1. Stick Out Your Tongue At Raccoon River Brewing Company
Des Moines locals are proud of their home breweries, such as Raccoon River Brewing Company. But there’s a special drink at this brewery called Confluence Cream Soda that is not only really tasty, but it turns your mouth a bright blue.
2. Have You Ever Drunk Out Of A Boot? At Hessen Haus, You Can!
Hessen Haus offers several sizes of beer, but the largest? That’s the truly unique one. If you’re ready to drink your fill, request to pour your German beer into one of their huge glass boots.
3. Shake Paws With The Prettiest Bulldog
For the annual Drake Relays, there’s all sorts of track and field events, but what really stands out is its unusual Beautiful Bulldog contest, that kicks off the events. If you’re in Des Moines, you can find this bulldog and shake his or her paw.
4. Yes, Des Moines Is Where Ozzy Osbourne Bit The Head Off A Bat
You’ve probably heard the legend that Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne bit the head off a live bat onstage. Well, it’s no myth, and it happened on stage at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center, known as Veterans Memorial Auditorium, in Des Moines, where you can visit on your rock and roll pilgrimage.
5. Your Childhood Doll Collection Has Nothing On The One At The Iowa State Capitol
In the Iowa State Capitol building, just across from the governor’s office is an ever-updating collection of porcelain dolls all modeled after each of the first ladies of Iowa. Even cooler? They are all wearing replicas of their inaugural gowns.
6. You Can Tour The Country’s Most Innovative Garden
Meredith Corporation is a world-famous magazine publishing company, and it lives in Des Moines. What this means is the “Better Homes and Gardens” test garden is also located in the city, where Friday’s public tours can show you some of the most innovative garden ideas and techniques—as well as some serious beauty.
7. Des Moines’ Bridges Are A Light Show Spectacular
Public art piece the High Trestle Trail Bridge and the pedestrian bridge in Kruidenier Trail in Greys Lake Park are true showpieces. While the former towers into the air with LED lights at night, the latter lights up in all different colors to make an architectural pattern.
8. “The Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes” Could Have Taken Place In Des Moines
Des Moines is home to the Ape Cognition & Conservation Initiative, a.k.a. the Iowa Primate Learning Sanctuary or the Great Ape Trust. This research environment is non-invasive, and it’s the largest one of its kind in all of North America, studying bonobos, chimps, gorillas, and orangutans, and housing a handful of bonobos.
9. Say Moo To The Larger Than Life-Size Cattle At Anderson Erickson Dairy
If you’re heading to the Anderson Erickson Dairy in Des Moines, say hello to Annie and Eric, the big cow and calf statues that have graced the property for many, many years, surviving all sorts of wear and tear. The calf is the size of a fully grown cow, and the two even dress up for the holidays.
10. See Stunning Art, With A Humanitarian Edge
In the World Food Prize Building’s Hall of Laureates is the Iowa Gallery, showcasing pieces of art that depict some of Iowa’s greatest humanitarians, such as the Iowa SHARES refugee work.
11. At Iowa Beef Steakhouse, If You Want It Right, You Cook It Yourself
Iowa Beef Steakhouse isn’t your ordinary restaurant, because in ordinary restaurants you don’t pick and cook your own food. But here, you can pick out a huge cut of steak and grill it up exactly how you like it over charcoal.
12. Tee Time Is The Best At The Oldest Golf Course West Of The Mississippi
Waveland Golf Course is the oldest municipal golf course west of the river, and one of the 100 oldest in the whole country. Not a golfer? No worries, it plays host to concerts and other events through the year.
13. Share A Pint With Giraffes And Penguins
Every summer Wednesday night, the Blank Park Zoo transforms into a one of the coolest bars ever for those over 21. There are drinks, bands, themed events, and, oh yeah, lions and tigers and bears.
14. Did I.M. Pei Leave His Hidden Signature Here?
Modern architect I.M. Pei denies this, but you can visit the Des Moines Art Center to judge for yourself. In the second addition, the story goes that Pei designed the south windows to spell out his last name, overlooking the rose garden.
15. Gather ‘Round The Rock-Solid Round Table
The Pappajohn Sculpture Park has nearly $40 million dollars’ worth of incredible sculptures, all donated by local philanthropists. Most you cannot touch, such as the Thinking Rabbit and the head made of numbers, but one sculpture is encourages interaction. Café Table may be difficult to have a dinner around, but it’s fun to grab your friends and family for a group shot.
Did we miss anything? Tell us your favorite secret spot in Des Moines in the comments below!
