Discover a culinary gem in the heart of downtown Des Moines at Centro, located at 1003 Locust St. Renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and contemporary Italian cuisine, Centro offers a delightful blend of classic dishes and innovative creations. Savor wood-fired pizzas, handcrafted pastas, and fresh, local ingredients artfully prepared by our talented chefs. Unwind with a signature cocktail or select from our extensive wine list in our stylish yet welcoming space. Whether it's a casual lunch, a romantic dinner, or a lively night out, Centro promises an unforgettable dining experience that captures the essence of Italian hospitality. Join us and taste the difference at Des Moines' premier dining destination. 

Centro

Discover Liberty's at 101 E Locust St, Des Moines – your ultimate destination for an exquisite dining experience. Nestled in the vibrant heart of the city, Liberty's offers a culinary adventure that combines local flavors with international flair. Our menu boasts a diverse selection of gourmet dishes, crafted with the freshest ingredients and a creative touch. Enjoy a cozy, elegant ambiance perfect for intimate dinners, business lunches, or weekend brunches. With exceptional service and a welcoming atmosphere, Liberty's is the go-to spot for food enthusiasts and social gatherings alike. Join us and savor the essence of Des Moines at Liberty's – where every meal is a celebration! 

Liberty's

Discover a world where art and nature intertwine at the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, located at 1330 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA. This 4.4-acre urban oasis boasts over 30 dynamic works by celebrated artists, transforming downtown Des Moines into an open-air gallery. Ideal for art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike, the park offers a unique, immersive experience where you can stroll among striking sculptures that inspire imagination and creativity. With free public access year-round, it’s the perfect destination for a leisurely afternoon, a creative photo shoot, or a memorable family outing. Whether you're exploring alone or with loved ones, the Pappajohn Sculpture Park is an artistic gem that invites you to pause, reflect, and engage with contemporary art in a beautifully landscaped setting. Embrace the cultural heartbeat of Des Moines—visit the Pappajohn Sculpture Park today! 

Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Discover a culinary gem in Des Moines at Splash Seafood Bar & Grill, located at 303 Locust St. Renowned for its vibrant, coastal ambiance and exceptional seafood, Splash offers a unique dining experience that appeals to both casual diners and seafood enthusiasts. Indulge in our fresh, sustainably-sourced seafood dishes, expertly prepared by our talented chefs. Pair your meal with a selection from our extensive wine list or a craft cocktail from our full-service bar. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a night out, Splash Seafood Bar & Grill promises an unforgettable taste of the ocean in the heart of the Midwest. Come savor the flavors at Splash, where every bite is a splash of delight! 

Splash Seafood Bar & Grill

Discover HoQ Restaurant, nestled in the heart of Des Moines' vibrant East Village at 303 E 5th St. Savor farm-to-table dining with a focus on sustainable, locally-sourced ingredients. Our menu features a delightful fusion of contemporary and classic flavors, crafted with fresh produce and ethically-raised meats from trusted local farms. Enjoy the warm, inviting ambiance that reflects our commitment to community and sustainability. Perfect for intimate dinners, business lunches, or special gatherings. At HoQ, we turn farm-fresh ingredients into memorable culinary experiences. Come taste the difference! 

HoQ Restaurant

Discover Southern hospitality at its finest at Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar, conveniently located at 665 Grand Ave Ste 100, Des Moines, IA. Immerse yourself in the rich culinary traditions of the South with our flavorful menu, featuring farm-fresh, made-from-scratch dishes that celebrate the vibrant flavors of classic Southern cuisine. From our tantalizing fried green tomatoes to our signature honey dusted fried chicken, each bite takes you straight to the heart of Southern comfort. Enjoy our warm, inviting atmosphere that combines modern charm with rustic elegance, perfect for any occasion. Savor our expertly crafted cocktails and local craft beers while enjoying unparalleled service that makes you feel right at home. Whether it's a casual lunch, a family dinner, or a special celebration, Tupelo Honey promises an unforgettable dining experience. Come and taste the South at Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar in Des Moines! 

Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar

Discover an unforgettable dining experience at Lucca, one of Des Moines' premier culinary destinations located at 420 E Locust St. Nestled in the vibrant East Village district, Lucca offers an intimate and sophisticated atmosphere perfect for any occasion. Savor our expertly crafted dishes that combine modern elegance with timeless Italian flavors, prepared using the freshest locally sourced ingredients. Indulge in our thoughtfully curated wine list and impeccable service that transforms each meal into a memorable event. Whether it's a romantic dinner, a celebratory gathering, or a quiet evening out, Lucca promises a taste of Italy in the heart of Iowa. Join us and elevate your dining experience to new heights. 

Lucca

Discover an elevated experience at The Republic on Grand, Des Moines' premier rooftop lounge located at 401 E Grand Ave. Nestled in the vibrant East Village, The Republic offers unparalleled panoramic views of the downtown skyline and beyond. Our chic, contemporary setting is perfect for any occasion, from intimate gatherings to lively celebrations. Indulge in our creative, handcrafted cocktails and savor delectable bites, all crafted with the finest ingredients. Whether you're looking to unwind after a long day or celebrate a special moment, The Republic on Grand promises an unforgettable atmosphere. Join us and elevate your evening! 

The Republic on Grand

Discover winter magic at Brenton Skating Plaza, located at 520 Robert D. Ray Drive in the heart of Des Moines, IA. Embrace the enchanting atmosphere of our open-air ice rink, where smooth ice and twinkling lights create a perfect setting for skaters of all ages to glide and twirl. As the premier ice skating destination in the city, Brenton Skating Plaza offers a unique, family-friendly experience with skate rentals, cozy warming areas, and delectable concessions. Whether you're planning a fun family outing, a romantic date under the stars, or looking to learn a new skill with our professional skate lessons, Brenton Skating Plaza promises joyous winter memories. Open seasonally from November to March, come create your quintessential winter wonderland experience with us! 

Brenton Skating Plaza

Discover the creative oasis of RAYGUN, located in the heart of Des Moines at 505 E Grand Ave. Renowned for its bold and witty apparel, home goods, and locally inspired merchandise, RAYGUN is more than a store—it's a cultural hub. Our unique collections reflect the spirit of Iowa and beyond, blending humor with a dash of Midwest charm. Step inside to find an array of high-quality, eco-friendly products that make perfect gifts or standout additions to your personal collection. Each piece tells a story and sparks conversation, ensuring you leave with a smile. Visit RAYGUN today to experience innovation, creativity, and community in every corner. 

RAYGUN

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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