a concert in town, add live music to your playlist at Val Air Ballroom, Wooly’s, Wells Fargo Arena, or Vibrant Music Hall – because nothing caps off an epic day like a musical encore.

Day 3: Burgers, Bars, and a Proper Send-Off 

Morning: Soccer and Smash Burgers 

Start your day at Royal Mile, the ultimate soccer bar, where you can enjoy a traditional English breakfast while catching a live match. The pub-style atmosphere, hearty fare, and early pints set the perfect tone for the day. Once you’re fueled up, make your way to Lachele’s Fine Foods for one of their legendary smash burgers. The crispy edges and perfectly seasoned beef will hit the spot and keep you going strong for the rest of the day's adventures.

Afternoon: Bar Hopping with a Twist 

It’s time to make the most of Des Moines’ stellar beer scene. Start at Exile Brewing, where you can sip on a Ruthie, then grab a seat on the patio at Confluence Brewing, a favorite of the cyclist set, where you can soak up some sun and sip on one of the widest selections of beer styles around. After that, head over to Big Grove Brewery, home of the legendary Easy Eddy, and a lively spot perfect for catching a game or enjoying their enormous patio, replete with firepits and cornhole. Want to step up the vibe? Ken’s – a not-so-secret speakeasy offers expertly crafted cocktails that’ll class up the afternoon. The entrance might be hidden, but once you step inside, the cozy atmosphere and top-tier drinks make it well worth the search. If it's summertime and the Iowa Cubs are at home, you can move your day drinking to the friendly confines of Principal Park. Because everyone knows, day baseball is the best baseball.

Evening: The Final Feast 

Go out with a bang at 801 Chophouse, where the steaks are legendary, the cocktails are strong, and the atmosphere is unbeatable. If you’re not ready to call it a night (we don’t blame you), close things out at Up-Down Arcade Bar, where vintage games, Skee-Ball, and a massive beer list ensure you end the weekend on a high note. Grab one last round, crush your high score, and raise a glass to an unforgettable weekend with the crew.

The Grand Finale 

Three days, countless laughs, and enough memories to fuel the group chat for months. Whether you conquered the golf course, ruled the casino, or just enjoyed the best of Des Moines' food and drink scene, this trip is one for the books. Until next time, gents – Des Moines will be ready for round two! 

Check Out These Des Moines Sports Teams in Season  

Iowa Cubs (AAA Affiliate of Chicago Cubs) – Principal Park, April – September
Iowa Wild (AHL affiliate of the Minnesota Wild) – Wells Fargo Arena, October – April
Iowa Wolves (G-Leauge affiliate of the Minnesota Timberwolves) – Wells Fargo Arena, November – March
Iowa Barnstormers (Indoor Football League) – Wells Fargo Arena, March – July
Des Moines Bucaneers (United States Hockey League) – MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex, September – April
Des Moines Menace (USL League Two) – Valley Stadium, May – July
Drake Bulldogs
Grand View Vikings
Simpson Storm (Indianola) 

Other Guys’ Weekend Ideas 

Plan a weekend around the NASCAR races at Iowa Speedway.
Crab Rangoon pizza and tiki drinks at Fong’s Pizza.
Golf on the only Arnold Palmer designed course in Iowa at the Tournament Club of Iowa.
Bike ride on the High Trestle Trail and stop at Flat Tire Lounge and Nite Hawk Bar & Grill to refuel.
Movies and craft beers at Flix Brewhouse.
Dive bar shenanigans with biker chic ambiance at Kung Fu Tap & Taco.
Vinyl music shopping at Marv’s, Vinyl Cup, and Zzz Records.
Bowling at Spare Time or Gameday Lanes.
Rope climbing or bouldering at Climb Iowa.
Sizzling Steak de Burgos at Simon’s.
Fishing at Big Creek Lake.
Disc golf at Heritage Park in Ankeny.
Patio drinks and live music by the water at Captain Roy's.
Demolishing some gore-met burgers at Zombie Burger.
Bar hop along Court Avenue, including Tonic, Pints, Annie's, and Johnny's Hall of Fame.
Pizza and the Chiefs game at Truman's KC Pizza Tavern.
Skeeball, foosball, ping pong, and shuffleboard at Ricochet downtown.
Sampling all the Iowa beers at Iowa Taproom, El Bait Shop, and 30hop. 

Catch Des Moines

(800) 451-2625
400 Locust Street, Suite 265
Des Moines, IA 50309-2350

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