By Megan Mitchum + Co
One of the things we love most about working in this market is watching people realize just how much is happening right in their backyard. Whether our clients are settling into a new home in Ankeny, relocating to Johnston, or upgrading to West Des Moines, the question we hear more than almost any other isn't about square footage — it's "What is there to actually do here?" The answer, in short, is a lot.
Key Takeaways
- The Des Moines Metro offers more than 800 miles of trails connecting communities like Clive, Ankeny, and Johnston
- Downtown Des Moines anchors a vibrant arts and dining scene within easy reach of the suburbs
- Outdoor recreation ranges from kayaking at Raccoon River Park to biking the iconic High Trestle Trail
- Year-round events and farmers markets make weekend plans easy, no matter the season
Outdoor Adventures Across the Metro
The Des Moines Metro's trail network is one of its best-kept secrets for newcomers. With over 800 miles of paved and natural trails spanning from West Des Moines to Polk City, it's one of the most connected systems in the Midwest for cyclists and walkers alike.
Residents in communities like Clive, Johnston, and Urbandale can access multiple trail systems without ever loading a bike onto a car. That kind of walkability and ridability doesn't show up in a listing description, but it absolutely shapes how people feel about where they live.
Outdoor Spots Worth Knowing
- High Trestle Trail: Iowa's most iconic trail ride — 25 miles of paved path connecting Ankeny to Madrid, highlighted by a 13-story bridge over the Des Moines River valley that's been named one of the most stunning trail bridges in the world
- Raccoon River Park, West Des Moines: Over 600 acres with a swimming beach, kayak and paddleboat rentals, a fishing pier, and a 10-acre off-leash dog park — a true weekend destination for the whole family
- Gray's Lake Park: A 4.1-mile paved loop around a 172-acre lake in Des Moines, ideal for morning runs, paddleboarding, or a Saturday afternoon with nowhere to be
- Clive Greenbelt Trail: A favorite among locals for its wooded sections and easy access from multiple neighborhoods — pairs well with a stop at one of Clive's nearby restaurants
- Big Creek State Park, Polk City: About 30 minutes north of downtown, with a marina, beach, eight miles of trails, and a playground — worth the short drive for a full day out
Arts, Culture, and Entertainment
The Des Moines Metro has a strong arts and culture calendar, and it spans well beyond downtown. Whether you're looking for a low-key weeknight out or a planned weekend experience, there's usually something worth showing up for within a short drive of any of the Metro's communities.
What surprises most people who move here is the variety. The options range from free outdoor spaces to ticketed performances, and the programming runs year-round, Iowa winters included.
Cultural Highlights Worth Putting on the Calendar
- John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park: Free admission, 31 pieces by internationally recognized artists, 4.4 acres in the heart of downtown; it’s one of the most accessible public art experiences in the Midwest
- Des Moines Art Center: Free general admission with a strong permanent collection, rotating exhibitions, and a café run in partnership with La Mie Bakery
- Des Moines Civic Center and Temple Theater: Home to the Willis Broadway Series; individual show tickets are available without a subscription
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden: The conservatory runs programming year-round — yoga sessions, seasonal events, and evening experiences that hold up even in January
- Iowa Cubs at Principal Park: A summer staple for a reason; Triple-A baseball on the downtown riverfront is one of the Metro's most relaxed ways to spend a warm evening
Farmers Markets and Local Food Culture
Des Moines has one of the best farmers market setups in the Midwest, and residents across the Metro have options close to home depending on where they live.
Beyond the markets themselves, several of these locations anchor neighborhoods with independent restaurants, boutiques, and local shops that make them worth visiting on non-market days too.
Where to Shop Local on Weekends
- Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market: The largest in the state, running every Saturday morning, May through October, in the Historic Court District; vendors cover produce, prepared food, local makers, and live music
- Ankeny Farmers Market: Saturday mornings, May through September, at the Market Pavilion in Uptown Ankeny; it’s a community-focused alternative with a strong local vendor base
- Valley Junction Farmers Market, West Des Moines: Thursday evenings in the Historic District throughout the growing season
- Historic Valley Junction: Outside of market days, Fifth Street is the Metro's best stretch of independent boutiques, antique shops, and neighborhood restaurants; it’s worth a visit any day of the week
Day Trips Within Easy Reach
Part of what makes the Des Moines Metro so livable is what surrounds it. Within 30 to 45 minutes in any direction, the suburbs give way to state parks, small towns, and open countryside that feel like a world removed from the workweek, without requiring an overnight bag.
The range is wide enough that no two day trips feel the same, and most of these destinations are easy enough to do on a whim.
Day Trip Ideas from the Metro
- Jester Park, Polk City: 1,675 acres on the western shore of Saylorville Lake — 197 campsites, eight miles of trails, an equestrian center, and one of the few places in Iowa where you can spot roaming bison and elk; about 30 minutes north of the city
- Brenton Arboretum, Dallas Center: 120 acres of native plantings, a pond, and a nature playscape about 30 minutes west; free admission, and genuinely peaceful on a weekend morning
- Lake Ahquabi State Park, Indianola: No-wake boating, swimming, and fishing on a quiet lake just south of Indianola; an easy two-hour outing with no planning required
- Winterset and Madison County: About 45 minutes southwest; covered bridges, local wineries, and the kind of unhurried Iowa countryside that's hard to find closer to the city
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there enough to do in the Des Moines Metro for someone moving from a larger city?
We hear this question often, and the honest answer is yes. The trail network, the arts calendar, the farmers markets, and the proximity to state parks give residents a range of options across any given weekend. The lifestyle here is different from a coastal metro, but the tradeoff in cost of living, space, and pace of life is something most of our clients end up appreciating more than they expected.
What outdoor activities are available year-round near Des Moines?
Quite a few. The trail system is accessible year-round for walking and cycling in the warmer months, and the Botanical Garden conservatory offers a genuine green escape during winter. The Iowa Cubs run through summer, and indoor venues like the Civic Center keep the calendar full from fall through spring.
Which Des Moines Metro communities have the best access to parks and trails?
West Des Moines stands out for Raccoon River Park and its extensive trail connections. Ankeny gives residents easy access to the High Trestle Trail corridor. Clive's Greenbelt Trail runs directly through the city. Johnston connects to the High Trestle Trail system as well. Wherever you land in the Metro, you're typically within a short drive (or a bike ride) of something worth exploring.
Reach Out to Megan Mitchum + Co Today
The community fit matters just as much as the home itself, and we take that seriously. We work across the Des Moines Metro, from West Des Moines and Clive to Ankeny, Johnston, Urbandale, and beyond, and we know what daily life actually looks like in each of these neighborhoods.
If you're exploring where to buy in the Metro and want a real conversation about what communities are the best fit for your lifestyle, reach out to us at Megan Mitchum + Co. We'd love to help you find both the right home and the right neighborhood.
