Looking for small-town charm with big-city access? I’d say pack your bags for Urbandale, Iowa! Just outside Des Moines, this suburb gives you peaceful neighborhoods, leafy parks, and fun family attractions...all without straying too far from the energy of the metro area. I’ve found it to be the perfect spot for a relaxed Midwest getaway, especially if you’re into history, nature, and good eats without the crowds.
Whether I was exploring local museums, catching a hockey game, hiking a quiet trail, or digging into a plate of bacon-wrapped comfort food, Urbandale surprised me in all the right ways. It’s got that friendly, easy pace that makes you want to slow down and stay awhile. Here are a few of my favorite places to check out while you’re in town.
- Drive Time from Downtown Des Moines: Approximately 20 minutes northwest via I-235 and I-35/80
- Vibe: Suburban, family-friendly, outdoorsy
- Highlights: Living History Farms, Paragon Prairie Tower mosaic, Buccaneer Arena, 50+ miles of trails, community parks, and local dining favorites like Urban Grill and Palmer’s Deli
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through fall for outdoor activities and cultural attractions; winter for indoor events and hockey season
- Don’t Miss: Touring historic farms at Living History Farms, catching a hockey game at Buccaneer Arena, enjoying mosaic art at Paragon Prairie Tower, and exploring the Walnut Creek and Bob Layton trails
Where to Stay
- Hilton Garden Inn West Des Moines – I like this one when I want something comfy and close to shopping and dining. It’s convenient and reliable—plus there’s a nice little bar and lounge if you just want to relax after a long day.
- Hotel Renovo – If you’re in the mood for something a little more stylish, this boutique spot is great. I stayed here for a weekend and loved the modern farmhouse vibe—it really does feel like a mini retreat.
- Fairfield Inn & Suites Urbandale – This one’s great for families or anyone on the go. I’ve stayed here with kids, and the free breakfast and pool made it a super easy, enjoyable stay.
My highlight? The hearty breakfast at Machine Shed Restaurant, a local favorite that celebrates Iowa’s farming roots. I had the cinnamon roll pancakes with a side of thick-cut bacon and fresh coffee in a stoneware mug. Warm, filling, and served with genuine Midwestern hospitality—it was the kind of place where you instantly feel like a regular.
Best Things to Do in Urbandale, IA
Travel Through Iowa’s Past at Living History Farms
Visiting the Living History Farms in Urbandale, Iowa felt like stepping back in time—in the best possible way. Spread out across 500 acres of rolling land, this place isn’t just a museum—it’s an immersive experience that brings over 300 years of Midwestern farming history to life. I wandered from one working farm to another, connected by walking trails and old-fashioned, tractor-drawn carts that made the whole journey feel even more nostalgic. At each stop, costumed interpreters were hard at work—plowing fields, cooking over open fires, tending animals—and it made everything feel real, not staged.
The 1876 Walnut Hill town was a highlight for me. It was like walking through a snapshot of a time when general stores, blacksmith shops, and one-room schoolhouses were the heart of rural communities. What struck me most was how hands-on everything was. This wasn’t about reading plaques or staring into glass cases—it was about watching, asking questions, and sometimes even joining in. The whole experience left me with a deeper appreciation for the people who built their lives on the land here—and how their legacy still shapes Iowa today.
- Vibe: Immersive, educational, family-friendly
- Highlights: 500-acre open-air museum with costumed interpreters; explore the 1700 Ioway Indian Farm, 1850 Pioneer Farm, 1900 Horse-Powered Farm, and the 1876 Town of Walnut Hill featuring historic buildings and demonstrations
- Best Time to Visit: May through October for full access to all sites and seasonal events; November through April for special programs like historic dinners and skills classes
- Don’t Miss: Riding the tractor cart to farm sites, participating in hands-on activities like blacksmithing and butter churning, and attending special events such as Independence Day celebrations and the annual Grain Harvest
- Admission: Adults (13–64): $20; Seniors (65+), Military, AAA Members: $19; Children (2–12): $15; Children under 2: Free; Members: Free
11121 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, IA 50322, Phone: 515-278-5286
Catch the Action and Cheer at Buccaneer Arena
While I was in Urbandale, I had the chance to check out a game at the Buccaneer Arena, and it turned out to be one of the most fun and energetic nights of my trip. The place seats over 3,400 people, with standing room for a few hundred more, and the energy inside was electric. This arena is home to the Des Moines Buccaneers, the area’s U.S. Hockey League team, and the fans are seriously into it—cheering, stomping, and totally living the moment.
There’s a lot of history in those walls too. Before the Buccaneers took over in 1980, the arena hosted teams like the Des Moines Capitols and the Des Moines Oak Leafs back in the old International Hockey League days. You can feel the legacy of it all when you walk in—it’s got that classic, slightly gritty hockey vibe that makes it feel authentic and exciting. If you're visiting between September and April and want a night out that’s fast-paced and full of hometown pride, catching a game here is absolutely worth it.
- Vibe: Nostalgic, energetic, community-driven
- Highlights: Home to the Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL) and Iowa Demon Hawks (MASL2); known as "The Madhouse on Hickman" for its lively atmosphere; features a 3,461-seat capacity with additional standing room for 700
- Best Time to Visit: October through April during the hockey season; special events and tournaments held throughout the year
- Don’t Miss: Experiencing the passionate fanbase during a Buccaneers game, enjoying local concessions like Iowa-style pork tenderloin sandwiches, and visiting the Blackbeard’s Lounge for a unique viewing experience
- Admission: Ticket prices vary by event; for Buccaneers games, tickets typically range from $9 to $21 depending on seating; check the [official website](https://bucshockey.com/) for current pricing and availability
7201 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, IA 50322, Phone: 515-278-9757
Admire Art Rising from the Prairie at Paragon Prairie Tower
I didn’t expect to be completely wowed by a mosaic in the middle of Urbandale, but the Paragon Prairie Tower stopped me in my tracks. Towering above a quiet stretch of land, it’s the largest Italian glass mosaic tile mural in the country—and it’s absolutely stunning. Made up of over 5,400 sheets of mosaic glass tiles, the mural wraps around a concrete tower with this beautifully stylized, repeating prairie scene. You can spot native Iowa plants like black-eyed Susans and big bluestem grass, all set against a bold deco-style backdrop of sky and field.
What I loved most was how rooted it felt in the local landscape. The colors shift with the light, and depending on the time of day, it almost feels like it’s glowing. It's not just art for art’s sake—it’s a tribute to the natural beauty and quiet strength of the Iowa prairie. I walked around it slowly, taking in the details, and left feeling a little more connected to the place. If you appreciate public art with meaning and craftsmanship, this one’s definitely worth a visit.
- Vibe: Artistic, contemplative, photogenic
- Highlights: The largest Italian glass mosaic tile mural in the U.S., featuring native prairie imagery; illuminated at night; surrounded by landscaped grounds with walking paths and a reflecting pond
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or evening for optimal lighting and tranquility; nighttime to experience the tower's illumination
- Don’t Miss: Observing the intricate mosaic details up close; enjoying a peaceful walk around the pond; capturing photos during golden hour or under the tower's nighttime lighting
- Admission: Free; open 24 hours daily
12150 Meredith Dr, Urbandale, IA 50323
Where to Eat
Dine in Style with Seasonal Flavors at Urban Grill
While I was in Urbandale, I treated myself to dinner at the Urban Grill, and it ended up being one of the best meals of my trip. The name is a nod to its hometown roots, and the vibe inside strikes a perfect balance—it's polished and stylish, but still totally comfortable and welcoming. It felt like the kind of place locals love, but visitors instantly feel at home in too.
The menu had so many tempting options that I almost couldn’t decide. I started with the smoked chicken nachos (yes, they’re as good as they sound) and couldn’t resist trying the fire shrimp with chipotle butter—spicy, buttery perfection. For my entrée, I went all in with the bacon-wrapped filet, and it was cooked to absolute melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Whether you're into comfort food with a twist or want something a little upscale without the fuss, this place delivers. The Urban Grill is open Monday through Saturday, and if you're in town, it's 100% worth carving out time for a meal here.
- Vibe: Artistic, contemplative, photogenic
- Highlights: The largest Italian glass mosaic tile mural in the U.S., featuring native prairie imagery; illuminated at night; surrounded by landscaped grounds with walking paths and a reflecting pond
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or evening for optimal lighting and tranquility; nighttime to experience the tower's illumination
- Don’t Miss: Observing the intricate mosaic details up close; enjoying a peaceful walk around the pond; capturing photos during golden hour or under the tower's nighttime lighting
- Cost: Free; open 24 hours daily
3651 86th St, Urbandale, IA 50322, Phone: 515-278-1016
If You're Craving Casual Comfort and Fresh Deli Favorites, Then Stop by Palmer's Deli & Market
I stopped into Palmer's Deli and Market while exploring Urbandale, and it quickly became one of those spots you wish you had back home. There’s something about the energy here—welcoming, laid-back, and centered around the simple joy of good food. From the moment I walked in, I could tell they really care about what they’re serving. Everything is made with fresh ingredients, and you can taste that care in every bite.
I went for one of their specialty sandwiches, but honestly, it was tough to choose—there are so many great options, including salads, soups, and a “build-your-own” setup that lets you get exactly what you’re craving. The desserts and bread are baked fresh daily, and I definitely didn’t leave without grabbing a cookie for the road. Palmer’s has been around since 1989 and has grown into a local favorite with several locations, but it still feels like a neighborhood deli at heart. If you’re in Urbandale and want a casual, delicious lunch that doesn’t cut corners, this is the place.
- Vibe: Fresh, fast-casual, community favorite
- Highlights: Handcrafted sandwiches like the Turnberry and Reuben, build-your-own Spinner Salads, homemade soups including award-winning chili, and a variety of scratch-made desserts
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday lunch hours for a bustling atmosphere; early mornings for a quieter experience
- Don’t Miss: The Turnberry sandwich with smoked turkey, Havarti, cranberry chutney, and cream cheese on multigrain bread; Palmer's signature chili; and the freshly baked brownies and cookies
- Cost: Sandwiches and salads range from $6 to $13; combo meals and box lunches available; open Monday–Friday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, Saturday 8:00 AM–3:30 PM
3719 86th St, Urbandale, IA 50322, Phone: 515-270-6561
Conclusion:
After spending time in Urbandale, I walked away with a deeper appreciation for the kind of place that quietly wins you over. It’s not flashy or fast-paced—but that’s exactly what makes it special. From unique public art and living history experiences to cozy meals and unexpected local gems, Urbandale has a way of making you feel at home. Whether you're here for a weekend or just passing through, it offers the kind of easygoing charm that stays with you long after you’ve left.
In Summary...
(and if you want to revisit my photo journey)- • Travel Through Iowa’s Past at Living History Farms
- • Catch the Action and Cheer at Buccaneer Arena
- • Admire Art Rising from the Prairie at Paragon Prairie Tower
- • Dine in Style with Seasonal Flavors at Urban Grill
- • If You're Craving Casual Comfort and Fresh Deli Favorites, Then Stop by Palmer's Deli & Market