• Where is Urbandale, Iowa located?
    • Urbandale is situated in the northwestern area of the Greater Des Moines Metropolitan Area.
  • What is the atmosphere like in Urbandale?
    • The town boasts a quiet, peaceful Midwestern vibe, making it a great place to relax.
  • What attractions can visitors explore in Urbandale?
    • Urbandale is home to a wide variety of historical attractions, gardens, museums, and parks.
  • What are some must-visit places in Urbandale?
    • The Living History Farms offers a fun and educational historical experience.
    • Buccaneer Arena provides entertainment for sports fans.
  • Are there good dining options in Urbandale?
    • Yes! The town has great local eateries for visitors to enjoy when hunger strikes.

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1. Living History Farms


Living History Farms

© Living History Farms

The Living History Farms in Urbandale, Iowa are several interactive outdoor museums designed to entertain, educate, and connect guests of any age to the rural life experiences of the Midwest. Spread across approximately 500 acres, the museum shares a history spanning across more than 300 years of how the fertile prairies were transformed by Iowans into one of the world’s most productive farmlands. Tractor-drawn carts and walking trails connect the central 1876 Walnut Hill town to the historical farms that make up the Living History Farms, and each of the sites is authentically worked or farmed by history interpreters.

11121 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, IA 50322, Phone: 515-278-5286

2. Buccaneer Arena


Buccaneer Arena

© johnalexandr/stock.adobe.com

The Buccaneer Arena in the town of Urbandale is a multi-purpose arena with room to seat more than 3,400 people with standing room as well for around 700 more guests. The arena is the current home of the area’s ice hockey team known as the Des Moines Buccaneers, who compete in the U.S. Hockey League. The Buccaneer Arena was also formerly the home arena of the Des Moines Capitols and the Des Moines Oak Leafs with the International Hockey League before the Buccaneers started playing in 1980. Visitors can catch a hockey game here between September and April.

7201 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, IA 50322, Phone: 515-278-9757

3. Paragon Prairie Tower


Paragon Prairie Tower

© City of Urbandale, Iowa

Boasting over 5,400 mosaic glass tile sheets, the Paragon Prairie Tower is the country’s largest “Italian glass mosaic tile mural” and was created to pay tribute to the native Iowa prairies and its history. The image of the “Prairie Tower” is a double repeating pattern featuring several native plants within a stylized deco landscape of sky and field. The prairie image of the towers consists of black-eyed Susans, big bluestem grass, and many other colors found within the pastoral natural landscape of the state. The unique concept’s main elements include the tower made of several precast concrete panels.

12150 Meredith Dr, Urbandale, IA 50323

4. Urban Grill


Urban Grill

© Urban Grill

The Urban Grill gets its name from the town in which it is located as a way to pay homage to the Midwestern town of Urbandale, Iowa. This friendly neighborhood eater features a polished and high-end atmosphere and a menu that includes a wide variety of flavorful starters, such as smoked chicken nachos, crusted chicken strips, fire shrimp with chipotle butter, and inside-out crab rangoon. Entrees include Italian stuffed tenderloins, braised BBQ ribs, and bacon-wrapped filets. The Urban Grill is open Monday to Thursday from 11:00am until 9:00pm and on Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00am until 10:00pm.

3651 86th St, Urbandale, IA 50322, Phone: 515-278-1016

5. Palmer's Deli & Market


Palmer's Deli & Market

© Palmer's Deli & Market

Palmer's Deli and Market is a place that believes in great food, great, health, and great life.” The Iowa deli is all about “family, community, and quality food,” both quality ingredients and quality products. Palmer's Deli uses the freshest ingredients available for their variety of salads, soups, and sandwiches, and desserts and breads are baked fresh daily from scratch. The menu at Palmer's Deli and Market includes several specialty sandwiches and salads, as well as options for customers to build their own just the way they like it. Originally opened in 1989, the deli has since expanded to multiple different locations.

3719 86th St, Urbandale, IA 50322, Phone: 515-270-6561


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild weather and blooming landscapes. Revel Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton – A stylish and comfortable stay. Visit Living History Farms – Explore interactive exhibits about Iowa’s agricultural heritage.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and sunny, great for outdoor activities. Hampton Inn & Suites Des Moines/Urbandale – A cozy stay with great amenities. Explore Walker Johnston Park – Enjoy trails, sports courts, and a playground.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and stunning fall foliage. Fairfield Inn & Suites Des Moines Urbandale – A convenient stay with a complimentary breakfast. Attend the Urbandale Pumpkinfest – A fun seasonal event with family-friendly activities.

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