Ames: Hickory Park BBQ and Iowa State Campus ★ 4.4
A 35-minute drive north, Ames is home to Hickory Park, one of Iowa's most beloved BBQ restaurants with over 50 years of continuous operation.
Food destinations within easy reach of Des Moines. worth the train, the rental car or the early start.
Worth the trip
Pella: Dutch Heritage and Jaarsma Bakery ★ 4.3
Pella, founded by Dutch immigrants in 1847, is home to Jaarsma Bakery producing Dutch letter pastries and stroopwafels from the same downtown since 1898.
Winterset: Northside Cafe and Madison County ★ 4.1
Winterset, birthplace of John Wayne, sits 35 minutes southwest. The Northside Cafe has served all-day American breakfast to locals and visitors for decades.
Iowa City: University Town Food Scene ★ 4.2
Iowa City, 2 hours east, supports Short's Burger (James Beard-nominated), Big Grove Brewery's original Iowa City location and Devotay farm-to-table dining.
Book food day trips in Des Moines
The Deadly Dirge of Des Moines Ghost Tour
Uncover the eerie secrets of Des Moines with our captivating ghost tour, where you'll wander through the city's most haunted and historic sites under the cover of night.