7 New Places to Try in Des Moines This Winter
Don’t hibernate this winter! Instead, check out 7 new things to do in Des Moines. With a new trail connection, a butcher, and a couple of new delicious restaurants to try, it will be spring before you know it with all the new things to do in Des Moines.
1. Athene Pedestrian Bridge
Address: Raccoon River Park Boathouse, 2500 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50265
The highly anticipated Athene Pedestrian Bridge is complete! This bridge connects Raccoon River Park to Brown’s Woods, Walnut Woods State Park, and West Des Moines Soccer Fields. Park at the Raccoon River Park Boathouse and then pick the old gravel trail or the new paved trail to walk, bike, or run to the bridge. It is about half a mile away from the boathouse. After you cross over the bridge, it brings you to the West Des Moines Soccer Fields. The bridge itself has an overlook of the river that I imagine will look beautiful throughout the seasons.
2. The Fatt Putter
Address: 713 Walnut St. Des Moines, IA 50309
Cost:
- Adults: $18.00 for all 27 Holes
- Kids $12.00 for all 27 Holes
Hours:
- Sunday: 10 am-9 pm
- Monday-Thursday: 10 am-10 pm
- Friday & Saturday: 10am-Midnight
- After 6:00 PM it is 21+ only!
The Fatt Putter is a mini golf lounge and arcade. There are 27 outrageous holes, each one with a unique theme. They have a full bar with beer, cocktails, and more. They have teamed up with Fong’s so you can order pizza while you play. After 6 p.m. it is for those 21+.
3. Flora at the Des Moines Botanical Garden
Address: 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, Iowa 50309
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 11:00 AM-2:00 PM
The owners of HoQ, Chef Suman and Dr. Cynthia Hoque, have opened Flora at the Des Moines Botanical Gardens. Flora’s opening menu features hearty soups, sandwiches and a couple of entrees. Enjoy a heartwarming meal and then pretend you are somewhere a little more tropical and explore the conservatory. The conservatory is filled with a variety of plant species and will have you dreaming of the tropics.
4. The Good Butcher
Address: 555 17th St Ste 103, Des Moines, IA 50329
Hours:
- Tuesday-Saturday: 9:00 AM-6:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM-2:00 PM
Conveniently located between HomeGrown and Big Grove Brewery is The Good Butcher. They offer locally sourced fresh pork and beef cuts, whole animal butchery, and in-house-made bratwursts, sausages & charcuterie. On our first visit, we had a few samples and purchased salumi soppressata and salumi vino. Both were delicious and perfect for our New Year’s charcuterie board. On our next visit, we plan to stock up on their freshly cut bacon.
5. Hot Off The Presses
Address: 5962 Ashworth Rd, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Hours:
- Tuesday-Thursday: 11:00 AM-7:00 PM
- Friday-Saturdays: 11:00 AM-8:00 PM
Hot Off The Presses have officially opened their storefront! After years of being a food truck, they have leaped a brick-and-mortar business. Enjoy their savory grilled cheeses, and panini sandwiches, or warm up with a soup. You can dine in person or order online for pickup.
6. Wake Up Iowa Coffee
Address: 3605 Douglas Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 8:00 AM-2:00 PM
Wake Up Iowa Coffee has been roasting single-origin coffee in Iowa City since 2011. They recently opened their cafe in Des Moines offering a variety of coffee drinks and gluten-free snacks.
7. Walnut Creek Regional Park
Address: 4100 Walnut Creek Park Road, Urbandale, IA 50323
Walnut Creek Regional Park is expanding. They have opened a new playground by the large shelter. The playground includes a zip line, lots of ways to climb, several slides, and swings including a parent & child swing. Construction has also begun on connecting the Little Walnut Creek Trail to the Raccoon River Valley Trail. Hopefully, we get a few random nice days this winter to enjoy it.
There are a ton of new things coming to Des Moines, Iowa this winter. Here are 7 NEW places to try in Des Moines, Iowa.
