Day Trips from Des Moines

Des Moines makes a good base for day trips. The surrounding countryside is gentle and scenic, roads are uncrowded and several distinctive sights lie within an hour. With a car, you can see farmland, small towns, covered bridges and a spectacular trail bridge, then be back in the city for dinner.\n\nMadison County covered bridges. The most famous day trip is southwest to Madison County, where six historic covered bridges survive. The area was made famous by a bestselling novel and a film starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep. The Roseman, Hogback and Cedar bridges are among the best known, set in rolling farmland and wooded creek valleys. A guided tour is a simple way to see them, and Winterset, the county seat, has a historic courthouse square, cafes and the John Wayne Birthplace Museum. Allow a half day or more.\n\nHigh Trestle Trail Bridge. Northwest of the city, near Madrid, a former railroad trestle has been transformed into a trail bridge about 130 feet above the Des Moines River valley. Steel frames form a tunnel that honors the area's coal mining past, and at night blue lights glow along the span. It is a short walk or bike ride from the trailheads and a favorite for photographers. Go near sunset for the best experience.\n\nAdventureland Park. In Altoona, about fifteen minutes northeast, Adventureland is Iowa's biggest amusement park. It is a full-day outing in summer, with roller coasters, water rides and family attractions. It is the best choice for families with teenagers.\n\nLiving History Farms. Although it is in the Des Moines metro area, Living History Farms in Urbandale feels like a journey back in time. Costumed interpreters, working animals and historic buildings trace three centuries of farming. It is an easy half-day trip that suits all ages.\n\nAmes and the university. About thirty minutes north, Ames is a college town with a lively main street, campus gardens and public art. It makes a pleasant lunch and afternoon outing, particularly in autumn when the leaves change. Check event calendars for sports and campus festivals.\n\nWinterset and the countryside. Beyond the bridges, rural Iowa offers quilt shops, orchards, wineries and farm stands. In autumn, pumpkin patches and apple orchards draw families. Spring brings wildflowers. A drive with no fixed destination can be rewarding, as long as you have a map and a full tank of gas.\n\nTrails and bikes. The metro area is crossed by an extensive trail network, and cyclists can ride for miles on paved paths. The High Trestle Trail and the Raccoon River Valley Trail are well-known routes. Rent a bike or bring your own, carry water and plan food stops in small towns.\n\nPlanning tips. Most day trips are easier by car, though some tours include transport. Check weather forecasts, especially in winter when roads can be icy. Rural restaurants may close early, so plan meals. Cell coverage is generally good but can be patchy in valleys. Carry cash for small farm stands and bring layers for changing conditions.\n\nPutting it together. A classic pairing is the covered bridges in the morning and the High Trestle Trail Bridge at sunset, with a stop for dinner in Madrid or back in Des Moines. Another is Adventureland in the morning and the Iowa Cubs in the evening. Whichever you choose, the contrast between the city and the open country is part of what makes a trip to Iowa memorable.\n\nBefore you go. Check the weather, fill the tank, download an offline map and pack water, snacks and a camera. Small-town cafes are charming but keep short hours, so a packed lunch is a smart backup, and a paper map still helps where phone signal fades, and a charger keeps your phone alive for photographs. Seasonal notes. Spring is lovely for wildflowers and trails, summer for early starts and sunset stops, autumn for leaf color, orchards and the October covered bridge festival, and winter for quiet roads and short outings. Plan around daylight, since the sun sets early in winter and country roads are dark. Keep an emergency kit in the car in cold months, and let someone know your route if you head into remote areas. With a little planning, every season offers a satisfying escape from the city.