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 a very spaced out city and rideshares can be limited. Public transit is barely a thing.
(better maps COMING SOON!)
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
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 flat bread.
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.