Here’s a list of holiday-themed restaurants and bars that are over the top on holiday decorations. Rudolph’s Rooftop WHERE: The Republic on Grand, 401 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, Iowa WHAT: Holiday themed drinks with an excellent view of Des Moines skyline!WEBSITE: https://therepublicongrand.com/rudolphs-rooftop/ Miracle on Ingersoll WHERE: Dugan’s Hideaway, attached to The Station on Ingersoll,…
What is the Great Des Moines Hot Air Balloon Hunt? The Great DSM Balloon Hunt is a unique event focusing on hot air balloons in an urban setting. Balloons will NOT lift off and stay on the ground, but the balloon will be inflated and lit up by burners. Participants are encouraged to travel or…
Not only is the State Law Library of Iowa the most beautiful in Iowa, it frequently makes the list of the most beautiful libraries in the entire world. The library is housed on the second floor of the Iowa State Capitol Building between the House and Senate chambers. It was moved to its current location…
Michael Kromminga of West Des Moines loves Christmas. He was first featured for his Christmas projects in the Cedar Rapids Gazette back when he was only 12. Today, his projects have taken on a much larger scale and are now providing support for important community needs. Address: 3608 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines, Iowa Website:…
Saturday, September 14th is IllumiFest, a fall festival of light, held at the City Campus in West Des Moines, Iowa. The festival includes free family activities, including free tethered hot air balloon rides. When: Saturday, Sept 14th, 4pm to 9pm Where: 4200 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa Website with more info: https://www.wdm.iowa.gov/government/parks-recreation/illumifest What…
Des Moines Concours d’Elegance is held each September and features 12 classes of classic vehicles. For 2024, it will be held on Sunday, Sept 8th from 10 am to 4 pm at the Pappajohn Sculpture Park in Des Moines, Iowa. The event is free to the public, however, they are taking free-will donations to cover…
For the last thirty years, the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF) has helped transition the 154-acre Synder Farm in Elkhart, Iowa back from a traditional farm to a prairie and oak savannah. Several times a year, they host free events which are family-friendly. This fall they have two events scheduled: a fall foliage hike and…
Tuesday, July 25th is your chance to see hot air balloons flying over downtown Des Moines! The event was originally scheduled for Monday, July 24th, but was postponed due to weather. Every year, one week before the National Balloon Classic, they launch about 20 hot air balloons over downtown Des Moines to help promote the…
Folded Flags is a unique and permanent public art in West Des Moines, Iowa. There are 15 total flags that are each 15 feet tall. The installation was completed and dedicated on Flag Day (June 14th) in 2019. Perhaps most stunning is that the flags are lit from within at night – so we really…
Have you been to RōCA in Des Moines? RoCA stands for Restaurant on Court Avenue. It’s home to craft cocktails, shared plates, and stellar service. The menu is stacked with tons of unique features – which can make it challenging to order because you’ll want to try so many things. Here are a few photos…