Stag Heaven: Des Moines Day Trip Guide

Unforgettable memories and unforgettable nightlife await on your Des Moines stag adventure.

22 April 2023

Des Moines is a lively and exciting destination for a stag do, with plenty of activities to make the most of. The city boasts a rich cultural scene, from exploring art galleries and museums to enjoying live music and theatre performances. Visitors can also experience the local food and drink scene, with breweries, pubs, and restaurants serving up delicious fare.

Day trip plan

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Day

Grub & Guns

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Waveland Cafe, famous for its massive omelettes and biscuits with gravy.
  • Head over to Crossroads Shooting Sports for some target practice and skeet shooting perfect for a stag do.
  • Lunchtime means it's time for some BBQ, and Jethro's BBQ by Drake is the perfect spot. Don't miss the Adam Emmenecker challenge a towering sandwich piled high with meats and sides.
  • Afternoon beers and games at the Up-Down arcade bar, with classic arcade games and craft beers on tap.
  • For dinner, grab some pizza at Fong's Pizza, known for its unique Asian-inspired flavors like Crab Rangoon and General Tso's Chicken pizza.
  • End the night with more drinks and live music at Gas Lamp, a cozy dive bar with a great atmosphere.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Des Moines by plane is to fly into Des Moines International Airport, which is located five miles southwest of downtown. Major airlines that operate at this airport include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines.

Car

Driving is a convenient way to get to Des Moines as many major highways, including Interstates 35 and 80, run through the city. It is important to note that traffic congestion can be an issue during rush hour periods.

Train

There is no direct train service to Des Moines, so taking a train is not a recommended mode of transportation to get to the city.

Boat

Since Des Moines is not a coastal city, traveling by boat is not possible. However, boat tours are available on nearby rivers, such as the Des Moines River.

Bus

Taking the bus is an affordable way to get to Des Moines. Greyhound Lines and Jefferson Lines operate bus services to Des Moines, with the bus station located in downtown Des Moines at 100 Cherry Street.

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