A small boat resting on the sand with a person laid out

Try DSM: Outdoor Adventure

If you’re a fan of the great outdoors, try Greater Des Moines (DSM) this summer! Across the region, you’ll find well-kept trails for walking or biking, wildlife areas featuring lush habitats and cool playgrounds the whole family can enjoy. DSM also has ample opportunity for water sports such as paddleboarding, boating and fishing. For instance, Downtown Des Moines’ (DSM’s) Gray’s Lake rents canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, pedal boats, row boats and sailboats — and life vests are available for free! See what else awaits you in DSM by checking out the itinerary below! This itinerary is laid out for a Thursday-Sunday long weekend, but you can take it in almost any configuration. Mix and match to make an itinerary that’s suited to you, but check the business or location’s website to make sure they are open on the day you plan to go. 

Hotel Pick: Qube Hotel

Situated in close proximity to both Big Creek Lake and Saylorville Lake, the Qube Hotel in Polk City is also just 15 minutes away from Jester Park, where outdoor adventures are easy to find. Polk City is on the northern side of Polk County but centrally located to other DSM outdoor areas, making it a great option away from the hustle and bustle, but convenient as well. Stay in one of the rooms overlooking the Tournament Club of Iowa’s 17th and 18th holes for an unbeatable view of an Arnold Palmer Designed golf course. 

Thursday

A family of four enjoying the outdoor playscape.
  • Start your outdoor adventure weekend at Jester Park! Check-in at the Qube begins at 4 p.m., so you’ll have time to explore all there is to do if you get to Jester Park earlier in the day. Hike the trails, take the kids to the natural playscape and see the bison and elk herds or set up a guided trail ride for Friday or Saturday at the Equestrian Center! If beach vibes are more your thing, Big Creek State Park in Polk City is right down the road from where you’ll be staying. It’s home to the largest beach in the state park system, with one of the coolest wooden playgrounds around. Big Creek State Park also offers opportunities for hiking, swimming, fishing, disc golf and more. There are concessions available starting Memorial Day weekend, paddleboard and bicycle rentals, boat ramps and more.
  • Three men sitting at a table looking at pizza. One of the men is getting a slice.Try lunch at a Polk City staple, Papa’s Pizzeria, before heading to Big Creek. Take a bite of Papa’s Primo pizza with a variety of toppings, including sauerkraut or go for something a bit more traditional like the Spaghetti & Meatball dinner.  
  • After lunch, you can either walk the Raccoon River Valley Trail in Grimes, visit the Kuehn Conservation Area, a designated hunting area and spot to view wildlife (there’s great birdwatching here!) in Earlham.
  • Once you’re checked into your hotel, it’s time to think about dinner! Try out locally owned Destination Grille in Grimes, where you can enjoy the food while you listen to live music on the rooftop patio every Thursday night!

Friday

  • Take advantage of the hotel’s continental breakfast before heading out on your next adventure. This time, head east to recreational spots in Jasper, Marshall or Poweshiek Counties.
  • The kids will love Mariposa Recreation Area where a fun natural playground, butterfly garden and picnic area make for a fun family day in Kellogg, north of Newton. Kellogg also offers a marina with pontoon, kayak and canoe rentals at Rock Creek State Park. The Chichaqua Valley Trail runs through both Polk and Jasper County. Note: If you want to experience the Chichaqua Valley Trail during the winter months, try cross country skiing! 
  • Another great location for the entire family? Grimes Farm and Conservation Center in Marshalltown! Climb your way to the top of the observation tower or walk the boardwalk north of the nature playscape. Don’t miss the American Discovery Trail that stretches from coast to coast across the nation and stops in both Marshalltown and Clive where the trail becomes part of the Raccoon River Valley Trail. Three young women sitting at a table outside of a cafe laughing.
  • Visit one of 10 preserves and wildlife areas of Diamond Lake Park in Poweshiek County Diamond Lake Park has a 98-acre lake while wildlife areas in the county offer places to see wild turkey, whitetail deer and more. 
  • Lunch options like Prairie Canary and Frontier Café in Grinnell are popular, or check out the Grinnell Craft Brewhouse on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays — taste one of the brews or sing along on Karaoke Night!
  • Take a little drive to Mahaska and Marion Counties to visit outdoor attractions like Cedar Bluffs Natural Area in Oskaloosa and historical landmark Horn’s Ferry Bridge in Knoxville. For a view of the Des Moines River Valley, Cedar Bluffs has a lookout point, while Horn’s Ferry is great for watching bald eagles. (You can also watch for these majestic birds at nearby Gladys Black Bald Eagle Refuge.)
  • Finish off your adventure with something off the all-day menu at Tassel Ridge Winery in Leighton before heading back to Polk City for the night. Try the Tassel Ridge Charcuterie, Salsa Trio and sip from a glass of wine on the terrace.

Saturday

  • Get an early start on Saturday morning! From the Qube in Polk City, it’s less than an hour’s drive to Indianola where you can grab breakfast at Mishmash Eats & Sweets. Choose from a variety of breakfast options, including breakfast sandwiches, pastries and more. Since you’re in Indianola, stop by Buxton Park with the family. Kids will love the wind sculptures and the children’s garden with its play tunnel and interactive free activities. Next, stop by Lake Ahquabi State Park where you can hike, boat, swim and fish! From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, boat rentals are available as well as concessions. 
  • If you’d rather start your day in Osceola, check out the boat launch facilities at West Lake Marina. West Lake is known for its fishing opportunities, including largemouth bass, bluegills and crappies. Make time to check out Revelton Spirits if you’re visiting Osceola later in the day. A Tour & Tasting at this local distillery includes a 45-minute tour and up to five spirits. It’s a great way to unwind after spending the morning outdoors!
  • A couple smiling at the camera in front of a field of sunflowers.Make time to visit Winterset, too. Its famous covered bridges can be found along the Covered Bridges Scenic Byway, along with plenty of other amenities for exploring and outdoor adventures. And if you haven’t been to Clark Tower in City Park, this is a great selfie spot! Pose like a prince or princess in the castle-like structure before heading to Pammel State Park, just a short 20-minute drive away. It’s a worthwhile excursion that features yurt cabins and tube floats! Open until 1 p.m., grab fresh food and craft coffee from Petite Café while you’re in town, too!  
  • Also in Madison County is Badger Creek State Recreation Area in Van Meter, a great spot to stop and see fields of sunflowers in late summer! 
  • Finally, take a drive along the White Pole Road Scenic Byway, stopping at the small towns along the way. In Adair, don’t miss a chance to visit the historical marker at Jesse James Historical Park. Or head back towards Polk City, with a stop in Guthrie Center or West Des Moines. Guthrie Center boasts a disc golf course and other free activities like horseshoes and birdwatching at Nations Bridge Park. You can even take a walk along the self-guided nature trail. If you choose to stop in West Des Moines instead, check out the largest stand of black walnut trees in the U.S. at Walnut Woods State Park. There’s also a bird observation station that’s great for summer birdwatching. 

Shop Your Way to Your Next Outdoor Adventure

Are you ready to take on the above outdoor adventures around DSM? If you need a little more to prepare for your weekend in the great outdoors, we invite you to check out some of these local shops and well-known stores for all your outdoor recreational needs:  

A large building that reads "Bass Pro Shops: Outdoor World"
  • Bass Pro Shops in Altoona has outdoor gear along with fishing and boating items. You can even purchase kayaks, canoes and other items for water sports.
  • If you’re looking for watersports and boating gear, fishing rods and reels and outdoor clothing, check out Fleet Farm in Ankeny.
  • Shop Scheels at Jordan Creek Town Center in West Des Moines for fishing gear, disc golf items and more. 
  • Stop by Fontenelle Supply Co. in Downtown (DSM) for men’s outdoor apparel and handmade leather goods. 

The Summer Sun Awaits in Greater Des Moines

Slap on the sunscreen, grab a hat and get moving in DSM! Explore the outdoor activities across the region with family, friends or even by yourself.  A fulfilling career, a meaningful community and peace of mind in DSM communities help you discover how to do something greater. Connect with DSM to learn more.