The Best Party Bus & Charter Bus Rentals in West Des Moines, Iowa
Party Bus In Omaha books group transportation across the greater Midwest — and that means West Des Moines is well within reach. Whether your crew is heading to a Toad Hop concert at Vibrant Music Hall, catching the Iowa Wild at Wells Fargo Arena, or shuttling wedding guests between Jordan Creek Town Center hotels and a venue in Waukee, we make it easy to lock in a bus with all-inclusive pricing in under 30 seconds. Call 402-973-1398 to get started!
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The West Des Moines Party Bus Company Built for Your Trip
Since 2011, Party Bus In Omaha has helped thousands of groups move together across Nebraska and Iowa without the usual stress of carpools, parking marathons, and juggling rideshares at 2 a.m. We give groups of every size access to a fleet that ranges from 14-passenger Sprinter limos to 56-passenger charter buses — all bookable online with an all-inclusive quote you'll see in full before you ever confirm. No hidden costs, no vague estimates.
West Des Moines is an easy run for Buses Available. The metro sits roughly two and a half hours east of Omaha along I-80, and we handle that corridor regularly — whether it's a one-way airport transfer heading into Des Moines International Airport, a round-trip shuttle for a corporate group gathering at the Iowa Events Center, or a full-evening party bus circuit through Valley Junction's bars and restaurants. Our 24/7 reservation team is always a quick call away to help you sort out timing, routing, and the right vehicle size.
Whatever your headcount, tell us your group size and we'll match you to a bus that fits — so you never pay for seats your group doesn't need. Call 402-973-1398 any time for a free quote!
West Des Moines Party Bus & Charter Buses
We offer Sprinter vans, 14-passenger Sprinter limos, 15- to 50-passenger party buses, 15- to 35-passenger minibuses, and 40- to 56-passenger charter buses. Tell us your headcount and how far you're traveling and we'll match you to the right vehicle — no guesswork, no overpaying for an empty back row.
14 Passenger Sprinter Limo
Sprinter Van Rental with Driver
15 Passenger Party Bus
18 Passenger Party Bus
20 Passenger Party Bus
25 Passenger Party Bus
28 Passenger Party Bus
30 Passenger Party Bus
40 Passenger Party Bus
50 Passenger Party Bus
15-35 Passenger Minibus
40-56 Passenger Charter Bus
Premium Amenities on Every Bus in Our West Des Moines Bus Network
For groups that want the party on the road, our 15- to 50-passenger party buses come loaded with a full-length bar, color-changing LED lighting, premium Bluetooth sound, flat-panel TVs, and a wraparound dance area — the right pick for a bachelorette circuit through Ingersoll Avenue or a birthday night ending at Exile Brewing.
Minibuses bring powerful A/C and plush reclining seats, perfect for corporate groups shuttling between West Des Moines office campuses and the Iowa Events Center downtown. Full-size charter buses add undercarriage luggage bays, onboard restrooms, WiFi, and power outlets at every seat — built for longer runs, school field trips, and multi-day itineraries. ADA-accessible vehicles are available on request; just let us know ahead of time.
Air-conditioning
Wraparound Leather Seats
Premium AUX / Bluetooth Sound System
LED and Fiber Optic Lighting
Built-in Bar Areas With Ice Storage and Cup Holders
TVs and Premium Entertainment Systems
Affordable West Des Moines Party Bus Prices for Any Group
West Des Moines party bus rental prices depend on vehicle type, date, and how long you need the bus. Here's what our fleet runs: 14-passenger Sprinter limos are $170–$344/hour; small party buses (15–20 passengers) run $204–$378/hour; mid-size (20–30 passengers) run $244–$414/hour; large party buses and minibuses (35–50 passengers) run $294–$490/hour; and full-size charter buses run $150–$300/hour or $1,200–$2,500/day for longer itineraries.
Because West Des Moines sits about 160 miles from our Omaha base, mileage factors into your quote — but you'll see the all-inclusive number upfront before you book. Prom season (April–May) and Berkshire Hathaway weekend in early May consistently tighten bus availability across the I-80 corridor, so early booking saves both money and headaches. Call 402-973-1398 for a no-obligation quote in under 30 seconds!
| Type of Bus | Cost Per Hour Weekdays | Cost Per Hour Weekends | Cost Per Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 Passenger Sprinter Limo | $170 – $318+ | $219 – $344+ | $1,526 – $3,113+ |
| Sprinter Van Rental | $187 – $273+ | $218 – $366+ | $1,395 – $2,748+ |
| 15 Passenger Party Bus | $204 – $330+ | $241 – $312+ | $1,396 – $2,817+ |
| 18 Passenger Party Bus | $266 – $330+ | $268 – $378+ | $2,121 – $2,563+ |
| 20 Passenger Party Bus | $244 – $338+ | $268 – $340+ | $1,939 – $2,796+ |
| 25 Passenger Party Bus | $248 – $326+ | $265 – $360+ | $1,827 – $2,854+ |
| 28 Passenger Party Bus | $255 – $337+ | $279 – $351+ | $2,147 – $2,653+ |
| 30 Passenger Party Bus | $297 – $374+ | $318 – $414+ | $2,331 – $3,021+ |
| 40 Passenger Party Bus | $297 – $338+ | $321 – $478+ | $2,297 – $3,473+ |
| 50 Passenger Party Bus | $294 – $441+ | $337 – $490+ | $2,173 – $4,043+ |
| 15–35 Passenger Minibus | $113 – $246+ | $147 – $261+ | $1,098 – $2,105+ |
| 40–56 Passenger Charter Bus | $158 – $327+ | $162 – $348+ | $1,331 – $2,841+ |
| The prices listed above are estimates only. All pricing varies by independent operator, and there are no guarantees regarding final costs or vehicle availability. Actual rates are subject to change based on trip length, travel dates, passenger count, requested amenities, and current availability. For exact rates, please call 402-973-1398. | |||
Why Choose Us for Your West Des Moines Party Bus Rental
Booking group transportation in West Des Moines gets complicated fast — trying to wrangle a dozen cars across I-235, hunting for parking near the Iowa Events Center on a sold-out concert night, or coordinating airport pickups for out-of-town guests landing at DSM on different flights. A single bus solves all of it at once.
Party Bus In Omaha has been coordinating Midwest group trips since 2011. We offer all-inclusive pricing online in under 30 seconds — you'll know the exact cost before you commit to anything. Our 24/7 reservation team is a call away whether you're booking three months out or need something confirmed for next weekend.
We offer a wide range of vehicle sizes, so you're never stuck paying for seats you don't need. Every booking comes with a single point of contact from your first quote through final drop-off, which matters when your timeline is tight and your guests are flying in from four different cities.
Imagine skipping the scramble for parking on Court Avenue, not drawing straws for a designated sober ride at the end of the night, and having everyone in your group show up to the venue at the same time. That's what one West Des Moines party bus rental makes possible. Call 402-973-1398 any time!
Party Bus Services in West Des Moines
Party Bus In Omaha coordinates group transportation for every occasion across the Des Moines metro. From airport transfers and corporate shuttles to weddings, prom nights, sporting events, and pub crawls — whatever brings your group to West Des Moines or across the metro, we have a vehicle and a plan ready. Call 402-973-1398 to get your group moving!
West Des Moines Airport Shuttles & Transportation
Des Moines International Airport (DSM) (5800 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321) sits about 10 miles from West Des Moines via I-235 West, a stretch that backs up reliably during the morning and evening rush. Commercial bus pickup operates curbside on the lower Arrivals level — your group coordinator calls our team once everyone has cleared baggage claim and is ready to move. We recommend checking the official DSM ground transportation page before arrival to confirm current commercial vehicle staging zones.
For larger groups flying in for a conference, a wedding weekend, or a Berkshire Hathaway shareholders event in early May, a West Des Moines airport shuttle bus keeps the whole crew together from the moment they land — no splitting into a convoy of rideshares when half the group's flight lands 45 minutes late. Multi-stop airport runs (picking up at DSM, dropping at a Jordan Creek hotel, then continuing to the venue) are easy to arrange when you call us directly. Call 402-973-1398 to set up your DSM airport transfer!
West Des Moines Bachelor & Bachelorette Transportation
A West Des Moines bachelorette party doesn't have to stay in one neighborhood. Start the night with dinner at Locale in Valley Junction, move the group down to Court Avenue for a round at Coa or Mullet's, and close it out at The Embassy Club on Walnut Street — all without anyone tracking who's driving or how much surge pricing just jumped at midnight. Our 15- to 50-passenger party buses come with a full-length bar, color-changing LED lighting, and Bluetooth sound that you control from your own playlist.
Valley Junction on a Friday night runs out of street parking by 8 p.m., and the bar district on Court Avenue has almost no on-site parking at all. A party bus rental covers every stop on your itinerary for a single flat rate — no drawing straws, no group chat chaos about whose Uber gets there first. Call 402-973-1398 and we'll build the route around your night!
West Des Moines Birthday, Sweet 16, & Quinceañera Party Bus Rentals
A party bus arrival is one of the most memorable ways to kick off a Sweet 16 or quinceañera in the Des Moines metro. Our 15- to 50-passenger party buses are fully customizable — coordinate a color scheme, pre-load a custom playlist, and choose from buses in white, black, or silver to match your theme. Whether the celebration is heading to a reception hall in Waukee, a venue along Jordan Creek Parkway, or a dinner reservation in the East Village, we make the ride itself part of the event.
For adult milestone birthdays hitting the bar scene in Valley Junction or the restaurant district around Ingersoll Avenue, a West Des Moines birthday party bus rental means your guests rely on one arranged pickup rather than a dozen separate rideshares scattered across the city. Tell us your stops, your headcount, and your start time, and we take care of the rest. Call 402-973-1398 any time to plan your celebration!
West Des Moines Concert Transportation & Shuttles
The Des Moines metro's two biggest indoor concert venues are less than 20 minutes from West Des Moines — and both of them are a parking and rideshare headache on sold-out nights. Wells Fargo Arena (233 Center St, Des Moines, IA 50309) seats 17,000 and draws major touring acts year-round; the closest public parking fills early and rideshare pickup backs up on Center Street after the show. Vibrant Music Hall (1700 Adventureland Dr, Altoona, IA 50009) is a newer 7,000-capacity venue on the east side of the metro, where on-site parking is limited and post-show traffic on US-6 gets slow fast.
A West Des Moines concert bus rental takes your group straight to the entrance and the bus waits nearby so everyone loads up the moment the set ends — no surge fares, no hunting for the car in a dark lot. Party buses in our fleet come with a built-in bar and Bluetooth sound to keep the energy going before the first song and after the last. Call 402-973-1398 to lock in your concert night!
West Des Moines Corporate Event Transportation
West Des Moines is home to a dense corridor of financial and insurance headquarters along South 50th Street and University Avenue — Principal Financial Group, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Athene, Sammons Financial — and shuttling employees and clients between those campuses, downtown Des Moines hotels, and the Iowa Events Center (730 3rd St, Des Moines, IA 50309) is a daily logistical puzzle. The Events Center's parking garage caps out at 8 feet of clearance, so a charter bus drops your group at the Washington Avenue entrance while the bus waits nearby — no circling downtown blocks.
For multi-day conferences, we operate continuous shuttle loops on a fixed schedule so your team is never waiting more than a few minutes. Minibuses equipped with WiFi and power outlets let your executives stay productive on the 10-minute hop between the West Des Moines campus and a downtown hotel. Call 402-973-1398 to discuss corporate shuttle routes and group rates!
West Des Moines Private Event Transportation Services
Family reunion hitting multiple spots across the metro in a single day? Church retreat heading out to Big Creek State Park in Polk City? Corporate group flying in for the Iowa State Fair in August?
One private charter bus keeps everyone together and on schedule instead of managing a five-car caravan through Des Moines highway construction. The Iowa State Fair draws over a million visitors to the fairgrounds off East 30th Street each August — parking fills early, and rideshare demand spikes around the main gates all day. A charter bus rental drops your group at the designated bus entrance and picks everyone up when the day is done, for one flat, predictable rate.
When RAGBRAI rolls through the Des Moines metro in late July, downtown traffic patterns shift significantly and hotel blocks fill months ahead. Private bus bookings for that week go quickly too — the earlier you call, the better your options. Call 402-973-1398 to build a custom plan for your event!
West Des Moines Homecoming & Prom Party Bus Rentals
Prom season runs late April through May across the Des Moines metro, and high schools in West Des Moines, Waukee, and Valley push through their events in a tight six-week window. Demand spikes fast — and so does pricing. For prom: book by December or expect premium pricing or outright unavailability.
A typical 6-hour prom rental for 30 students — school pickup, a photo stop at Raccoon River Park, venue drop-off at a West Des Moines hotel ballroom, and an after-party return — runs $1,800–$2,200 all-inclusive when booked four to six months early. The same rental booked two weeks out can run $2,800–$3,500 or come up completely unavailable. We work with parent committees and student groups across the metro to confirm pickup plans and keep prom night on schedule.
Call 402-973-1398 today to lock in your date!
West Des Moines School Event & Field Trip Transportation
Teachers and chaperones across the West Des Moines Community School District trust coordinated group transportation because juggling parent carpools through metro parking lots is its own headache. Field trips to the Science Center of Iowa (401 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50309) — which logs over 200,000 visitors annually — use a designated bus drop-off on Martin Luther King Jr Parkway, with buses waiting nearby until pickup. The Iowa State Historical Museum (600 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309) is another popular K–12 destination, with bus access on the east side of the Capitol complex.
Charter buses give students climate-controlled seating, overhead storage for lunchboxes and backpacks, and TV monitors for educational content on longer drives. For extended field trips with multiple stops, onboard restrooms on select vehicles mean fewer unscheduled pit stops. ADA-accessible buses are always available — just mention your needs when you book.
Call 402-973-1398 for school field trip transportation in West Des Moines!
West Des Moines Sporting Event Transportation
Iowa Wild hockey at Wells Fargo Arena (233 Center St, Des Moines, IA 50309) packs the arena on weekend nights, and downtown Des Moines parking near Center Street runs $15–$25 per vehicle on event evenings — with the closest surface lots filling well before puck drop. A West Des Moines sporting event charter bus drops your group at the Center Street entrance and picks everyone up at the same curb when the final buzzer sounds, so there's no post-game scramble through the skywalk looking for the right parking garage level.
The Iowa Cubs play at Principal Park (1 Line Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309) along the Des Moines River — a beautiful ballpark with limited on-site parking and a short walk from the skywalk system. Bus parking is available on the north side of the park on Line Drive. For groups who want the full tailgate experience before first pitch, our party buses come with a built-in bar and Bluetooth sound to keep the pregame energy running from West Des Moines all the way to the river.
Call 402-973-1398 for game-day transportation!
West Des Moines Wedding Transportation & Shuttle Service
West Des Moines sits in the middle of some of the most popular Iowa wedding venues — Sticks at Warrior Golf Club in Norwalk, reception halls along the Jordan Creek corridor, and ceremony spaces in historic Valley Junction. A West Des Moines wedding shuttle keeps guests moving cleanly between a hotel on Jordan Creek Parkway and the venue without anyone navigating unfamiliar suburban streets in formalwear or paying for premium valet at a venue that runs out of spaces by the cocktail hour.
We've coordinated wedding timelines for groups across Iowa since 2011 — clear pickup windows, staggered departures for the ceremony and reception, and a single point of contact from your first quote to the last shuttle run after the reception winds down. Nobody in your wedding party should have to figure out a rideshare at 11 p.m. in a dress. A 14-passenger Sprinter limo handles the bridal party on the day itself; a minibus or charter bus covers the guest shuttle circuit.
Call 402-973-1398 for a free wedding transportation quote!
West Des Moines Winery Tour & Pub Crawl Transportation
Iowa's winery and craft brewery scene is genuinely worth exploring, and the Des Moines metro is a good anchor for a full-day tour. Summerset Winery (15101 Elk Ave, Indianola, IA 50125) sits about 30 minutes south of West Des Moines and produces award-winning wines with a large tasting room and event space. Tassel Ridge Winery (1681 220th St, Leighton, IA 50143) is a longer haul but worth it for groups that want a full rural Iowa winery experience.
Closer in, Exile Brewing (1514 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309) and Confluence Brewing (1235 Thomas Beck Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315) anchor any craft beer crawl on the west side of the metro.
A West Des Moines party bus rental keeps your group together between every tasting stop — no splitting into separate cars, no worrying about who's had one too many glasses of Marquette to drive home. Your group stays on one bus, follows one itinerary, and pays one flat rate. Call 402-973-1398 for a free quote!
How to Reserve a Party Bus in West Des Moines
Submit Your Request
Use the Party Bus In Omaha online quote tool to share your trip details, including the date, passenger count, and pickup/drop-off locations. You can receive a personalized quote in under 30 seconds.
Compare Options From Different Local Operators
Compare pricing estimates and vehicle photos from our network of local bus operators. You can browse various makes, models, and amenity packages to find the perfect fit for your group.
Finalize Your Details
Once you find a vehicle that fits your needs, call us at 402-973-1398. We will help you verify availability, confirm your exact final rate, and guide you through any questions.
Party Bus & Charter Bus Service in West Des Moines & Nearby Cities
Party Bus In Omaha serves West Des Moines and the entire Des Moines metro — and our fleet handles the I-80 corridor between Omaha and central Iowa regularly. Whether you need a party bus in Waukee, a minibus in Ankeny, charter bus service in Urbandale, or a group shuttle running from Ames down to the metro, we have the right vehicle for you!
We Go Anywhere!
Party Bus In Omaha proudly serves West Des Moines, Iowa and every nearby community across Metro Omaha. If you don't see your city listed, call us at 402-973-1398 — we go anywhere your group needs to roll!
Frequently Asked Questions About Our West Des Moines Party Bus Rentals
How much does a party bus cost in West Des Moines?
West Des Moines party bus rental prices depend on the vehicle, the date, and how long you need the bus. As a guide: 14-passenger Sprinter limos run $170–$344/hour; small party buses (15–20 passengers) run $204–$378/hour; mid-size (20–30 passengers) run $244–$414/hour; large party buses and minibuses (35–50 passengers) run $294–$490/hour; and full-size charter buses run $150–$300/hour or $1,200–$2,500/day. Because West Des Moines is about 160 miles from Omaha, mileage factors into your all-inclusive quote — but you'll see the full price before you book anything.
Call 402-973-1398 for a no-obligation quote in under 30 seconds!
How do I get a bus to Des Moines International Airport for a large group?
Des Moines International Airport (DSM) handles commercial bus pickups curbside on the Arrivals level at 5800 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321. Once your full group has collected luggage and gathered at the agreed-upon arrivals door, your group coordinator calls our team to confirm the bus moves into the commercial pickup zone. Don't call for the bus until everyone is together — timing coordination at DSM is straightforward once the group is actually in one place.
We track your flights in case of delays, so the bus is ready and waiting when you walk out regardless of what time your plane actually touches down.
What's the best vehicle for a corporate shuttle between West Des Moines offices and downtown Des Moines?
For daily or recurring corporate shuttles along the West Des Moines–to–downtown corridor — think the Principal Financial or Wells Fargo campuses down to the Iowa Events Center or a downtown hotel — a 15- to 35-passenger minibus is the right fit. It's maneuverable enough for the one-way streets around the East Village and the Court Avenue district, comfortable enough for a 20-minute highway hop, and equipped with WiFi and power outlets so no one loses productivity on the commute. For larger all-hands events or conference days with 40+ attendees, a full-size charter bus handles the full headcount in a single run.
Call 402-973-1398 to talk through options and build a route.
Where do buses park at Wells Fargo Arena for Iowa Wild games or concerts?
Wells Fargo Arena (233 Center St, Des Moines, IA 50309) sits in the Iowa Events Center complex in downtown Des Moines. Commercial bus drop-off typically uses the north side of Center Street near the main entrance; the bus waits during the event in nearby surface lots on 3rd Street or the Nollen Plaza area, coordinated in advance with the venue. Parking in the connected Iowa Events Center garage is limited to 8 feet of clearance, so a full-size charter bus will not fit — plan for street-side staging instead.
We confirm the exact approach for your specific event date when you book, since concerts and Iowa Wild playoff games occasionally trigger additional street closures around the Center Street block.
When is the busiest booking period in the Des Moines metro?
Prom season (late April through May) is the single tightest window across the Des Moines metro — high schools in West Des Moines, Waukee, Valley, and Johnston all cluster their events within about six weeks, and available buses go fast. The Iowa State Fair in August is the other demand spike: over a million fairgoers hit the East 30th Street grounds across ten days, rideshare prices surge toward the end of evening shows, and groups that waited to book often find their preferred vehicle size unavailable. RAGBRAI's metro entry in late July moves similarly.
Book at least three to six months out for any of those windows. For most other dates, two to four weeks of lead time works — but the earlier you call, the better your selection.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking at least three to six months in advance for peak-demand dates — prom season, the Iowa State Fair, RAGBRAI week, and any Berkshire Hathaway shareholders weekend that draws groups from Omaha and beyond. For standard weekends outside those windows, two to four weeks of lead time is usually workable, though the best vehicles at the best rates go first. The earlier you call, the more options you have.
Call 402-973-1398 right now to lock in your date!
Popular West Des Moines Party Bus Destinations
West Des Moines connects easily to some of the best destinations across the Des Moines metro and central Iowa. From arenas and ballparks to wineries and science museums, our fleet runs them all. Here's a look at the stops groups request most often.
Wells Fargo Arena
Home of the Iowa Wild AHL hockey team and one of the Des Moines metro's primary concert venues, Wells Fargo Arena (233 Center St, Des Moines, IA 50309) seats up to 17,000 and books major touring artists year-round. The arena sits at the heart of the Iowa Events Center complex downtown, directly adjacent to Hy-Vee Hall and the Iowa Events Center convention space. On sold-out nights, street parking in the Court Avenue and East Village neighborhoods fills early and rideshare pickup queues along Center Street back up significantly post-show.
Bus drop-off uses the north side of Center Street near the main arena entrance; we recommend checking the Iowa Events Center parking page before your event for current lot availability and any road closures.
Address: 233 Center St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Principal Park
Principal Park (1 Line Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309) is the home of the Iowa Cubs, the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, sitting right along the Des Moines River with a view of the downtown skyline from the upper deck. The regular season runs April through September. On-site parking is limited — the main lot off Line Drive fills fast on weekend games and promotions nights — and the pedestrian skywalk connecting to downtown hotels makes this an easy group destination when you're already staying nearby.
Bus parking is available on the north side of the park along Line Drive; we recommend reviewing the Iowa Cubs parking and directions page before a sellout game.
Address: 1 Line Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 243-6111
Iowa Events Center
The Iowa Events Center (730 3rd St, Des Moines, IA 50309) is a multi-venue complex in the heart of downtown Des Moines — it combines Wells Fargo Arena, Hy-Vee Hall convention space, and the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center under one roof. The complex hosts trade shows, large-scale conferences, consumer expos, and graduations year-round. Charter buses drop off on the Washington Avenue side or along 3rd Street; the complex's internal parking garage sits at 8 feet of clearance, which rules out full-size charter buses from parking on-site.
For multi-day conferences running shuttle loops between West Des Moines hotel blocks and the convention floor, a minibus on a fixed-schedule loop is the most efficient setup. Check the official directions and parking page for current lot assignments.
Address: 730 3rd St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Raccoon River Park
Raccoon River Park (2500 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50265) is West Des Moines's most-used outdoor destination — 650 acres of trails, a beach area on the reservoir, picnic shelters, and open lawns that host everything from company picnics and family reunions to 5K races and community festivals. The park sits just off Grand Avenue, easily accessible from the Jordan Creek corridor. Parking is spread across several surface lots throughout the grounds, but on busy summer weekends and during large organized events, the main lot off Grand Avenue fills by mid-morning.
A charter bus drops your group at the shelter or beach area entrance closest to your event and cuts out the mid-day parking scramble entirely. Reservations for shelters and group areas go through the West Des Moines Parks Department.
Address: 2500 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Phone: (515) 222-3444
Science Center of Iowa
The Science Center of Iowa (401 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50309) welcomes over 200,000 visitors annually with hands-on STEM exhibits, a digital dome planetarium, and an IMAX theater. It's one of the most popular K–12 field trip destinations in the state. The building sits on the western edge of downtown along MLK Pkwy, and bus drop-off uses the designated zone on the parkway side of the building.
Surface lot parking is available nearby but limited during busy school-year weekdays — coordinated bus drop-off avoids the scramble. School groups should schedule programs in advance; standard admission runs $16 for adults and $12 for children. We recommend checking the Science Center of Iowa visitor page before your trip to confirm current hours and group booking availability.
Address: 401 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 274-4138
Summerset Winery
Summerset Winery (15101 Elk Ave, Indianola, IA 50125) is Iowa's most decorated winery, producing award-winning varietals from its vineyard south of Des Moines in Warren County. The property includes a large tasting room, an event pavilion, and outdoor seating that makes it a natural anchor for a winery tour out of West Des Moines — about 30 miles down US-65 South. The winery hosts outdoor concerts and ticketed events seasonally, and the grounds have plenty of room for a charter bus to park comfortably during a group visit.
Wine tastings are available by the flight or glass; the food menu pairs well with a slow afternoon. For a full-day winery circuit, Summerset pairs naturally with a stop at a Des Moines craft brewery on the return trip. Check the Summerset Winery website for current event schedules and tasting room hours.
Address: 15101 Elk Ave, Indianola, IA 50125
Phone: (515) 961-3545