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AR15.COM
5/4/2026 11:36:34 AM EDT
I'll be in Des Moines for a couple of days in July for the Delta Waterfowl Duck Hunters Expo and wanted some intel about good places to eat and things to do outside of the Expo.  Not sure I have ever set foot in Iowa before so this is new territory for me.
5/4/2026 1:02:17 PM EDT
[#1]
lots of decent restaurant's depends on your tastes

Gold star Museum is decent

few gun shops to check out but most of them have banker hours

if you like farmer's markets the des moines one on weekends is great

have lots of trails for bikes or walks


5/7/2026 6:25:13 PM EDT
[#2]
I’m a fan of ZombieBurger when in the area.
" I don't sweat, I grease! " ~ FS2000Guy
5/9/2026 2:45:13 PM EDT
[#3]
Neal Smith wildlife refuge is within half an hour, and they just had a white buffalo born if you're interested in stuff like that.
WARNING-this post contains words or thoughts that may at some point be discovered by the state of California to cause cancer.
5/10/2026 5:02:37 PM EDT
[Last Edit: F224][Edited] [#4]
Quote History
Originally Posted By FS2000GUY:
I’m a fan of ZombieBurger when in the area.
View Quote


Also: Bubba's downtown, Johnny's Italian Steakhouses, and of course for BBQ; Smoky-D's, award winning ribs & brisket.
Dave Funk
Past President and now a Board of Directors member Iowa Firearms Coalition. Past President of the Iowa Chapter-SCI.
5/11/2026 12:27:25 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote History
Originally Posted By F224:


Also: Bubba's downtown, Johnny's Italian Steakhouses, and of course for BBQ; Smoky-D's, award winning ribs & brisket.
View Quote


I second
Johnny's and smokey D's (get the potato casserole! also the jalapeno cheddar sausage is good too)
Michael's pizza in Beverdale
5/19/2026 8:21:09 AM EDT
[#6]
Thanks for the feedback, keep it coming if you think of any "must see" or "must eat" places!
5/22/2026 3:33:29 PM EDT
[#7]
Hessian House for German food and beer.
El Bait Shop
Iowa Tap Room
Fresko
El Centro
Sully's Pub for $4 Guinness pints

JT's Gun Shop
BattleHawk Armory
Bass Pro
Scheel's at Jordan Creek Mall

5/30/2026 9:52:57 PM EDT
[Last Edit: NCC-82893][Edited] [#8]
Hessen Haus , Smoky D, Machine Shed restaurant and Viva Mexican restaurant.
Places to see, Iowa State capitol building, Gold Star Museum and Living History Farm, next to the Machine Shed restaurant.

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