Des Moines Bachelor Party
Planning a bachelor party in Des Moines, the largest city and capital of Iowa, guarantees an unforgettable experience. With vibrant nightlife districts, delicious cuisine, and a plethora of activities, there's something for everyone. From exploring Court Avenue and East Village to outdoor adventures like golfing and visiting a number of awesome breweries, Des Moines offers endless fun. With its lively atmosphere and diverse attractions, Des Moines sets the perfect stage for a memorable celebration.
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Best Things To Do In Des Moines
Smash Park
Experience an unforgettable bachelor party at Smash Park in West Des Moines, where the excitement of pickleball takes center stage. Whether you prefer an indoor or outdoor court, Smash Park lets you reserve a space for an intense and entertaining match against your mates. After the games, recharge with a delectable menu and refreshing drinks. Beyond pickleball, Smash Park offers a range of activities to enhance your celebration, ensuring a dynamic and lively atmosphere for the groom and the entire party. Here’s a list of the other activities they offer:
Axe Throwing
Darts
Cornhole
Bocce Ball
Shuffleboard
Racoon River Excursions
Embark on an exhilarating adventure with your buddies as you tube down the scenic Raccoon River. Spend a carefree and enjoyable 4-5 hours floating along the gentle currents, taking in the picturesque surroundings. Ensure your tubing experience is complete by grabbing a cooler tube, allowing you to savor ice-cold beverages while soaking up the sun and sharing laughter with your friends. It's the perfect way to combine relaxation, excitement, and camaraderie for an unforgettable bachelor party experience on the water. So, gather your crew, secure your tubes, and get ready for a laid-back yet thrilling river tubing escapade.
The Foundry
Discover the unique charm of The Foundry, a transformed 1890s railcar barn and iron foundry. This cool venue features a food and beverage hall with rotating food trucks, a beer garden with 50 beers on tap, and an on-site distillery offering world-class whiskeys. Immerse yourself in the historic ambiance while enjoying diverse culinary experiences, refreshing drinks, and the sophistication of premium spirits.
Duckpin Bowling
Des Moines offers two fantastic spots for your bachelor party with duckpin bowling. Backpocket Pin & Pixel, located in one of Backpocket Brewing's taprooms, combines delicious beer and food with the fun of duckpin bowling and a retro arcade. Another great option is Putts & Pins, featuring not only food and drinks but also two 9-hole mini-golf courses, duckpin bowling, and arcade games. Whether you prefer a brewery setting with retro vibes or a versatile venue with mini-golf, both places promise an entertaining and memorable bachelor party experience.
Golf
The Des Moines area boasts several captivating golf courses perfect for your bachelor party. Begin with Waveland Golf Course, a historic 1901 build that weaves through tree-covered hillsides, presenting a challenging yet picturesque round. Next on the list is Otter Creek, an award-winning links-style course featuring tall grass, bunkers, and ponds, earning the title of the Iowa Golf Association's 2016 18-hole Course of the Year.
The third option, Legacy Golf Club, entices with its beautiful par 71 layout, spanning nearly 7,200 yards. Offering a mix of fun and challenging holes, it provides an engaging golfing experience. Lastly, explore the Tournament Club of Iowa, honored as the 2009 18-hole Course of the Year. As the only Arnold Palmer Signature Design Course in Iowa, it presents a delightful challenge winding through bluffs, ravines, and a forested tree-lined landscape. These diverse golf courses ensure an unforgettable and enjoyable bachelor party on the greens.
Attend a Sporting Event
Des Moines offers a range of exciting sporting events for your group to enjoy. Start by catching the adrenaline-pumping action at the Iowa Speedway, featuring thrilling NASCAR and Indy car races. Experience the intensity of pro indoor football with the Iowa Barnstormers, a team that once had the legendary Kurt Warner in its ranks.
Basketball enthusiasts can cheer on the Iowa Wolves, a G-League team affiliated with the Minnesota Timberwolves, while baseball fans can catch a game with the Iowa Cubs, a minor league team affiliated with the Chicago Cubs. And for hockey enthusiasts, the Iowa Wild, associated with the Minnesota Wild, promises fast-paced and exciting matchups on the ice.
Adventureland
Experience adrenaline-packed fun at Adventureland, an amusement park with rides like the spinning Storm Chaser and the dynamic Dragon Slayer. Cool off at Adventure Bay, their exciting water park. Don't miss The Ruckus Music Festival, featuring country music stars such as Dustin Lynch, Miranda Lambert, HARDY, Chase Rice, and Eric Church.
The Big Yellow Bike
Experience the ultimate Des Moines pub crawl for your bachelor party aboard the iconic The Big Yellow Bike. Traverse through downtown Des Moines and the vibrant East Village on this 100% pedal-powered adventure. Accommodating up to 16 people, this lively ride offers a unique and unforgettable way to celebrate your last days of bachelorhood.
Best Breweries In Des Moines
Explore Des Moines' vibrant brewery scene by checking out these recommended establishments. Here's a list of some we suggest visiting.
Since 2012, Exile Brewing has been crafting delightful beers, with their standout offering being Ruthie, a superb gold lager.
Lua Brewing, established in 2019, is not only a top-notch spot to enjoy exceptional beers but also ranks among the finest dining destinations in Des Moines.
Confluence Brewing Company boasts an impressive selection of 36 amazing beers on tap, complemented by an inviting outdoor beer garden. Enhancing the experience, they host live music on Thursday and Friday nights throughout the spring and summer.
Nestled within the historic Ankeny fire station, Firetrucker Brewery embraces the mantra "beer is art." Savor their delicious beers and take note of the meticulous attention to detail showcased in their label designs.
Peace Tree Brewing Co.'s Des Moines taproom offers a daily selection of 23 beers on tap, featuring standout options like their Blonde Fatale. In addition to their exceptional beer offerings, they also craft their own non-alcoholic root beer for a unique and satisfying experience.
Since 2013, 515 Brewing Company has been delighting beer enthusiasts with a continuous evolution of over 150 recipes and an ever-changing brew menu. With a variety of beers on tap, they offer a diverse and exciting selection for every palate.
Barn Town Brewing is renowned for its distinctive and enjoyable beer selection, including standouts like Groovy Ruby, Neon Hazy, and Iowa Gold. Embrace the unique with their creative sour offerings such as Blueberry Creme Pie Drops, Root Beer Float, and Peanut Butter and Apricot Jelly. If you're in the mood for a culinary delight, their House Pastrami sandwich, recognized as one of the best in Des Moines, is a must-try.
Best Nightlife In Des Moines
Downtown Des Moines
Downtown Des Moines boasts two bustling nightlife districts: Court Avenue and East Village. Court Avenue, home to the iconic Polk County Historic Courthouse and the renowned farmer's market, is a hub of activity with numerous bars and restaurants. Meanwhile, nestled between the state capitol and the Des Moines River, East Village exudes a vibrant and hip atmosphere, offering an eclectic mix of shopping, dining, and drinking establishments. Whether you're seeking historic charm or contemporary energy, both districts promise an exciting night out in Des Moines.
Bars in Downtown Des Moines
Bellhop is a lively tiki bar known for its playful tropical atmosphere. Offering a variety of fun drinks such as the Funky Flamingo and group bowls like the Scorpion Bowl, it's the perfect spot to enjoy a taste of paradise.
The Royal Mile is a British-style pub offering an extensive selection of scotches, British beers, and English dishes.
The Red Monk is a serene bar located above The Royal Mile, specializing in Belgian-style beers.
Ricochet is a vibrant bar that offers a variety of entertaining games including skee ball, darts, foosball, pong, cornhole, and more.
Hessen Haus is a lively German bier hall boasting over 50 German beers on tap, making it a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts.
Up-Down is an exciting arcade bar featuring over 60 classic arcade games from the 80s and 90s, along with pinball machines, skeeball, Nintendo and Sega consoles, and an impressive selection of 20+ beers on tap.
The Iowa Taproom is a dedicated beer hall celebrating Iowa's craft beer scene, offering a curated selection of 99 craft beers on tap sourced exclusively from Iowa breweries.
Ken's - A Not So Secret Speakeasy, located beneath the Iowa Taproom, specializes in cocktails alongside craft beer, wine, and a wide selection of whiskey. Its distinctive ambiance, with whiskey barrels lining the walls, offers a cool setting for enjoying a drink.
300 Craft & Rooftop is a fantastic rooftop bar in downtown Des Moines, offering a variety of beers and cocktails for patrons to enjoy.
Best Food In Des Moines
Johnny's Hall of Fame is downtown Des Moines' pioneering sports bar, established in 1962. Serving up classic sports bar fare including pizza, burgers, and wings, it's a beloved destination for casual dining and catching the game.
Malo is a vibrant Latin restaurant known for its delectable street tacos and a variety of other mouthwatering dishes.
Christopher's is a well-known Italian restaurant that has been serving delicious food since 1963. Offering an array of delectable dishes including pizza, pasta, steak, seafood, and more, it's a beloved destination for Italian cuisine enthusiasts.
Des Moines is home to several delicious BBQ joints. Here are a couple worth checking out:
Bubba, located downtown, offers mouthwatering Southern comfort food along with delicious cocktails.
Zombie Burger + Drink Lab is renowned for its selection of delicious and unique burgers, accompanied by a variety of tempting shakes. Notably, they were ranked #35 on Yelp's Top 100 Burgers in America 2023 list.
Mullets is a fantastic spot for breakfast and lunch, offering a mouthwatering array of dishes including breakfast nachos, avocado toast flight, and their signature burnt ends benedict.
Fong's Pizza offers mouthwatering pizzas with Asian-inspired flavors, with creative toppings such as crab rangoon, General Tso's chicken, orange chicken, Fongolian beef, and more.
Best Time To Visit Des Moines
The best time to visit Des Moines is during the months of April through October. Summer months, from June to August, offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities such as golfing, river tubing, and patio dining. Additionally, Des Moines hosts numerous festivals and events during this time, providing ample opportunities for entertainment and exploration. With mild temperatures and colorful foliage, spring and fall are particularly enjoyable for outdoor excursions and brewery tours. Overall, Des Moines offers something for every bachelor party during these months, ensuring an unforgettable experience for the groom and his friends.
