Discovering Urbandale, Iowa: A Thriving Suburban City

Situated along its southern border with U.S. 6, Urbandale is an expanding suburban city within the Des Moines metropolitan region.

The city offers convenient access to downtown Des Moines, where a variety of attractions await. Conversely, just north and west lie the expansive views of rural Iowa, accessible via the Raccoon River Valley Trail.

Urbandale itself boasts numerous attractions, particularly at Living History Farms, an unprecedented outdoor museum that showcases Iowa’s agricultural legacy.

Home to one of the largest shopping centers in the state, Urbandale also features Merle Hay Mall, which will soon serve as the home arena for the Des Moines Buccaneers, a distinguished junior hockey team.

1. Living History Farms

A premier destination in the Des Moines Area, Living History Farms is a heartfelt tribute to Iowa’s agricultural traditions.

This expansive open-air museum is staffed by knowledgeable interpreters who vividly recreate Iowan farming communities from 1700, 1850, and 1900, showcasing the evolution of technology and customs, commencing with a pre-European farm tended by Ioway Native Americans.

Visitors can observe various demonstrations, including tanning, pottery making, plowing, canning, and much more.

Walnut Hill, which features a replica town established in 1875, includes authentic 19th-century buildings such as residences, a bank, a law office, a mansion, a general store, and a schoolhouse.

2. Des Moines Buccaneers

For those interested in witnessing the future stars of hockey, Urbandale is the proud home of the Des Moines Buccaneers, a team that competes in the United States Hockey League, the highest junior league certified by USA Hockey.

Since its inception in 1980, the Buccaneers have secured four Anderson Cups (regular season titles) and four Clark Cups (playoff championships), with their latest victories occurring in 1999 and 2006.

The team’s home venue, Buccaneer Arena, has a seating capacity of 3,461 and was built in 1961, predating the team itself. In light of its age, the Buccaneers are scheduled to transition to a new, state-of-the-art facility positioned on the former site of a department store at Merle Hay Mall.

3. Des Moines

It is noteworthy that Urbandale lies a mere ten miles from downtown Des Moines, granting easy access to a multitude of attractions and landmarks.

Notably close by are the Des Moines Art Center, which houses one of the Midwest’s most significant contemporary art collections, and Salisbury House & Gardens (1928), a precise replica of a historic English residence featuring exquisite paintings and decorative arts.

The Iowa State Capitol (1886) stands as one of the most exceptional state capitols in the nation, renowned for its magnificent central dome, adorned with 23-carat gold.

Shoppers will relish the vibrant Downtown Farmers’ Market, while Valley Junction in nearby West Des Moines offers a fashionable shopping district steeped in history.

Both the Raccoon River and Des Moines River feature picturesque parks along their banks, along with the acclaimed Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.

4. Merle Hay Mall

Until 2004, this extensive mall, located adjacent to Des Moines, was the largest in Iowa. Merle Hay Mall is also the oldest mall in the state, having first opened in 1959 and undergoing several redevelopments over the past six decades.

At the time of writing, the mall was recovering from the pandemic’s impact but still featured a robust selection of well-known retailers such as Rue 21, Foot Locker, Old Navy, GameStop, and Claire’s.

These retailers are complemented by distinctive entertainment concepts like Flix Brewhouse, a hybrid first-run movie theater and brewery, and Gameday, a sports bar equipped with an arcade and kitchen. Additionally, Merle Hay Mall is set to become the new home of the Des Moines Buccaneers.

5. Paragon Prairie Tower

This towering structure, a defining feature of Urbandale, stands 120 feet tall at the entrance to the Paragon Office Park, constructed in 2007.

Ascending above a plaza and reflecting pool, Paragon Prairie Tower is adorned with the largest glass mosaic mural in the United States.

This stunning artwork consists of nearly 1.8 million tiles that depict the natural landscapes of Iowa’s prairies and native grasses.

At the base, a sculpted relief made from terra cotta and glass fiber reinforced concrete integrates with the mural. Evening visits provide the added bonus of lighting effects that accentuate the iridescence of the glass tiles.

6. Raccoon River Valley Trail

In the southwestern part of Urbandale, you can access one of Iowa’s extensive long-distance trails that wind through farmland, woods, wetlands, and expansive prairies.

Stretching nearly 90 miles, the paved Raccoon River Valley Trail traverses four counties along the former route of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railroad. In Urbandale, the trail follows U.S. 6 for several miles before branching into two forks.

One branch leads northwest towards Dallas Center, linking several charming Midwestern towns in the Iowa countryside.

The other fork continues westward towards Redfield. The two paths reunite near Jamaica, Iowa, and extend to the northern trailhead at the picturesque town of Jefferson.

7. Walker Johnston Park

Located centrally in the city, adjacent to Urbandale’s police department and public library, Walker Johnston Park serves as the primary community park filled with amenities and activities.

The park is connected to a network of trails throughout the town, creating a paradise for children and families.

A highlight is the story trail surrounding the park’s fishing pond. The playground here is regarded as one of the finest in the Des Moines area, featuring a massive slide built into the side of a hill.

Additional facilities include a skate park, pickleball courts, baseball/softball fields, a soccer field, two reservable picnic shelters, and numerous picnic tables.

8. Breakout Games

People from throughout the Des Moines area travel to Urbandale to experience this escape room attraction.

For those unfamiliar, participants and their team have one hour to escape a room by uncovering clues, deciphering codes, solving riddles, and completing a variety of puzzles.

At Breakout Games, the rooms are fully immersive, featuring innovative puzzle design, an engaging narrative, and imaginative scenarios.

At the time this article was prepared, six themed rooms were available: The Kidnapping, Undercover Alley, Mystery Mansion, Do Not Disturb, Island Escape, and Operation: Casino.

9. Clive Aquatic Center

This prominent summer destination for the western Des Moines area is the Clive Aquatic Center, positioned across from Living History Farms along U.S. 6. Essentially, it resembles a mini water park featuring two primary pools.

The first is a zero-depth pool designed for leisure, providing a spacious shallow area, ideal for young children. The second pool is a six-lane lap pool that includes a diving well and a splash zone next to the park’s waterslide.

A further appealing feature is the lazy river, accessible via a gentle ramp. The aquatic center also hosts numerous events throughout the season, concluding in late August with a festive dog party.

10. Saylorville Lake

Urbandale is situated only a few miles from the southern shore of a vast lake, which transforms into a popular recreational space during the summer months.

Spanning nearly 6,000 acres, Saylorville Lake is a reservoir created in the mid-1960s, serving as part of an extensive flood control system along the Des Moines and Mississippi Rivers.

The lakeshore is lined with campgrounds, recreational areas, boat launches, and beaches. The closest campground is Bob Shetler Campground, providing 67 electric sites, while the Lakeview Boat Ramp, operational from March through November, is located approximately one mile around the southwest shore.

If you venture a bit further along the lake’s western side, you will encounter the Walnut Ridge Disc Golf Course, which features 18 holes set against a beautiful lakeside backdrop.

11. Machine Shed Restaurant

This small regional chain, specializing in American comfort cuisine, operates six locations across Iowa and neighboring states.

The Machine Shed operates under the guiding principle of being “Dedicated to the American Farmer,” with its origins traced back to just outside Davenport, Iowa, in 1978.

Breakfast at the Urbandale establishment has been acclaimed as among the Best in America by the Travel Channel.

Must-try menu items include the Shed’s renowned oven-fresh cinnamon rolls, the Country Market Skillet, and the Farmer’s Benedict, which can be prepared with either ham or sausage patties.

In keeping with the agricultural theme, diners can even enjoy a tractor ride while awaiting their table.

12. Iowa Gold Star Military Museum

Accessible without charge, this museum located near the Saylorville Lakeshore is Iowa’s foremost veterans’ museum, documenting every war involving Iowans from the Mexican War of 1846 to the present day.

The term “Gold Star” pays homage to a tradition originating after World War I, when the wives, mothers, and sisters of deceased service members wore black armbands adorned with a gold star.

The museum features a wealth of intriguing artifacts from various conflicts, including vehicles, artillery, uniforms, medals, flags, weapons, field equipment, photographs, and even a submarine telescope.

13. Lions Park

Located near Merle Hay Mall in eastern Urbandale, Lions Park is a well-shaded recreational area positioned directly across from Urbandale High School. The park is particularly popular during the city’s 4th of July celebrations, which represent the largest events of their kind in the Des Moines area.

This celebration features a two-mile parade, an all-day carnival, live music, and a stunning fireworks display following sunset.

Amenities at Lions Park include a baseball/softball field, tennis courts, a gazebo, and grills suitable for birthday parties and family reunions.

14. AMC Classic Cobblestone 9

One of several shopping destinations in Urbandale, the Cobblestone Marketplace by U.S. 6 features a movie theater purchased by the AMC chain in 2017.

This multiplex was originally opened in 1994 by Carmike Cinemas, a chain that has since ceased operations, and serves as an affordable and convenient venue for watching the latest films.

Visit the website for information on various specials, such as Discount Tuesdays and reduced ticket prices for shows on weekdays before 4 pm.

15. Get Air Trampoline Park

Adjacent to Breakout Games is the indoor trampoline park known as Get Air, which operates facilities throughout the nation.

For those seeking a venue for children to engage in physical activity regardless of the weather, this trampoline park proves to be an excellent option. It features a variety of games and activities in addition to a large Main Court with trampolines covering the entire area.

Activities include dodgeball, a foam pit, a hoop for slam dunks, a Ninja Warrior-style course, and a Kiddie Court designated for younger children, among other offerings.