Meet Outside the Office at One of These Downtown DSM Locations

Get outside the conference room and take your next meeting to one of these outside-of-the-office spots in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). A change from the norm brings a fresh perspective — and your meeting is bound to hit peak productivity!

Walking or Biking Meetings

Pack your tennis shoes or rent a B-Cycle and enjoy these Downtown DSM parks, trails and recreation areas navigable by bicycle or by foot. A walking or biking meeting on-the-move will get your creativity flowing. Note: W denotes areas ideal for walking and B denotes locations ideal for biking.

The Skywalk (W)

With four miles of connected skywalk, an indoor walking meeting is perfect between appointments, during rainy or hot days and even wintertime. This Downtown DSM skywalk map can make navigation a breeze!

John & Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park (W)

In addition to its 30+ sculptures, this 4.4-acre park features winding paved paths scattered with bench seating ideal for a quick outdoor walking meeting in the heart of Downtown DSM.

Principal Riverwalk (W & B)

Hop on a bicycle or go for a run or walk around the Principal Riverwalk! See inspiring sights like the Lauridsen Skatepark, Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens and the shimmering Iowa State Capitol in the distance. Be sure to map your route in advance, as construction of the Walnut Street Bridge is taking place through 2026 which impacts parts of the Riverwalk thoroughfare.

Gray’s Lake (W & B)

The two-mile loop around Gray’s Lake, named the Krudenier Trail, is great for walking or biking meetings. The distance can be lengthened further by taking advantage of several connected trails including the Bill Riley Trail, Meredith Trail and several others. Stop for refreshments at Confluence Brewing Co., Exile Brewing or Mullets nearby, each boasting great patio space.

Water Works Park (W & B)

Located just west of Gray’s Lake, the Bill Riley trail passes through Water Works Park making for a great walking, running or biking path for meetings on-the-go. Heck, if it’s the end of the workday you can even grab a pint at Des Moines Biergarten, tucked away inside the park. 

Dining Spaces

These Downtown DSM restaurants offer semi-private dining spaces to hold a meeting while you eat a meal together!

• 801 Chophouse – best known for its steak and seafood selection
• Americana – upscale burgers and signature entrées
• Bubba – Southern comfort food
• Django – French cuisine
• Fresko (pictured below) – fresh creations made with locally sourced ingredients
• HoQ Restaurant – farm-to-table fare
• The Red Monk – British-style pub grub
• Splash Seafood Bar & Grill – the name says it all!

Patio Spaces

Enjoy the sunshine and fresh air at a Downtown Des Moines patio. Snag a bite to eat or an ice-cold drink to make your meeting extra enjoyable and productive.

• Clyde’s Fine Diner – ritzy and reimagined diner classics
• Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Company – upscale comfort food and brewery
• Gateway Market + Café – soup, salad, sandwiches, burgers, noodles and more
• Malo – Latin eats and savory cocktails
• Mulberry Street Tavern – chef-inspired traditional fare
• Rita’s Cantina – Mexican food and tequila drinks
• Trellis Café –plant-based, locally sourced menu overlooking the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
• Secret Admirer – cool outdoor space, cool vibrant murals, cool views 
• Zombie Burger + Drink Lab – gourmet smashed burgers, fries and milkshakes

Rentable Spaces or Large Meetings

Browse the list below for ideas to rent a space for either a group gathering or an intimate, controlled environment in Downtown Des Moines. For an in-depth list of off-site venues, Catch Des Moines is DSM’s convention and meeting expert resource.

• Ballet Des Moines – spatial rental opportunities, including studio spaces, a conference room and beautiful lobby
• Des Moines Public Library’s Central Library – spaces for groups ranging from a handful to 250
• Gravitate Coworking Space – available for rent by the hour, daily or monthly
• Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden – walk through a tropical oasis to your meeting space
• Hoyt Sherman Place – an immersive space of history and art; gilded theater or gathering space available
• Iowa Events Center – configurable rooms for any sized group or style of meeting
• Science Center of Iowa – attendees can spend breaks exploring the hands-on exhibits
• Scottish Rite Consistory – offering banquet space and auditorium areas
• State Historical Museum of Iowa – packed with Iowa history; indoor and outdoor areas available
• World Food Prize Hall of Laureates – a gorgeous space both inside and out, with blooming gardens and riverfront views

Most Downtown DSM hotels also offer meeting and event space as well, in addition to in-house restaurants often serving up breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks.

For additional support for out-of-the-office meetings in Downtown DSM, find tips on getting around and parking to make navigation a breeze for your attendees.