Travel

Directions

Iowa Arboretum is a short trip from Des Moines.

For those coming from out of town, we recommend renting a car. Des Moines is very spaced out and ride shares can be spotty. Public transit is barely a thing.

 

Noce is located in downtown Des Moines

Parking is available at the Nationwide Parking Garage just a block east of Noce.

 

Where to Stay

Hotels and Guesthouses

We have rooms blocked off for wedding guests at the Hotel Fort Des Moines.

Book with this link or mention our last names if booking through the phone.

There is parking at the Nationwide Parking Garage

Hotel Fort Des Moines

1000 Walnut St
Des Moines, IA 50309
515-528-7733

 

What to Do

Activities in the Des Moines Area

“The prettiest girls in the world live in Des Moines.”

-Jack Kerouac

EAT & DRINK

We have too many favorite spots, but a “few” recommendations.

  • Harbinger - small plates, farm-to-table AHHH-mazing for an intimate date night

  • Basic Bird - fast-casual Korean fried chicken

  • Lua Brewing - good beers, gastropub food. Recently voted best microbrewery in the country by USA Today’s “10Best” Readers’ Choice Awards!

  • Confluence Brewing Co. - a classic beer right on the bike trail

  • Barn Town Brewing - the most unique beer we’ve ever had (taps rotate seasonally, but for example a PB&J or a caramel apple pops flavored sours) and great burgers as well!

  • Lachele’s Fine Foods - perfect lunch smash burgers!

  • El Bait Shop/High Life Lounge - a classic downtown bar with 251 beers on draft

  • The Royal Mile - a cozy British pub

  • The Cheese Bar - We had our first date at the itty bitty cheese shop. Years later they created the full restaurant version here. If you like cheese, you’ve come to the right place.

  • Eatery A - Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Great for brunch or a happy hour flatbread.

  • Lucky Lotus - curries and spiciness abound!

  • A Dong - our best (in our opinion) Vietnamese restaurant. Recommend any pho you lay your eyes on!

  • Hansen’s Manhattan Deli - perfect for lunch. Open until 3pm.

  • Veggie Thumper - vegan food truck. Check the link and their socials for updated schedule locations

  • Zanzibar’s Coffee Adventure - a great pick-me-up!

  • Whatcha Smokin? - a bit of a drive, but it’s near our ceremony venue. Great BBQ

PLAY

Iowa has some of the best bike paths around. Rent a bike and follow our rails-to-trails paths to local breweries and restaurants and see our corn fields.

Gray’s Lake and Big Creek offer boat rentals.

There are many great golf courses to check out as well.

Smash Park - backyard-style street food, the largest patio in Iowa, 8 pickleball courts, shuffleboard, bocce ball, ping pong and more! (family friendly)

Ricochet has tons of games and plenty of cocktails (21+ only) 

Explore

Check out the downtown farmer’s market on Saturday morning.

Do not leave without going to Raygun and picking up a cheeky Iowa memento.

The High Trestle Trail Bridge is a must see, especially at night.

The Pappajohn Sculpture Park a quick walk around and fun picture spot.

For kid friendly activities, check out the Blank Park Zoo and science center.