Food scene
A nice dinner out and a neighborhood favorite. Reservations are not required, but be prepared for a long wait on the weekends.
LUNCH HOURS
Tuesday - Friday: 11a.m. - 2p.m.
DINNER HOURS
Tuesday - Thursday: 4p.m. - 10p.m.
Friday - Saturday: 4p.m. - 10p.m.
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Tursi's Latin King Italian Dining
2200 Hubbell AveA nice dinner out and a neighborhood favorite. Reservations are not required, but be prepared for a long wait on the weekends.
LUNCH HOURS
Tuesday - Friday: 11a.m. - 2p.m.
DINNER HOURS
Tuesday - Thursday: 4p.m. - 10p.m.
Friday - Saturday: 4p.m. - 10p.m.
I don't believe there's a person in Des Moines who hasn't been to Tasty Tacos. Cheap, fast and delicious. Be sure to get the flour taco shell.
Open 11am-10pm
Closed Sundays
Tasty Tacos Inc
5847 Southeast 14th StreetI don't believe there's a person in Des Moines who hasn't been to Tasty Tacos. Cheap, fast and delicious. Be sure to get the flour taco shell.
Open 11am-10pm
Closed Sundays
Cheeky and different. The have counter service or table service. As silly as it is, the food is actually good.
HOURS OF OPERATION: Sun - Thurs: 11am - 10pm / Fri + Sat: 11am - 11pm
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Zombie Burger + Drink Lab
300 E Grand AveCheeky and different. The have counter service or table service. As silly as it is, the food is actually good.
HOURS OF OPERATION: Sun - Thurs: 11am - 10pm / Fri + Sat: 11am - 11pm
Pricey natural foods grocery store, but a great cafe attached. Family friendly. Counter service.
CAFÉ HOURS:
Daily: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
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Gateway Market
2002 Woodland AvePricey natural foods grocery store, but a great cafe attached. Family friendly. Counter service.
CAFÉ HOURS:
Daily: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
This menu is more for grown ups, but kids can certainly go. My husband says it's a great breakfast spot.
OPEN DAILY 8 AM – 4 PM
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St. Kilda
300 SW 5th StThis menu is more for grown ups, but kids can certainly go. My husband says it's a great breakfast spot.
OPEN DAILY 8 AM – 4 PM
Breakfast. Parking is better in back. Counter service. Laid back, noisy atmosphere.
LA MIE BAKERY
MON-SAT 7AM-3PM
KITCHEN CLOSES AT 2PM
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La Mie Bakery
841 42nd StBreakfast. Parking is better in back. Counter service. Laid back, noisy atmosphere.
LA MIE BAKERY
MON-SAT 7AM-3PM
KITCHEN CLOSES AT 2PM
Fong's is famous for their crab rangoon pizza. I don't even like crab, or rangoon, but I do love that pizza.
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Fong's Pizza
223 4th StFong's is famous for their crab rangoon pizza. I don't even like crab, or rangoon, but I do love that pizza.
Ice Cream! Super close, and this place usually has a line. So, it must be good, right!? But for real, people love this place.
Dairy Zone
2219 E University AveIce Cream! Super close, and this place usually has a line. So, it must be good, right!? But for real, people love this place.
More Ice Cream. New on the scene and always busy, they are known for their quirky homemade flavors. You can get a sampler of 6 different ice creams in an egg carton.
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Black Cat Ice Cream
More Ice Cream. New on the scene and always busy, they are known for their quirky homemade flavors. You can get a sampler of 6 different ice creams in an egg carton.
Super casual, hang out for hours if you want, kind of place. Some board games and big hot cocoa mugs. They do a basic kid's meal on an old school lunch tray that comes with a toy. It's a win.
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Smokey Row Coffee Co.
1910 Cottage Grove AveSuper casual, hang out for hours if you want, kind of place. Some board games and big hot cocoa mugs. They do a basic kid's meal on an old school lunch tray that comes with a toy. It's a win.
If you're headed to West Glen, stop in at Hurt's. They have over the top doughnuts that actually taste good.
Hurts Donut
5513 Mills Civic ParkwayIf you're headed to West Glen, stop in at Hurt's. They have over the top doughnuts that actually taste good.
They have such a following. Famous for their "lousy service" sign, they stay open late late. You order from the sidewalk and find a curb to sit on.
Thursday 11AM–3AM
Friday 11AM–3AM
Saturday 11AM–3AM
Sunday 2PM–2AM
Monday 11AM–3AM
Tuesday 11AM–3AM
Wednesday 11AM–3AM
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Big Tomato Pizza
2613 Ingersoll AveThey have such a following. Famous for their "lousy service" sign, they stay open late late. You order from the sidewalk and find a curb to sit on.
Thursday 11AM–3AM
Friday 11AM–3AM
Saturday 11AM–3AM
Sunday 2PM–2AM
Monday 11AM–3AM
Tuesday 11AM–3AM
Wednesday 11AM–3AM
If you're not from Iowa and like a good diner burger, here's a quick stop that has loyal fans.
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B-Bop's
2205 SE Delaware AveIf you're not from Iowa and like a good diner burger, here's a quick stop that has loyal fans.
Mostly an adult hangout. They have a root beer that is so good. If you're looking to be downtown in the action, this is a safe bet.
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Madhouse Brewery
501 Scott AveMostly an adult hangout. They have a root beer that is so good. If you're looking to be downtown in the action, this is a safe bet.
In the heart of things downtown. Great for families. Affordable and you leave full. They have a salad bar.
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Spaghetti Works
310 Court AveIn the heart of things downtown. Great for families. Affordable and you leave full. They have a salad bar.
Neighborhood restaurant favorite with long time staff. Casual and affordable.
Monday:
CLOSED
Tuesday:
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday:
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Thursday:
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Friday:
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Saturday:
4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Sunday:
CLOSED
Now Or Later Restaurant
3750 East University AvenueNeighborhood restaurant favorite with long time staff. Casual and affordable.
Monday:
CLOSED
Tuesday:
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday:
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Thursday:
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Friday:
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Saturday:
4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Sunday:
CLOSED
Over the Top
955 NE 56th StIce Cream! I've never been, but I'm told I should add it :)
Cinnaholic
505 East Grand AvenueNew! Plant based gourmet cinnamon rolls.
More intimate dining and a bocce ball court. My other cousin loves this place.
8 Einheimische empfehlen
Tumea & Sons
1501 SE 1st StMore intimate dining and a bocce ball court. My other cousin loves this place.
Grocery store
A small grocery store, where you can run in and get out. You'll need a quarter if you want to use a shopping cart. Also, you bag your own groceries.
Hours ALDI - E University Ave, Des Moines, IA
Monday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Tuesday 8:30 am - 8:00 pm
Wednesday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Thursday 8:30 am - 8:00 pm
Friday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Sunday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
ALDI
8400 Douglas AveA small grocery store, where you can run in and get out. You'll need a quarter if you want to use a shopping cart. Also, you bag your own groceries.
Hours ALDI - E University Ave, Des Moines, IA
Monday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Tuesday 8:30 am - 8:00 pm
Wednesday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Thursday 8:30 am - 8:00 pm
Friday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Sunday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Whole Foods Market
4100 University AveWe all know Whole Foods.
Another natural food store if Whole Foods isn't your jam.
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Fresh Thyme Farmers Market
2900 University AveAnother natural food store if Whole Foods isn't your jam.
Gas station
The best gas station nearby is just across from the Fairgrounds at the corner of E University and E 30th Street. It has the biggest slushy selection I've ever seen.
Open 24 hours
QuikTrip
1000 East University AvenueThe best gas station nearby is just across from the Fairgrounds at the corner of E University and E 30th Street. It has the biggest slushy selection I've ever seen.
Open 24 hours
Parks
A clean and friendly neighborhood park where there is a walking path around the lake.
Amenities at Copper Creek include:
Trails
Playground
Restrooms
Good/Excellent Shorefishing
Community Fishing Location
Copper Creek Lake Park
4390 East University AvenueA clean and friendly neighborhood park where there is a walking path around the lake.
Amenities at Copper Creek include:
Trails
Playground
Restrooms
Good/Excellent Shorefishing
Community Fishing Location
Has a walking path around the lake and a playground. Fishing. You can also rent watercraft. Concession stand open sometimes.
The following watercrafts rent for $8/half hour or $15/hour:
2-Person Canoes - (terrace)
3-Person Canoes - (terrace)
Double Kayaks - (terrace)
Stand-up Paddleboards (beach)
4 person Pedal Boats - (terrace)
Row boat (terrace)
Terrace Concession Hours*:
May 1 - May 26: 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. Weekdays | 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Weekends
May 27 - July 31: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Daily
August 1 - Labor Day: 1 p.m. - 8 p.m. Weekdays | 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Weekends
Beach Concession Hours*:
May 28 - July 31: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Daily
August 1 - Labor Day: 1 p.m. - 8 p.m. Weekdays | 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Weekends
Grays Lake
Grays LakeHas a walking path around the lake and a playground. Fishing. You can also rent watercraft. Concession stand open sometimes.
The following watercrafts rent for $8/half hour or $15/hour:
2-Person Canoes - (terrace)
3-Person Canoes - (terrace)
Double Kayaks - (terrace)
Stand-up Paddleboards (beach)
4 person Pedal Boats - (terrace)
Row boat (terrace)
Terrace Concession Hours*:
May 1 - May 26: 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. Weekdays | 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Weekends
May 27 - July 31: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Daily
August 1 - Labor Day: 1 p.m. - 8 p.m. Weekdays | 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Weekends
Beach Concession Hours*:
May 28 - July 31: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Daily
August 1 - Labor Day: 1 p.m. - 8 p.m. Weekdays | 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Weekends
Sightseeing
During the winter, the Botanical Garden is a small refuge. And they have free parking. It's a great starting point to get out and walk south along the Des Moines river. Lots of fun sights to see as you walk towards downtown.
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Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
909 Robert D. Ray DrDuring the winter, the Botanical Garden is a small refuge. And they have free parking. It's a great starting point to get out and walk south along the Des Moines river. Lots of fun sights to see as you walk towards downtown.
You'll be surprised to hear that I've never once met a person who said they didn't enjoy their tour of the Capital.
Capitol Tour Information
Tours are provided at no cost. Schedule a tour by
calling 515-281-5591. Tour guides strive to
accommodate every tour request, even those without
a scheduled tour.
Tours are conducted Monday through Saturday.
Please call for tour times: 515-281-5591.
The tour guides and gift shop are located on the
ground floor of the rotunda in the Iowa State Capitol.
Groups of 10 or more should schedule a tour of the
Capitol online at www.legis.iowa.gov.
Self-guided tours of the Capitol and Capitol grounds
are available anytime during normal business hours.
Capitol Building Hours
8 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday
The Capitol is closed Sundays, New Year’s Day,
Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Fourth
of July, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving
(and day after), and Christmas Day
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Kapitol von Iowa
1007 E Grand AveYou'll be surprised to hear that I've never once met a person who said they didn't enjoy their tour of the Capital.
Capitol Tour Information
Tours are provided at no cost. Schedule a tour by
calling 515-281-5591. Tour guides strive to
accommodate every tour request, even those without
a scheduled tour.
Tours are conducted Monday through Saturday.
Please call for tour times: 515-281-5591.
The tour guides and gift shop are located on the
ground floor of the rotunda in the Iowa State Capitol.
Groups of 10 or more should schedule a tour of the
Capitol online at www.legis.iowa.gov.
Self-guided tours of the Capitol and Capitol grounds
are available anytime during normal business hours.
Capitol Building Hours
8 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday
The Capitol is closed Sundays, New Year’s Day,
Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Fourth
of July, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving
(and day after), and Christmas Day
Simple open "park". It's downtown and people love going there just to hang out. Kids can't climb on the sculptures, but there are some hills and running around to do. Starbucks is next door. If you walk a little ways east you'll find a water feature that runs along the sidewalk. Kids can play in there.
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Pappajohn Sculpture Park
1330 Grand AveSimple open "park". It's downtown and people love going there just to hang out. Kids can't climb on the sculptures, but there are some hills and running around to do. Starbucks is next door. If you walk a little ways east you'll find a water feature that runs along the sidewalk. Kids can play in there.
Shopping
This is the only real mall in the Des Moines area. The rest are slowly closing down. They have a food court, movie theater, play place and chain restaurants like Panera and The Cheesecake Factory. There is also a pond to walk around with ducks.
Jordan Creek Town Center hours & location
Individual store and restaurant hours may vary.
Please contact tenants directly for their hours of operation.
Thu, Jun 23:10am – 7pm
Fri, Jun 24:10am – 8pm
Sat, Jun 25:10am – 8pm
Sun, Jun 26:11am – 6pm
Mon, Jun 27:10am – 7pm
Tue, Jun 28:10am – 7pm
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Jordan Creek Town Center
101 Jordan Creek PkwyThis is the only real mall in the Des Moines area. The rest are slowly closing down. They have a food court, movie theater, play place and chain restaurants like Panera and The Cheesecake Factory. There is also a pond to walk around with ducks.
Jordan Creek Town Center hours & location
Individual store and restaurant hours may vary.
Please contact tenants directly for their hours of operation.
Thu, Jun 23:10am – 7pm
Fri, Jun 24:10am – 8pm
Sat, Jun 25:10am – 8pm
Sun, Jun 26:11am – 6pm
Mon, Jun 27:10am – 7pm
Tue, Jun 28:10am – 7pm
Outlets of Des Moines
801 Bass Pro Dr NWIf you love outlet malls, here's an easy stop.
If you're headed to the East Village, don't miss a stop at Raygun. Fun souvenirs and lots to look at. Known for their opinionated t-shirts.
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RAYGUN
505 E Grand AveIf you're headed to the East Village, don't miss a stop at Raygun. Fun souvenirs and lots to look at. Known for their opinionated t-shirts.
This is a classic "old town" that has blocks and blocks of shopping. Used to be lots of antiques, but it's been changing to more clothing, restaurants, knick knacks, etc. A good variety. They also do a farmer's market on Thursday evenings over the summer.
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Valley Junction
This is a classic "old town" that has blocks and blocks of shopping. Used to be lots of antiques, but it's been changing to more clothing, restaurants, knick knacks, etc. A good variety. They also do a farmer's market on Thursday evenings over the summer.
Waterpark
The best bang for your buck is a bit of a drive (about 15 minutes), but totally worth it. Fair warning, the kids will not want to leave.
Daily Admission
GENERAL $8
SENIOR CITIZEN ADMISSION (60+) $5
CHILDREN AGES 2 & UNDER $1
FLOW RIDER Included w/admission
*LAP SWIM/WATER WALKING
$3
*Lap swim and water walking are available for guests 13 and older.
Facility Features
Heated water
FlowRider surf machine - must be 42" or taller
Zero depth entry pool
Kiddie slide - no height requirement
Floor geysers and water cannons
Lazy river
Lap pool
Diving well and drop slide - must be 48" or taller
1 meter spring board and 3 meter platform diving - No height requirement
Swirl Bowl slide - must be 48" or taller
Lap swimming
Water walking
Concession stand
Area for sunbathing
In-pool shade
Cascade Falls Aquatic Center
2350 SW Prairie Trail PkwyThe best bang for your buck is a bit of a drive (about 15 minutes), but totally worth it. Fair warning, the kids will not want to leave.
Daily Admission
GENERAL $8
SENIOR CITIZEN ADMISSION (60+) $5
CHILDREN AGES 2 & UNDER $1
FLOW RIDER Included w/admission
*LAP SWIM/WATER WALKING
$3
*Lap swim and water walking are available for guests 13 and older.
Facility Features
Heated water
FlowRider surf machine - must be 42" or taller
Zero depth entry pool
Kiddie slide - no height requirement
Floor geysers and water cannons
Lazy river
Lap pool
Diving well and drop slide - must be 48" or taller
1 meter spring board and 3 meter platform diving - No height requirement
Swirl Bowl slide - must be 48" or taller
Lap swimming
Water walking
Concession stand
Area for sunbathing
In-pool shade