- Top Things to Do
-
Itineraries
- Family Fun
- The Shopping List
- Free Things to Do
- Foodie Feast
- As Seen on TV
- Date Day in Des Moines
- Art Adventure
- The Great Outdoors
- Socially Distanced
- Best of the Burbs
- Quintessential Des Moines
- Winter Things to Do
- Spring Things To Do
- Summer Things To Do
- Fall Things to Do
- Hidden Gems
- Staycation
- Girls Getaway
- History Buff
- The Nice List – A Holiday Itinerary
- Guys Weekend
- Attractions
- Things to Do with Kids
- Free Things to Do
- Bars & Nightlife
- Live Music & Concerts
- Arts & Culture
- Outdoor
- Indoor
- Shopping
- Sports
- Walk and Bike Tours
A Day in Altoona
Stop 1: Outlets of Des Moines
Start your day in Altoona at the Outlets of Des Moines. Here you can find factory-style deals year-round at vendors including Under Armour, Tommy Hilfiger, Lucky Brand, Polo Ralph Lauren, Vera Bradley and Michael Kors. Insider tidbit, the directory page on the Outlets of Des Moines website lists when stores are hosting sales! So do your research beforehand to ensure you're planning your trip when your favorite store is having greater deals than normal. And while you're at it, check out the website's events calendar. There are many pop-up vendors and fun events hosted by the outlets that you won't want to miss!
Stop 2: Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack & Hotel
After you've shopped 'til you've dropped, recuperate at Prairie Meadows! Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack & Hotel has a little something for everyone. For the casino goers, there are 1,700+ slot machines, 10 card games (including blacklight table games), poker tournaments and sports betting. For the live racing fans, there is thoroughbred racing, quarter horse racing, camel racing, zebra racing, ostrich racing, and even dachshund racing! And don't you worry foodies, there are a handful of options for you at Prairie Meadows as well. Dine at AJ's Steakhouse for world-renowned cuts of meat, Cafe at the Meadows for a hearty breakfast, Triple Crown Buffet has endless options to satisfy any appetite, and Champions is perfect for those wanting dinner and a show! Or, for quick bites, there is Daily Double Deli, The Homestretch, Prairie Coffee Company, The Paddock Grill & Deli and Photo Finish Lounge.
Stop 3: Jethro's Smoke House Steaks
If you didn't grab a bite to eat at Prairie Meadows then we recommend stopping at Jethro's Smoke House Steaks for dinner! From waffle fry nachos to pork chop on a stick to the widely famous Adam Emmenecker sandwich (featured on Man Vs. Food), you are bound to leave Jethro's full, happy and wanting to make daily trips to Altoona for more!
Stop 4: Brightside Aleworks
Congrats! You've successfully powered through a packed day of shopping, gaming, racing and eating! Now it's time for a well-deserved brew. Family-owned and brewing with fresh hops, Brightside Aleworks hosts some of the best beers in Altoona. When you visit, make sure to check in with your Brew Moines passport to receive a discount and become one step closer to potentially winning a Brewcation!
