15+ Things to See and Do in Johnston, Iowa

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15+ Things to See and Do in Johnston, Iowa

Johnston, Iowa is located a few miles north of downtown Des Moines and borders Grimes and Urbandale. Another community that is a piece of the greater Des Moines puzzle. This small, but mighty community offers so many fun spots for families with many more on the horizon. There are many things to see, do, and experience in Johnston. Plan your day trip to Johnston, Iowa, and learn what makes it a fun place to play!

Here are the top things to see and do in Johnston, Iowa.

Artfull 

​Address: 8805 Chambery Blvd Suite 150, Johnston, IA 50131

​Love to get crafty? Artfull is an art and craft playground located in Johnston. Enjoy fun workshops, open studio times, shop for supplies, and more. Looking to host a birthday party or a fun moms’ night out? This is the place. Take a look at their website for a complete list of events. 

Backpocket Pin and Pixel

Address: 6205 Merle Hay Road Suite 100, Johnston, IA 50131 {Located in the Johnston Town Center}

This brewery and game hub is fun for the entire family! Enjoy local, craft brews while playing a round of Duckpin bowling with the family. The kids (and adults) will spend hours playing all the fun arcade games. They also serve food and have TVs available so you do not miss the big game. 

Beaver Creek Access Point

Address: NW 70th Avenue just east of NW 86th Street

Love the water? Johnston offers a water trail access point at Beaver Creek. This access point allows carry-down access. Johnston has plans to open several other access points as a part of the water trails system in central Iowa. 

Blue Bean Coffee Shop

Address: 6205 Merle Hay Rd Suite 120, Johnston, IA 50131 {Located in the Johnston Town Center}

Blue Bean Coffee Shop is a dream if you love coffee! They offer coffee flights and fun seasonal ones too. It is tons of fun to meet up with a friend and try various coffees. In addition, they also have toast flights and other fun goodies. Looking for a place to work? Blue Bean Coffee Shop also offers a coworking space if you are looking for a change in scenery. 

The Cork 50131

Address: 6205 Merle Hay Rd Suite 130, Johnston, IA 50131 {Located in the Johnston Town Center} 

The Cork 50131 is located next door to Backpocket and Blue Bean Coffee Shop. They are a unique upscale wine bar perfect for date night and to catch some live music. Take a look at their Facebook page for upcoming events and performances. 

Iowa Gold Star Military Museum

Address: 7105 NW 70th Ave, Johnston, IA 50131

The Iowa Gold Star Military Museum is located within Camp Dodge and is open to the public! This museum is filled with artifacts and collections that tell the story of Iowa veterans from the Mexican War to the present day. This is a perfect educational experience for children and adults. They offer many interactive exhibits as well. 

Johnston Commons Playground

Address: 6700 Merle Hay Road in Johnston, Iowa.

The Johnston Commons Playground is located in Johnston, Iowa directly behind the Johnston Public Library. The area provides tons of green space, a walking path, and a basketball court, and is next to the Simpson Barn. The playground is all-inclusive and is located on rubber footing. A fun spot to run and play on sunny days after a visit to the library! 

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Johnston Farmers Market

Address: 6245 Merle Hay Rd, Johnston, IA 50131

No small community is complete without a farmers market, right? The Johnston Farmers Market is held every Tuesday from June through September on the north side of the Johnston Town Center. This is a great place to shop local artists, and local produce, and listen to live music. 

Johnston Green Days

Address: Throughout the city, mainly at Terra Park

​Whether you are a Johnston resident or from out of town, you do not want to miss the annual Johnston Green Days. This town festival is a weekend filled with fun festivities including a 5k run, parade, carnival rides, live music and so much more. Keep tabs on this fun celebration and schedule that happens every summer in June. 

Johnston Town Center 

Address: 6245 Merle Hay Road Johnston, IA 50131

The Johnston Town Center is newer to the Johnston community and is a beautiful spot that brings businesses, residents, and non-residents together. Within this area, you will find businesses, a splash pad/ice rink, green space, a hotel, city hall, and more. Throughout the year they host many amazing events such as Movies on the Yard, Yard Summer Concert Series, and the seasonal farmers market. Keep tabs on all the new developments and upcoming events

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Johnston Town Center Sprayground

Johnston Public Library

Address: 6700 Merle Hay Rd, Johnston, IA 50131

Our family loves a good library and the Johnston Public Library does not disappoint! Like with any library, they offer so many more things than just books. You can attend weekly storytimes, crafts for kids, and special events for adults. Stay up to date with all their upcoming events and services on their website. 

Kites on the Green

Address: Located in the Johnston Commons area near the playground, library, and Simpson Barn

Kites on the Green is one of many local events that should be at the top of your list! This fun festival is held annually on the first Saturday in May and invites people from the Des Moines area and midwest to come to see the sky filled with larger-than-life kites. In addition to seeing the kites, many other outdoor activities are available for free! 

Simpson Barn

Address: 6169 Northglenn Dr, Johnston, IA 50131

​If you drive through Johnston, Iowa you more than likely will see Simpson Barn! This barn is used to host many private events and city events such as Art in the Barn. Learn more about this unique venue in Johnston

Take note! The Simpson Barn is located on top of a pretty great hill in the Johnston Commons area. This spot is popular for sledding during the Winter months.

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Stoney Creek Hotel

Address: 5291 Stoney Creek Ct, Johnston, IA 50131

Stoney Creek Hotel in Johnston is always a fun getaway for our family. We love their indoor/outdoor pool and the kids think it’s super fun to swim in it when there is snow on the ground. This is a great place to stay for a staycation, weekend getaways, or if you are visiting from out of town. Breakfast is included with your stay and everyone will love the fun wilderness theme throughout the hotel, including bunks in some rooms! 

Terra Park

Address: 6400 Pioneer Pkwy, Johnston, IA 50131

Terra Park is one of the best places for outdoor adventures in Johnston, Iowa. This park offers an eight-acre fishing lake, playground, walking trail around the lake, and tons of green space. The city hosts regular events such as Yoga by the Lake during the warmer months. 

Trostel’s Greenbriar

Address: 5810 Merle Hay Rd, Johnston, IA 50131

​Trostel’s Greenbriar has been around for years and good reason. They are known for their steaks, pizzas, pasta and more. A great place for date night or to drop in for a casual dinner. 

Van Dee’s Ice Cream Shoppe 

Address: 5915 Merle Hay Rd, Johnston, IA 50131

​Have a sweet tooth? Make a stop at Van Dee’s Ice Cream Shoppe for some delicious ice cream! This local, mom-and-pop ice cream shop is open seasonally and is the perfect spot after a day playing at Terra Park or splashing at the Johnston Town Center splash pad. 

Not far from Johnston, Iowa

  • Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden – The botanical gardens are not from Urbandale and is the perfect place to explore the outdoors indoors in Des Moines. Located right along the Des Moines River.
  • Des Moines Art Center – The Des Moines Art Center offers free admission. Enjoy a self-guided tour looking at all the art.
  • Science Center of Iowa – Enjoy interactive exhibits at the Science Center located in downtown Des Moines.
  • Blank Park Zoo – Get up close and personal with your favorite zoo friends and the Blank Park Zoo. 
  • Des Moines Public Library – The Des Moines Public Library is located in the heart of downtown Des Moines and is a gem! 
  • Iowa State Historical Museum – The Iowa State Historical Museum is completely FREE to visit and is another great place to learn about Iowa history. 

Meet Kelli Kerton

Community Campaign Sponsor

Hi there! I am Kelli…with an i!

My most important role (and favorite) is being a mom to my two kids. I want them to see and learn the hard work it takes to build and grow a successful business. I strive to teach them the importance of servant leadership through giving back and helping people.

Every day I try to be 1% better and P.M.S … by growing Physically, Mentally, and Spiritually!

I am the agency owner of Kelli Kerton State Farm. Every day I get to meet new, AMAZING people and ask customers “What’s important to you?” and I genuinely love what I do!

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Erin Huiatt

Erin is a reliable resource and stepping stone for women and families to find support and make connections within our community. She wants families to feel confident to reach out and ask for help and advice to get pointed in the right direction. She enjoys traveling and exploring with her two children in tow!

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