A 3-Day Adventure in Des Moines: Food, Fun, & History

If you have three days to explore Des Moines, Iowa, you’re in for a treat! Whether you’re into outdoor adventures, local art, historic landmarks, or great food and drinks, this vibrant city has something for everyone. We’ve crafted the ultimate 3-day itinerary for you to make the most of your visit. Plus, with the Des Moines West KOA as your home base, you’ll have the perfect place to relax at the end of each exciting day.

Day 1: Explore Des Moines’ Best Sights & Sips

• Breakfast: The Waveland Café Start your adventure with a hearty breakfast at The Waveland Café, an iconic local diner known for its classic breakfast fare. Enjoy a stack of pancakes, a hearty omelet, or their famous breakfast burrito. It’s the perfect way to fuel up for a day of exploration.
• Morning: Cycling the Raccoon River Valley Trail After breakfast, head to the Raccoon River Valley Trail, just under 7 miles from the Des Moines West KOA. This scenic 72-mile trail is perfect for biking, walking, or just taking in the views. Rent a bike if you don’t have one and enjoy a leisurely ride through the beautiful Iowa countryside. The trail also connects several parks and landmarks, so feel free to explore!
• Lunch: Brickyard Burgers & Brews Located in Adel, IA, just minutes from the campground, Brickyard Burgers & Brews offers hearty burgers, sandwiches, and Iowa hospitality. It's the perfect casual spot to refuel before heading out for your next adventure.
• Afternoon: Visit the John Wayne Birthplace & Museum After lunch, make your way to Winterset, IA, a charming town about 30 minutes south of Des Moines. Visit the John Wayne Birthplace & Museum to learn about the life and legacy of the legendary actor. The museum features memorabilia, personal items, and exhibits that detail his journey to becoming an icon of the American West.
• Dinner: The Drift Wrap up your day at The Drift in Winterset, a charming restaurant offering upscale American fare in a cozy, rustic setting. Their seasonal menu and welcoming atmosphere make it a great spot to unwind and enjoy a memorable meal.
• Evening: Relax at the Des Moines West KOA After a day full of adventure, head back to Des Moines West KOA to unwind. Order a delicious pizza from the front desk, and let us deliver it straight to your campsite. As you enjoy your meal, gather around the fire pit and relax. Don’t worry about firewood—we’ll deliver it right to your site, so you can kick back, sip your favorite drink, and enjoy a cozy evening under the stars.

Day 2: Dive Into Art, History & Local Brews

• Breakfast: The Early Bird Start your second day in Des Moines with a visit to The Early Bird, a quaint and local breakfast spot known for its healthy twists on classic dishes. From avocado toast to scrambled eggs with veggies, it’s a great place to fuel up for the day ahead.
• Morning: Explore Des Moines Art Center After breakfast, head to the Des Moines Art Center, one of the best cultural institutions in the city. Explore its impressive collection of modern and contemporary art in a peaceful and inspiring environment. With works by renowned artists such as Grant Wood and Georgia O'Keeffe, you’ll find something to inspire your creative spirit.
• Lunch: Fiesta Mexican Restaurant For lunch, enjoy authentic Mexican flavors at Fiesta Mexican Restaurant. Known for its traditional recipes and generous portions, it's a great spot for flavorful dishes and friendly service.
• Afternoon: Brewery Hopping Spend the afternoon exploring Des Moines’ growing craft beer scene. Start with Confluence Brewing Company, located just off the Raccoon River Valley Trail, where you can enjoy a refreshing IPA or smooth stout. Next, visit Big Grove Brewery, a popular local spot offering a variety of craft beers in a vibrant, welcoming taproom. Finish up your brewery tour with a stop at Exile Brewing Co. to taste their unique beers and enjoy a bite from their onsite kitchen.
• Dinner: 801 Chophouse Wrap up the day with a special dinner known for its elegant ambiance and exceptional cuts of meat, it’s a great way to end your day in style.
• Evening: Check Out a Live Show If you’re in the mood for entertainment, catch a live performance at the Des Moines Civic Center or enjoy some local music at one of the city’s many bars or music venues. Des Moines has a vibrant arts scene, so there’s always something happening.

Day 3: Outdoors, Covered Bridges & Relaxation

• Breakfast: Eggs & Jam Kick off your day at Eggs & Jam, a lively, 90s-themed brunch spot in West Des Moines. Known for its bold décor and unique flavor pairings, it’s a fun and flavorful way to fuel up for your adventure.
• Morning: Visit the Covered Bridges of Madison County Spend your morning exploring the famous covered bridges of Madison County. Located just outside Winterset, these iconic bridges were made famous by the novel and film The Bridges of Madison County. Take a leisurely drive or hike to each bridge, marvel at the scenic beauty, and snap some photos of these historic structures.
• Lunch & Wine Tasting: Madison County Winery & Covered Bridges Winery After visiting the bridges, enjoy a scenic stop at Madison County Winery, where you can sample local wines and take in the views. While they don’t serve food, it’s a peaceful break in your day. Then head over to Covered Bridges Winery, which often features food trucks and live music, offering a relaxed and welcoming setting to enjoy both wine and bites.
• Afternoon: Ewing Park Dog Park If you’re traveling with your dog, be sure to stop by Ewing Park Dog Park for some outdoor fun. This large park offers plenty of space for your furry friend to play and socialize with other dogs. It’s the perfect spot to let your pup run around while you relax and enjoy the fresh air.
• Dinner: Your Pick! Head back toward Adel or West Des Moines and enjoy one last meal at a local favorite of your choice, whether it’s casual comfort food or something upscale.
• Evening: Wind Down at the Des Moines West KOA After a busy day, return to Des Moines West KOA for your final night. Order another delicious pizza to be delivered to your campsite, enjoy the warmth of the fire pit, and reflect on your amazing three-day adventure. And, as always, we’ll take care of the firewood delivery, so you can just sit back, relax, and enjoy your last evening in Iowa.

With so much to see and do, your 3-day visit to Des Moines will be packed with fun, adventure, and relaxation. And with Des Moines West KOA as your base, you’ll have the perfect spot to unwind after each day of exploration. We look forward to hosting you during your next visit to Des Moines!