How to Meet Locals & Make Friends in Des Moines, Iowa, United States
1. Des Moines Social Club
A local cultural arts center offering a variety of events and classes where you can meet Des Moines locals. It's unique for its fusion of art, music, food, and drink.
- Community Hub: A vibrant community gathering spot, offering everything from art classes to live music performances.
- Cultural Exchange: A great place to learn about local culture and traditions through its diverse range of events and exhibits.
- Food & Drink: Enjoy local cuisine and craft beverages while socializing with locals at the on-site restaurant and bar.
2. Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino
A popular entertainment destination where you can socialize with locals over games of chance. It's unique for its horse racing events and gaming options.
- Gaming Options: Offers a variety of casino games, including slot machines, table games, and poker.
- Horse Racing Events: Hosts live horse racing events and simulcast races from around the country.
- Dining & Entertainment: Features multiple dining options and live music performances for an enjoyable experience.
3. Des Moines Farmers' Market
A weekly market selling fresh local produce, crafts, and prepared foods. It's unique for its focus on locally grown and made goods.
- Local Produce: Offers a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other farm-fresh products.
- Crafts & Artisans: Showcases local artists and artisans selling handmade crafts and goods.
- Food Trucks: Features a rotating selection of food trucks offering delicious local cuisine.
4. Brenton Arboretum
A beautiful, peaceful outdoor space where you can take a leisurely walk and meet fellow nature lovers. It's unique for its extensive tree and plant collection.
- Tree & Plant Collection: Features over 500 species of trees and thousands of flowering plants.
- Guided Tours: Offers guided tours to help you learn about the diverse plant life in the arboretum.
- Events & Workshops: Hosts events and workshops throughout the year, such as bird watching and photography classes.
5. Eastern Iowa Training School Ballpark
A historic ballpark where you can watch a local baseball game and interact with fans. It's unique for its rich history dating back to the 1930s.
- Historic Ballpark: One of the oldest continuously operating ballparks in the U.S., offering a glimpse into baseball's past.
- Local Team Spirit: Catch a game and experience the passion and camaraderie of Des Moines' local baseball fans.
- Concessions & Merchandise: Enjoy ballpark fare and pick up some memorabilia from the team store.
6. Des Moines Botanical Garden
A tranquil oasis in the heart of the city where you can relax and connect with nature. It's unique for its beautiful themed gardens and glass-domed conservatory.
- Themed Gardens: Features several themed gardens, including a rose garden, a sensory garden, and a desert garden.
- Conservatory: A glass-domed structure housing tropical plants and a beautiful waterfall.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs, workshops, and guided tours to help you learn about the plant life in the garden.
7. Kum & Go Grocery
A locally-owned grocery store chain where you can shop for groceries and interact with friendly locals. It's unique for its focus on quality products and community involvement.
- Quality Products: Offers a wide selection of fresh, high-quality produce, meats, and other groceries.
- Community Involvement: Actively involved in local community events and sponsorships.
- Friendly Service: Known for its friendly, helpful staff who are always willing to chat with customers.
8. Drake University
A large university where you can attend events, tour the campus, and interact with students. It's unique for its beautiful architecture and rich athletic history.
- Campus Tours: Offers daily guided tours of the historic campus.
- Sports Events: Attend a Drake Bulldogs sports game and cheer on the local team.
- Cultural Events: Check out art exhibits, concerts, and lectures at the university's various cultural venues.
9. Des Moines Social Club - The Hall
A versatile event space within the Des Moines Social Club offering a variety of events and workshops. It's unique for its adaptable layout and focus on community involvement.
- Event Variety: Offers a wide range of events, from workshops to live music performances.
- Community Engagement: Provides opportunities for community members to engage in creative and educational activities.
- Flexible Space: Features a flexible layout that can be adapted to suit various events and gatherings.
10. Jasper Winery
A local winery where you can sample Iowa wines and meet fellow wine enthusiasts. It's unique for its focus on using Iowa-grown grapes.
- Iowa Wines: Produces a variety of wines using grapes grown exclusively in Iowa.
- Tastings & Tours: Offers wine tastings and tours to help you learn about the winemaking process.
- Events: Hosts events, such as live music performances and food trucks, on weekends.
11. Des Moines Bike Collective
A non-profit bike shop where you can rent bikes, learn about cycling, and connect with the local cycling community. It's unique for its emphasis on sustainability and inclusivity.
- Bike Rentals: Rent a bike for a day or week to explore Des Moines.
- Workshops & Classes: Offers workshops and classes on topics like bike maintenance, safety, and navigation.
- Community-focused: Promotes cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation and fosters a supportive community for cyclists.
12. The Iowa State Fair Grandstand
A large venue where you can attend concerts and events during the Iowa State Fair. It's unique for its iconic setting at the fairgrounds.
- Concerts & Events: Hosts a variety of concerts, shows, and events during the Iowa State Fair.
- Iconic Location: Located at the heart of the Iowa State Fairgrounds, offering a unique event experience.
- Food & Drink: Enjoy fair food and beverages while attending events at the Grandstand.
13. Grandview University
A small private university where you can attend events, tour the campus, and interact with students. It's unique for its focus on the liberal arts and professional studies.
- Campus Tours: Offers daily guided tours of the historic campus.
- Sports Events: Attend a Grandview Vikings sports game and cheer on the local team.
- Cultural Events: Check out art exhibits, concerts, and lectures at the university's various cultural venues.
14. Downtown Farmers' Market
A weekly market where you can shop for fresh produce, crafts, and prepared foods. It's unique for its downtown location and focus on locally sourced goods.
- Fresh Produce: Offers a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other farm-fresh products.
- Crafts & Artisans: Showcases local artists and artisans selling handmade crafts and goods.
- Food Trucks: Features a rotating selection of food trucks offering delicious local cuisine.
15. High Trestle Trail Bike Ride
A scenic bike ride where you can meet fellow cyclists and enjoy the natural beauty of Iowa. It's unique for its impressive suspension bridge and picturesque trail.
- Scenic Ride: Offers a beautiful, 25-mile bike ride through the countryside.
- Suspension Bridge: Features an impressive suspension bridge with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Community Ride: Join other cyclists for a fun, social bike ride through Iowa's beautiful countryside.