Des Moines is a cute little midwestern city with an amazing beer scene!
DSM Tips:
The city is pretty small, but it has a lot to offer! I would plan for at least 2 full days to enjoy yourself or a long weekend if possible!
DSM is truly in the heart of Iowa. It is 2 hours from Omaha, Nebraska and 3 hours from Kansas City, Missouri, so you could easily spend a week or two doing a Midwest road trip in this area!
Adventures & Ales Top Recommendations:
Lua Brewing: A superb brewery making incredible beers. They have a full food menu with delicious eats, and cocktails as well. Their patio space is great and their team is incredibly nice!
El Bait Shop: An insane beer bar with 260+ taps and great dive-bar vibes. They also have a food menu and a large patio space. Incredible spot!
Big Grove Brewery: A great brewery with several locations across Iowa. Their DSM taproom has a fantastic patio space and robust food menu, along with cocktails as well. Located downtown right across from Lua!
Don’t miss their Neighborhood Beer that benefits the communities they are located in via microgrants!
Paws & Pints: This off-leash dog park and bar is a super fun spot for dogs and their humans. I was really impressed with the care and attention they put into making everyone feel comfortable—with attendants watching over the dogs, a full restaurant onsite, TVs for watching sports, a gift shop, and more. Mosaic and I loved it!
Surety Hotel by Marriott: A great stay in the heart of downtown. The hotel is incredibly nice with a luxurious bathroom and beautiful touches throughout. They are dog-friendly, and they also have an onsite bar/restaurant Mulberry Street Tavern.
Pappajohn Sculpture Park: A unique park with a variety of sculptures and nice grassy area with skyline views.
other DEs Moines Things To Do:
Confluence Brewing Company: This brewery has a massive tap list and a large garden located right off Gray’s Lake.
Gray’s Lake Park: A nice beach and walking trails on a small lake.
Iowa Taproom: Another beer bar option full of brews from across Iowa.
Royal Mile: A fun British-style pub with tasty cocktails, British beers, and a full food menu. A great spot for watching sports, and they have a side alley patio space that is popular as well.
Daisy Chain Coffee: Solid spot for morning coffee, and they also have honey!
Scenic Route Bakery: Cafe offering morning pastries and afternoon sandwiches.
