Discover a beer lover's paradise at El Bait Shop, located at 200 SW 2nd St, Des Moines, IA. With a staggering selection of over 260 draft beers, this iconic spot promises an unforgettable experience for aficionados and casual drinkers alike. Dive into a comprehensive beer menu featuring local craft brews, rare imports, and everything in between. The vibrant, laid-back atmosphere, combined with friendly, knowledgeable staff, ensures a welcoming environment for all. Don’t miss out on their mouthwatering American fare, perfect for pairing with your favorite pint. Whether you're here for a quick drink or a night out with friends, El Bait Shop is the ultimate destination for exceptional beer and good times. Come see why this Des Moines gem is a must-visit for beer enthusiasts. Cheers! 

El Bait Shop

Experience nostalgia like never before at The High Life Lounge, located at 200 SW 2nd St, Des Moines, IA. Step into a retro wonderland where classic 70s decor meets modern comfort, creating a unique ambiance that transports you back in time. Savor our delicious comfort food, featuring hearty favorites like our famous fried chicken and bacon-wrapped tater tots. Pair your meal with an ice-cold Miller High Life, the original inspiration for our name, or choose from an extensive selection of craft beers and signature cocktails. Whether you're enjoying a cozy night out, catching up with friends, or celebrating a special occasion, The High Life Lounge promises a delightful experience filled with good vibes and great memories. Join us for a trip down memory lane and discover why we're Des Moines' favorite spot for laid-back fun and unforgettable flavors. 

The High Life Lounge

Discover the wonders of the universe at the Science Center of Iowa! Located at 401 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy in Des Moines, our hands-on exhibits and interactive demonstrations make learning fun for all ages. Dive into the thrilling world of space exploration, tinker with cutting-edge technology, and marvel at natural phenomena in our engaging exhibits. Perfect for families, school groups, and curious minds, the Science Center offers planetarium shows, IMAX movies, and live science presentations that will ignite your curiosity and inspire a lifelong love of discovery. Plan your visit today and embark on an unforgettable adventure into the realms of science and innovation at the Science Center of Iowa – where learning comes to life! 

Science Center of Iowa

Discover Secret Admirer, Des Moines' hidden gem at 110 SW 5th St. This eclectic cocktail lounge captivates with its vintage vibe and cozy ambiance. Step inside to find an intimate setting adorned with retro decor, perfect for romantic dates or laid-back gatherings. Our craft cocktails are the heart of the experience, featuring innovative twists on classic favorites, meticulously mixed by expert bartenders. Pair your drink with a delectable selection of small bites, crafted to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you're seeking a sophisticated night out or a stylish hideaway to unwind, Secret Admirer promises an unforgettable escape. Join us and uncover the charm that makes this cocktail bar a local favorite. 

Secret Admirer

Experience a slice of Germany in the heart of Des Moines at Hessen Haus! Located at 101 SW 4th St, this authentic bier hall boasts a vibrant atmosphere perfect for any occasion. Savor the rich flavors of traditional German cuisine, from savory bratwursts to pretzels paired perfectly with stone-ground mustard. With an extensive selection of over 50 imported beers on tap, including renowned German brews, your stein will never run dry. Whether you're singing along to live polka music, participating in the stein-holding competitions, or simply enjoying the unique decor, Hessen Haus offers a memorable experience transporting you straight to Bavaria. Ideal for casual nights out, family gatherings, or special events, Hessen Haus is Des Moines’ premier destination for genuine German hospitality. Prost! 

Hessen Haus

Discover hidden treasures at West End Architectural Salvage, the premier destination for antique enthusiasts and design aficionados located at 22 9th St, Des Moines, IA. With four floors brimming with eclectic furnishings, timeless décor, and unique reclaimed architectural pieces, this landmark shop has something to inspire every style and spark creativity. Curated from historic buildings, our collection features everything from vintage lighting and intricate woodwork to salvaged doors and stained glass panels. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, an interior designer, or simply on the hunt for a one-of-a-kind find, West End Architectural Salvage offers an unparalleled shopping experience in the heart of Des Moines. Dive into a world where history meets creativity and transform your space with pieces that tell a story. Visit us today and uncover the possibilities! 

West End Architectural Salvage

Discover a blend of sophistication and vibrancy at Revival House, located in the heart of Downtown Des Moines at 316 Court Ave. This chic venue is the ideal spot for memorable nights out, intimate gatherings, and special celebrations. With an atmosphere that seamlessly merges modern elegance with eclectic charm, Revival House promises an unmatched experience. Savor our expertly crafted cocktails, indulge in delightful culinary offerings, and enjoy live entertainment in a setting that is both inviting and inspiring. Perfect for those who appreciate refined ambience and top-notch service, Revival House stands out as a beacon of style and substance in the city's bustling nightlife scene. Join us and elevate your evening at Revival House – where every visit is a celebration of life's finest moments. 

Revival House

Discover an extraordinary dining experience at Blue Sushi Sake Grill in the heart of Des Moines' vibrant Court Avenue District. Our menu boasts an innovative blend of traditional and contemporary Japanese cuisine, featuring the freshest sushi, delectable sashimi, and an enticing selection of perfectly crafted maki rolls. Complement your meal with our extensive array of premium sake, inventive cocktails, and curated wine list. Blue Sushi’s modern, chic ambiance provides the perfect backdrop for any occasion, whether it’s a casual lunch, a romantic dinner, or a lively night out with friends. Join us at 316 Court Ave and savor the art of sushi in a setting that seamlessly blends style and taste. Experience the difference at Blue Sushi Sake Grill – where tradition meets innovation. 

Blue Sushi Sake Grill

Experience the vibrant heartbeat of Des Moines at the Downtown Farmers’ Market, located at 300 Court Ave. This bustling marketplace brings together over 300 vendors, offering the freshest produce, artisanal foods, unique crafts, and live entertainment every Saturday from May through October. Nestled in the heart of downtown, the market is a community celebration of local flavor and creativity. Savor seasonal delights, discover handmade treasures, and enjoy a morning filled with live music, family activities, and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Downtown Farmers’ Market is the perfect destination to immerse yourself in the tastes and traditions of Iowa. Come see why it's a beloved weekly tradition! 

Des Moines' Downtown Farmers’ Market

Discover RoCA, the gem of Court Avenue in Des Moines. Located at 208 Court Ave, this chic eatery offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for any occasion. RoCA seamlessly blends contemporary elegance with rustic charm, creating a welcoming environment for both casual and upscale dining. Indulge in a menu filled with creative, locally sourced dishes that celebrate innovative American cuisine. Pair your meal with an exquisite selection from our expertly curated wine list or a signature cocktail crafted by our master mixologists. Whether you're hosting a memorable celebration or enjoying an intimate night out, RoCA promises an unforgettable culinary experience. Join us and savor the finest flavors Des Moines has to offer! 

RoCA

Everyone loves an underdog. In Greater Des Moines, it’s our competitive advantage. From our humble beginnings as a quiet insurance town, we’ve worked hard to create a home field advantage as an unexpected sports mecca in the heart of the Midwest.

The country’s largest skatepark. An iconic track and field venue. The longest running minor league affiliation in baseball. There’s a reason we were named #1 Minor League Sports Market in the nation and that NBA Hall of Famer Reggie Miller said, “Des Moines is the best site I’ve ever been a part of.” 

Whether we’re hosting marquee sporting events like the NCAA Tournament and Dew Tour, or a youth soccer tournament in the suburbs, our fans show up loud and proud. We’ve got the venues, the people, and the passion to ensure that your next sporting event will be a winner. Big or small, let’s play ball!


Catch Des Moines

The Missouri Valley Conference crowns its 2026 Cross Country champions at the annual MVC Cross Country Championship on October 30, 2026. All eleven MVC member schools send their top distance runners to battle for individual and team titles. Hosted by Drake University on a championship course, the meet showcases elite endurance athletes from Belmont, Bradley, Drake, Evansville, UIC, Illinois State, Indiana State, Murray State, Northern Iowa, Southern Illinois and Valparaiso, with live recaps and highlights airing across MVC digital channels.

2026 The Missouri Valley Conference Cross Country Championship

Cross Country

A.H. Blank Golf Course is one of three Des Moines public courses. Located at 808 County Line Road, Blank has some of the most unique features in Central Iowa. The most unique feature is the Uplink Global Positioning System, better known as GPS. This system was installed in the spring of 2003. The GPS provides you with the pleasure of knowing the exact distance between the point of the ball to all hazards and to the flag. The system also allows you to page the beverage cart from your own cart. No more waiting for a cool refreshing drink or snack! Forgot a scorecard, that’s okay, plug your score right into the screen using the computerized scoring system.

Blank first opened in 1971 as a 9 hole golf course and expanded to 18 holes in 1985. Only one of the original nine holes still remains, but it has been altered. The course offers a formidable challenge, especially on the front nine. Water and sand come in to play on many of the holes, adding to the course difficulty. There are 31 sand traps and 10 water holes.

The blank golf course features a full-service deli, driving range, pro shop, and banquet room that holds up to 300 people. Call and book your golf outing today with one of our friendly staff members!

2026 The Missouri Valley Conference Cross Country Championship

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