Downtown Urbandale (DUNA)
Best for
Historic streetscapes, local heritage, and walkable renewal corridors
Local City Guide
Navigating Urbandale: Dining, Parks, and District Outings
Trying to decide what to do in Urbandale? Adventria helps you cut through the options and choose a good-enough plan without endless scrolling. Whether exploring historic agricultural sites, navigating the Urban Loop commercial center, or setting off along 54+ miles of paved trails, this decision guide helps you plan seamless activities across Urbandale.
Local information reviewed August 2026
The local decision problem
Why choosing something in Urbandalegets complicated
Navigating seasonal schedules, district transitions, and transport corridors when planning activities and dining across Urbandale.
That is where Adventria comes in.Adventria helps narrow the options in Urbandalearound practical factors like location, distance, budget, vibe, who you are with, and the kind of experience you actually want, so research can turn into a decision.
Let Adventria narrow the optionsPick the right part of town
Choose your part of Urbandale
Different parts of Urbandale work for different kinds of plans. Start with the experience you want, then narrow the map.
Central Civic & Village Center District
Best for
Civic services, library access, court sports, and regional park recreation
Urban Loop / Highway 141 Corridor
Best for
Corporate hubs, modern dining, high-density housing, and regional travel
Northwest Market Center TIF District
Best for
Corporate expansion, light manufacturing, and business development
Western Growth Corridor (Dallas County)
Best for
Modern residential subdivisions, nature playscapes, and outdoor recreation
Hickman Road Commercial Corridor
Best for
Regional retail shopping, historic agricultural attractions, and comfort dining
Local decision signals
What changes the answer in Urbandale
A useful local recommendation depends on how the city actually works. These conditions affect where to go, what to do, and whether a plan makes sense right now.
Seasonal Access Cutoffs
General outdoor farm touring at Living History Farms operates seasonally from May through October, requiring visitors to arrive before mid-afternoon tractor cart cutoffs.
County Boundary Split
Urbandale spans Polk County in the east and Dallas County in the west, with older civic infrastructure concentrated east of 86th Street and newer developments west of 100th Street.
Interstate Transit Hub
The Urban Loop surrounding I-35/I-80, Highway 141, and 100th Street drives rapid corporate and retail growth, but experiences morning and evening commute congestion.
Extensive Trail Connections
Over 54 miles of paved multi-use trails cross the city, directly joining regional systems like the Clive Greenbelt, Walnut Creek, and Inter-Urban Trails.
Suburban Transit Options
Public transportation via DART features local route 74, express weekday routes 92 and 93 to Downtown Des Moines, and DART On Demand microtransit.
Pre-Planning for Playscapes
Barrett Boesen Park offers a natural sand, creek, and water playscape that requires spare clothing and seasonal planning around wet weather.
Search by situation
What are you trying to do in Urbandale?
The right local plan changes depending on who is going, how much time is available, the budget, the weather, and the kind of experience you need.
Family-Friendly Dining Choices Across Corridors
For generous Midwest comfort food, The Machine Shed along Hickman Road provides hearty platters and signature warm apple dumplings. For breakfast or lighter bites, 5 Borough Bagels serves authentic kettle-boiled NYC-style bagels, while Coaches Kolaches offers sweet Czech and savory brisket options.
Active Day Outings for Children
Head to Barrett Boesen Park in the Western Growth Corridor to experience the 3-acre natural playscape, complete with wooden climbing structures, mud kitchen, and creek access (bring a change of clothes). Alternatively, visit Walker Johnston Park to explore the multi-level treehouse lookout tower, storywalk, and Miracle League inclusive playground.
Evening Date Options and Indoor Activities
Reserve a private bay at Range Grill & Golf to play indoor PGA-endorsed golf simulators paired with elevated dining. Follow up with dinner or cocktails at The Urban Grill or Tito's Lounge, or take a night drive to view the 120-foot illuminated Paragon Prairie Tower.
Suburban Evening Entertainment
Nightlife in Urbandale focuses on relaxed neighborhood lounges and sports bars. Enjoy Mediterranean skewer platters and drinks at Tito's Lounge, craft taps at local spots like The Beerhouse or Chicken Coop, or indoor golf at Range Grill & Golf. Late-night clubbing typically involves a short drive to West Des Moines or Downtown Des Moines.
Rainy Day and Winter Outings
Spend bad-weather days inside the 56,000-square-foot Urbandale Public Library, featuring quiet study areas and children's activity zones. For active indoor fun, book a simulator bay at Range Grill & Golf, or attend seasonal indoor historic teas and dinners held at Living History Farms during the cold months.
Spontaneous and Reservation-Free Itineraries
Walk or bike any section of Urbandale's 54+ mile paved trail network, stop by Jackaline Baldwin Dunlap Park & Arboretum to walk among curated gardens, or view public art like the Paragon Prairie Tower and the Echo-Obelisk at Trolley Park without any bookings.
Free and Low-Cost Local Activities
All 55+ municipal parks in Urbandale offer free access. You can visit Lakeview Park to see the 'Art on the Trail' painted wooden art boards, attend free summer concerts at Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park, or explore the storywalk trails around Walker Johnston Pond.
Showcasing Local History and Landmarks
Take visitors to Living History Farms for an immersive 300-year tour of Midwestern farming across three historic farm sites and the 1876 Town of Walnut Hill. Be sure to arrive early enough to catch the tractor carts. Afterward, visit the Paragon Prairie Tower, the largest Italian glass mosaic tile mural in the United States.
Quiet Outings and Remote Work Spots
Grab a kettle-boiled bagel at 5 Borough Bagels, then enjoy a secluded stroll through the 10-acre Dunlap Arboretum. Afterwards, head to the Urbandale Public Library for high-speed Wi-Fi, study rooms, and comfortable reading spaces.
Group Outing and Gathering Venues
For indoor gatherings up to 180 guests, reserve the E.J. Giovannetti Community Shelter at Walker Johnston Park. Historic venues like the Flynn Barn or Church of the Land at Living History Farms host larger private events, while Range Grill & Golf provides interactive private bay packages.
Neighborhood context
Choosing the right part of Urbandale
Neighborhoods are not interchangeable. Each area offers a different balance of atmosphere, transportation, food, nightlife, activities, and planning friction.
Best for: Historic streetscapes, local heritage, and walkable renewal corridors
Downtown Urbandale (DUNA)
Centered along eastern Douglas Avenue between 70th and 75th Streets, DUNA traces back to the early 20th-century streetcar loop. Modern streetscape upgrades feature three-lane designs, painted curb extensions, and mixed-use spaces.
Downtown UrbandaleDUNA Urbandale70th Street Douglas Avenue
Best for: Civic services, library access, court sports, and regional park recreation
Central Civic & Village Center District
Anchored at 86th Street and Douglas Avenue, this hub contains City Hall, the Urbandale Public Library, Urbandale High School, and the 100+ acre Walker Johnston Regional Park.
86th Street UrbandaleWalker Johnston Park districtUrbandale Civic Center
Best for: Corporate hubs, modern dining, high-density housing, and regional travel
Urban Loop / Highway 141 Corridor
Located around the bend where I-35/I-80 meets Highway 141, Meredith Drive, and 100th Street. Supported by modern flyover interchanges, it serves as the city's primary corporate and commercial center.
Urban Loop Urbandale100th Street interchangeHighway 141 corridor
Best for: Corporate expansion, light manufacturing, and business development
Northwest Market Center TIF District
A tax-increment financing renewal area bordering the 100th Street and Meredith Drive corridors, targeted for headquarters, light manufacturing, and retail expansion.
Northwest Market Center UrbandaleMeredith Drive corporate district
Best for: Modern residential subdivisions, nature playscapes, and outdoor recreation
Western Growth Corridor (Dallas County)
Extending west from 128th Street to 170th Street along Waterford Road in Dallas County, featuring master-planned communities, Barrett Boesen Park, and connections to Walnut Creek.
Western Urbandale Dallas CountyWaterford Road Urbandale156th Street Urbandale
Best for: Regional retail shopping, historic agricultural attractions, and comfort dining
Hickman Road Commercial Corridor
Bounding the southern border along US Route 6, this corridor connects major shopping plazas with Living History Farms and iconic regional dining establishments.
Hickman Road UrbandaleUS Route 6 UrbandaleLiving History Farms district
Explore your options
District Highlights and Neighborhood Profiles
Each section of Urbandale offers distinct land uses, architectural ages, and recreational opportunities.
Downtown Urbandale (DUNA)
Situated along Douglas Avenue around 70th to 75th Streets, DUNA is the city's historic origin point, rooted in the early 20th-century streetcar turnaround loop.
- Walkable streetscape with painted curb extensions
- Trolley Park and the Echo-Obelisk historical marker
- Revitalized mixed-use commercial and residential spots
Central Civic District
Centered at 86th Street and Douglas Avenue, this hub forms Urbandale's traditional civic, educational, and public park core.
- Urbandale City Hall and 56,000 sq ft Public Library
- 100+ acre Walker Johnston Regional Park
- Charles Gabus Treehouse Lookout and Miracle League Field
Urban Loop & NW Market Center
Located at the junction of I-35/80, Highway 141, and 100th Street, serving as the city's commercial and corporate power hub.
- Paragon Prairie Tower glass mosaic mural
- Major corporate office parks and flex light manufacturing
- Direct interchange mobility and modern dining options
Western Growth Corridor
Spanning west along Waterford Road in Dallas County, defined by new subdivisions and regional natural amenities.
- Barrett Boesen Park and 3-acre natural playscape
- Direct connections to North Walnut Creek trail systems
- Modern master-planned family neighborhoods
Practical local guidance
Key Parks, Cultural Landmarks, and Public Art Sites
Urbandale offers outdoor spaces, historical preservation sites, and record-setting public art installations across its city limits.
- Living History Farms: A 500-acre interactive museum featuring 1700 Ioway, 1850 Pioneer, and 1900 Horse-Powered working farms, plus the 1876 Town of Walnut Hill.
- Walker Johnston Regional Park: Features paved 5K trail loops, lighted pickleball and tennis courts, a skate park, a fishing pier, and the E.J. Giovannetti Community Shelter.
- Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park: Located behind the library, featuring manicured gardens, a multi-level lookout treehouse tower, and an outdoor stage for summer concerts.
- Barrett Boesen Park: A nature playscape with wooden obstacle courses, a climbing bird nest, hand-operated water pumps, sand pits, and creek access.
- Paragon Prairie Tower: A 120-foot public art monument clad in over 1.8 million Italian glass tiles, designed by David Dahlquist at Paragon Office Park.
- Jackaline Baldwin Dunlap Park & Arboretum: A secluded 10-acre plant sanctuary with curated botanical gardens and walking paths.
- Lakeview Park: A scenic trail surrounding a retention pond that hosts the seasonal 'Art on the Trail' display.
- Trolley Park: A historic neighborhood pocket park marking the former turnaround loop of Urbandale's original streetcar line.
A simpler way to decide
How to Plan a Day Visit to Living History Farms
Maximize your experience at Urbandale's premier outdoor history museum by following these simple planning steps.
Verify Seasonal Touring Operating Months
General touring of the outdoor working farm sites runs seasonally from May 1 through October 31 (typically Tuesday through Saturday). Confirm seasonal operating days before making travel plans.
Plan for Mid-Day Arrival Cutoffs
To visit the remote 1700, 1850, and 1900 farm sites, arrive early enough to board the tractor cart rides. The last cart departure usually occurs in the mid-afternoon, after which access is limited to the 1876 Town of Walnut Hill.
Wear Weather-Appropriate Walking Footwear
The 500-acre museum spans gravel paths, unpaved agricultural terrain, and dirt trails. Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes are essential.
Coordinate Nearby Dining
Pair your visit with traditional Midwest comfort food right across Hickman Road at The Machine Shed, or grab quick breakfast kolaches nearby.
Check Off-Season Indoor Events
If visiting between November and April when general farm grounds are closed, check the schedule for indoor historic teas, dinners, and educational workshops held in the Flynn Mansion or Church of the Land.
Common local questions
Decisions Adventria can help you make in Urbandale
These are common situations people face when trying to decide where to eat, what to do, or how to spend their time inUrbandale.
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Urbandale planning questions
Frequently asked questions about Urbandale
Practical answers for people deciding where to eat, what to do, where to go, or how to make plans in Urbandale.
What is the best way to get around Urbandale without a car?
While Urbandale is primarily driving-oriented, you can travel via DART Route 74 for local trips, use DART On Demand microtransit for curb-to-curb suburban booking, or utilize the 54+ miles of interconnected paved multi-use trails for biking and walking.
When is Living History Farms open for general tours?
General outdoor touring operates from May 1 through October 31, typically Tuesday through Saturday. During the off-season from November through April, the outdoor farm sites are closed for general touring, though special indoor dinners, teas, and educational programs run year-round.
What should I bring when taking kids to Barrett Boesen Park?
Because Barrett Boesen Park features a natural playscape with sand pits, hand-operated water pumps, and direct access to North Walnut Creek, it is essential to bring swimsuits, towels, water shoes, and a full change of dry clothes.
Where can I find free public art in Urbandale?
You can view the 120-foot Paragon Prairie Tower at 123rd & Meredith Drive, see the 'Art on the Trail' display at Lakeview Park, view the Echo-Obelisk at Trolley Park (70th & Roseland), and explore storywalks at Walker Johnston Park.
Where is parking available in Urbandale, and is it paid?
Parking throughout Urbandale is overwhelmingly free in surface lots. Ample free parking is available at Walker Johnston Park, Barrett Boesen Park, the Urbandale Public Library, Living History Farms, and commercial shopping plazas.
What is the Urban Loop in Urbandale?
The Urban Loop is a major corporate and commercial district surrounding the 90-degree bend where Interstate 35/I-80 meets Highway 141, Meredith Drive, and 100th Street, supported by modern flyover interchanges.
How far is Urbandale from downtown Des Moines?
Urbandale is situated approximately 11.7 miles northwest of downtown Des Moines, accessible via I-35/80, Hickman Road, or DART express commuter bus routes 92 and 93.
What local dining options are available near Hickman Road?
The Hickman Road corridor offers classic Midwest comfort dining at The Machine Shed, family-owned Mexican food at VIVA Mexican Restaurant, and fresh kettle-boiled bagels at 5 Borough Bagels.
Does Urbandale have indoor golf or recreational facilities?
Yes, Range Grill & Golf features six PGA-endorsed indoor golf simulators paired with upscale casual dining, making it a popular choice for bad-weather days and group dates.
What is DUNA in Urbandale?
DUNA stands for the Downtown Urbandale Neighborhood Renewal Area along eastern Douglas Avenue (70th to 75th Streets). It represents Urbandale's historic original streetcar core, undergoing modern three-lane streetscape and mixed-use revitalization.
Source transparency
Urbandale research sources
Official and locally relevant sources used to verify the practical information presented in this Urbandale decision guide.
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