Behind The Scenes

Bring your group to Des Moines and experience a hands-on tour in Greater Des Moines!

Day 1
Start the day off at the Iowa Speedway. Home to the state-of-the-art 7/8 mile asphalt track, this motorsports facility located in Newton is owned and operated by U.S. Motorsport Corporation and designed by former NASCAR Champion Rusty Wallace. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the pits, track and operations area. Contact (641) 791-8100 for more information.

Learn about Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred horse racing at Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino. See where they train before they hit the track. After touring, play your luck at the slots or table games. Contact (515) 967-1280 for more information.

If you love hunting, fishing and camping, stop into Bass Pro Shops. Explore, learn, shop and play at this shopping destination. Fly fishing classes are available. Contact (515) 957-5500 for more information.

Enjoy an Italian lunch at Spaghetti Works. This local restaurant is located in a 19th century building that was once a hat factory. Contact (515) 243-2195 for group reservations .

See where the area's largest events take place at the Iowa Events Center. Home to the NBA development team, the Iowa Energy and the Iowa Barnstormers Football team, this behind-the-scenes tour includes a trip through the teams' locker rooms and down to the court or field where all of the action takes place. Contact (515) 564-8559 for more information.

Sports fans will also love touring Principal Park, the home of the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, the Iowa Cubs. Contact Carly Hansen at (515) 243-6111 for more information.

Prepare for an elegant dinner at BOS in the Renaissance Des Moines Savory Hotel. BOS is located near the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines, making it the perfect place to dine before a show. The Bravo Café experience is tailored specifically to motorcoach groups. Your group will enjoy a shared buffet in the beautiful ballroom at the Renaissance Des Moines Savory Hotel. Contact (515) 244-2151 ext. 7234 to make reservations today.

If you time your trip right, you can experience the Willis Broadway Series up close and personal at the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines. Have your group meet the cast of the show! If a production is not in session, another option would be to have a catered dinner on stage. Contact (515) 246-2300 for more information.

Day 2
Visit the home of a distinguished dignitary! Terrace Hill, the actual home of the Governor of Iowa, opens the first two floors up to groups. Meet the staff and learn about current projects going on within the state. Contact Meredith Sillau (515) 281-7205 for more information.

It wouldn’t be a trip to Des Moines without a little shopping! Make your way to Historic Valley Junction where members of the staff will greet your group and explain the history of the area. Behind-the-scenes tours are available at some of the local shops. Contact (515) 274-8407 for more information.

Next, stop for lunch at any one of fabulous Des Moines restaurants, including Bonefish Grill, Claxon's Smokehouse and Grill and Cosi Cucina Italian Grill.

Following lunch, visit Schade Creek Vineyard and Winery. Learn about the wine making process and how a local entrepreneur started this popular vineyard. Call (515) 987-6695 for more information.

Further west sits Dale Valley Vineyard and Winery, a unique winery located in a one-room school house. Enjoy a wine tasting while hearing the history of the area. Contact (515) 523-2198 for more information.

Contact the GDMCVB for dinner suggestions or try Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery or The Machine Shed. See a show at the Des Moines Playhouse where the director can meet your group for a behind-the-scenes tour of the costume and scene shop. Contact (515) 974-5358 or ext. 211 for more information.

Day 3
Baby Boomers Café and Grocery, located in the Historic East Village, is perfect for breakfast or lunch. The diner-style food and well-known chocolate chip cookies are just like grandma serves up!

Hoyt Sherman Place was built in 1877 and is one of Des Moines' oldest theaters. The historic building still holds all of its original character, including parquet floors and a carved mahogany entryway reminiscent of the era. Take a special tour through the art galleries and historical theater. Contact (515) 244-0507 for more information.

Treat your group to a special cooking demonstration at one of the following businesses: Gateway Market, Des Moines Art Center or Taste to Go Catering.

If you didn’t get your fill at the cooking demonstration, visit a local Des Moines restaurant, such as Big City Burgers and Greens or Zombie Burger + Drink Lab.

Find the perfect gift idea for your "little farmer" at Iowa Diecast Toys. Visit the store, located near the Iowa State Fairgrounds, and take a tour with the owner. You will be amazed by the collection! Contact (515) 266-8697 for more information.

If you haven’t been to the Historic East Village, it’s a must-see. Employees at Gong Fu Tea can teach tea etiquette, while the group enjoys some tea samples before visiting Raygun, a distinctive t-shirt shop famous for one-of-a-kind items including shirts bearing the slogans, “Des Moines, Hell Yes” or “Iowans: The Few, The Proud and The Extremely Attractive”.

Wine and dine at a local steakhouseor bistro. Try Mezzodi's or Noah's Ark Restaurant, Lounge and Bakery.

Round out the day with a personal experience for your attendees with Linda Zeiger or Liz Nead. Each of these professionals can give a presentation to your group on a variety of topics, including personal growth, travel tricks or discovering your wardrobe personality!

• Linda Zeiger (515) 278-2690
• Liz Nead with Nead Inspiration (515) 664-6881

Click here to download a PDF of this itinerary.

For more information, contact:
Katie Stien
Sales Manager
Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau
(515) 699-3432
kstien@desmoinescvb.com