1. Game On, Iowa
Up-Down
500 E Locust St
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 243-4322
Yelp: 4.5 Stars; 28 Reviews.
If you have a love for arcade games and beer, Up-Down is the place for you. This bar meets arcade has all of the gaming classics, as well as several pinball machines, three skee-ball lanes, and life-size Jenga. I’ll repeat myself: LIFE-SIZE JENGA.
2. Head To The Ski Hill
Mt. Crescent Ski Area
17026 Snowhill Ln
Honey Creek, IA 51542
(712) 545-3850
Yelp: 3 Stars; 11 Reviews.
Fun ski hills aren’t just out West. It might not be a 14,000 foot mountain, but a ski day at Mt. Crescent is the perfect way to get your snow fix. They’re typically open into the evening every day of the week and until 9 pm on the weekends with special discounted passes for evening sessions.
Make sure you watch out for their special “Midnight Madness” days, when they stay open until 3am.
3. Share A Night At The Opera With Someone
Des Moines Metro Opera
106 W Boston Ave
Indianola, IA 50125
(515) 961-6221
If you’re looking to class it up a bit, heading to a performance by the Des Moines Metro Opera is one way to do it. With regular nightly shows throughout the year, getting dressed up and heading to the opera can make for a great date.
4. Cheer On The Hawkeyes
Carver-Hawkeye Arena
402 Carver Hawkeye Arena
Iowa City, IA 52242
(800) 424-2957
Yelp: 4.5 Stars; 4 Reviews.
If you’re lucky enough to have a free night in Iowa on game day, make sure you take full advantage of the occasion. With some of the craziest fans in the country, you won’t regret buying tickets to catch the tip-off live.
Not in the Iowa City area? Head to a local watering hole so you’re not cheering alone.
5. As Close To Broadway As You Can Get In The Hawkeye State
Des Moines Playhouse
831 42nd St
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 255-3741
Yelp: 4.5 Stars; 2 Reviews.
One of the largest community theatres in the country, Des Moines Playhouse is always hosting shows worth seeing. A few popular upcoming shows include Around the World in 80 Days, Charlotte’s Web, and the Addams Family.
6. Get Your Buzz On While You Bowl
Cresco Bowling Lanes
308 3rd St SW
Cresco, IA 52136
(563) 547-3680
Yelp
Tired of going to a bar and just sitting at the table not really doing much? Cresco Bowling adds a little competitive twist to a night on the town. With several lanes and a full bar, this place is worth the visit.
7. Kick It With Some Movie Stars
Fleur Cinema & Café
4545 Fleur Dr
Des Moines, IA 50321
(515) 287-4545
Yelp: 4.5 Stars; 25 Reviews.
Cozy and comfortable, Fleur Cinema and Café is a really cool independent movie theater in the Des Moines area that specializes in showing a unique variety of feature films. In addition to typical movie fare, this venue also serves coffee, wine, and beer, putting it a step ahead of most competition.
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8. Have A Hot Date?
Cobble Hill
219 2nd St
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
(319) 366-3177
Yelp: 4.5 Stars; 31 Reviews.
If you’re looking to impress a first date or commemorate a special occasion, there’s no better place to do it than Cobble Hill. Elegant and sophisticated, everything that comes out of the kitchen here is equal parts beautiful and delicious. This is one place sure to keep you coming back.
9. Treat Yourself To A Laugh
The Last Laugh Comedy Theater
1701 25th St
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 943-9343
Yelp: 5 Stars; 4 Reviews.
If laughter is the best medicine, then making a trip to the Last Laugh Comedy Theater is the prescription you need. With shows featuring the best local talent around, fresh jokes help keep trips to this venue from ever getting old.
10. Get Lost In Space
UNI Observatory
Department of Earth Science
121 Latham Hall
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA
(319) 273-2759
Free and open to the public during fall and spring semesters, the Observatory at the University of Northern Iowa will give you an experience you won’t soon forget. Home to one of the best telescopes in the state, the things you’ll see here are quite out-of-this-world. Shows take place Thursday nights, but make sure you check their website for start times.
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11. Try Some Local Craft Beer
Peace Tree Brewing Company
107 W Main Street
Knoxville, IA 50138
(641) 842-2739
Yelp: 4.5 Stars; 12 Reviews.
Beer lovers rejoice, Iowa is no slacker when it comes to the craft beer movement. If you want to try a few of the best brews that this state has to offer, Peace Tree Brewing Company is the place for you.
With a diverse variety of delicious beers, you’ll love experiencing their brewing process first-hand.
12. Show Off Your Smarts
The Red Monk
210 4th St
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 280-3771
Yelp: 4.5 Stars; 10 Reviews.
Nothing livens up a party like a little bit of drunken trivia and the Red Monk is the perfect place to find it. Hosting the “Geeks Who Drink Pub Quiz” every Wednesday night, you’ll want to make sure you grab a few of your smartest friends and head this way ASAP.
13. Bar Crawl Like You’re Back In College
Pints
118 S Clinton St
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 351-9898
Yelp: 4.5 Stars; 3 Reviews.
If you’re looking to relive the glory days, Iowa City is the place for you. Their biggest crawl of the year is called Pedcrawl and it happens in May.
However, if you’re not in town for that night, it’s easy to make a crawl that’s completely your own. With bars like Brothers, Pints, The Summit, and Bojames, there are plenty of places to get your drink on.
14. Let Art Amaze You
Campbell Steele Gallery
1064 7th Ave
Marion, IA 52302
(319) 373-9211
Yelp: 5 Stars; 5 Reviews.
Feeling artsy? Campbell Steele Gallery has something for everyone. With fine art, plenty of live music, and endless bottles of wine, the intimate atmosphere here is one-of-a-kind. Check their website for special events and shows!
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15. Flex Your Vocal Cords
Hawkeye Tap
4646 Cheyenne Ave
Davenport, IA 52806
(563) 391-3096
Yelp: 4 Stars; 6 Reviews.
Regardless of whether you sound like Frank Sinatra or a dying cow, the Hawkeye Tap will let you take the stage. With Karaoke Wednesdays happening every week, there are plenty of chances to find your slice of stardom at this Davenport staple.
16. Catch A Live Show
Wooly’s
504 E Locust St
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 244-0550
Yelp: 4.5 Stars; 9 Reviews.
There’s no better place in Des Moines to catch a touring band than Wooly’s. Bringing in huge acts, as well as newcomers to the scene, cheap prices, friendly crowds, and a cozy set-up ensure that there’s not a bad seat in the house at this joint.
17. Drink Like An Irishman!
Dublin Bay Irish Pub & Grill
320 South 16th Street
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 956-3580
Yelp: 4 Stars; 58 Reviews.
When it comes to throwing a party, everyone knows the Irish do it best. With plenty of delicious Guinness and traditional Irish fare, including corned beef and Shepard’s pie, one trip here will have you recommending it to everyone you know.
Sláinte!…That’s what the Irish say instead of “Cheers!”
18. Pitch A Tent
Maquoketa Caves State Park
10756 98th St
Maquoketa, IA 52060
(563) 652-5833
Yelp: 5 Stars; 5 Reviews.
Iowa has tons of awesome places to get outdoors, including the very awesome Maquoketa Caves State Park.
Nestled in Jackson County, a camping getaway here will not only give you a chance to escape from the stresses of everyday life, it’s also one of the best places to go hiking and spelunking in the Midwest.
19. Whip Out Your Dancing Shoes
Lime Lounge
435 E Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 333-4643
Yelp: 3.5 Stars; 10 Reviews.
No night out on the town is complete without a little dancing. If it’s late, you’ve had a few drinks, and you’re ready to let a few of your signature dance moves loose, the Lime Lounge in Des Moines is what you’re looking for.
You never know what quite to expect here, just prepare yourself for a good time.
20. Let Your Beer Get A Little Fresh Air
Saint’s Pub & Patio
4041 Urbandale Ave
Des Moines, IA 50310
(515) 270-6175
Yelp: 3.5 Stars; 10 Reviews.
Voted home to the best outdoor patios in the city, it’s hard to beat the perpetually good vibes coming from Saint’s Pub + Patio. A staple of the Des Moines bar scene, a trip here is the perfect way to kick off any night.
What do you think? Tell us the key to the perfect night in Iowa in the comments below!
