Meet Outside the Office at One of These Downtown DSM Locations

Get outside the conference room and take your next meeting to one of these outside-of-the-office spots in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). A change from the norm brings a fresh perspective — and your meeting is bound to hit peak productivity!

Walking or Biking Meetings

Pack your tennis shoes or try bike sharing to enjoy the abundance of Downtown Des Moines parks, trails and recreation areas. A walking or biking meeting on-the-move will get your creativity flowing. Note: When looking at the list below to determine the best place to meet, a W denotes areas ideal for walking and B denotes locations great for biking.

The Skywalk (W)

With four miles of connected skywalk, an indoor walking meeting is perfect between appointments, during rainy or hot days and even wintertime. This Downtown DSM skywalk map can make navigation a breeze!

John & Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park (W)

In addition to its 30+ sculptures, this 4.4-acre park features winding paved paths scattered with bench seating ideal for a quick outdoor walking meeting in the heart of Downtown DSM. Take advantage of the park's audio tour to find out about the celebrated art on display.

Principal Riverwalk (W & B)

Hop on a bicycle or go for a run or walk around the Principal Riverwalk! See inspiring sights like the Lauridsen Skatepark, Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens and the shimmering Iowa State Capitol in the distance. Be sure to map your route in advance, as construction of the Walnut Street Bridge is taking place through 2026 which impacts parts of the Riverwalk thoroughfare.

Gray’s Lake (W & B)

The two-mile loop around Gray’s Lake, named the Krudenier Trail, is great for walking or biking meetings. The distance can be lengthened further by taking advantage of several connected trails including the Bill Riley Trail, Meredith Trail and several others. Stop for refreshments at Confluence Brewing Co., Exile Brewing or Mullets nearby, each boasting great patio space.

New in 2026: the Gray's Lake Playground and Sprayground, featuring inclusive play opportunities as well as a way to cool off in the summer heat!

Des Moines Biergarten

Water Works Park (W & B)

Located just west of Gray’s Lake, the Bill Riley trail passes through Water Works Park making for a great walking, running or biking path for meetings on-the-go. Heck, if it’s the end of the workday you can even grab a pint at Des Moines Biergarten, tucked away inside the park.

Dining Spaces

These Downtown DSM restaurants offer semi-private dining spaces to hold a meeting while you eat a meal together!

Fresko

801 Chophouse – best known for its steak and seafood selection
Blue Sushi Saki Grill – sustainable sushi
Bubba – Southern comfort food
Django – French cuisine
Fresko – fresh creations made with locally sourced ingredients
HoQ Restaurant – farm-to-table fare
Proudfoot & Bird – locally sourced handmade pasta, seafood, poultry and prime-cut beef
Splash Seafood Bar & Grill – the name says it all!

Secret Admirer

Patio Spaces

Enjoy the sunshine and fresh air at a Downtown Des Moines patio. Snag a bite to eat or an ice-cold drink to make your meeting extra enjoyable and productive.

Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Company – upscale comfort food and brewery
Gateway Market + Café – soup, salad, sandwiches, burgers, noodles and more
Malo – Latin eats and savory cocktails
Mulberry Street Tavern – chef-inspired traditional fare
Flora Café –plant-based, locally sourced menu overlooking the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Secret Admirer – cool outdoor space, cool vibrant murals, cool views
The Republic on Grand- a private outdoor terrace for 60-100
Zombie Burger + Drink Lab – gourmet smashed burgers, fries and milkshakes

World Food Prize Hall of Laureates

Rentable Spaces or Large Meetings

Browse the list below for ideas to rent a space for either a group gathering or an intimate, controlled environment in Downtown Des Moines. For an in-depth list of off-site venues, Catch Des Moines is DSM’s convention and meeting expert resource.

Des Moines Public Library’s Central Library – spaces for groups ranging from a handful to 250
Gravitate Coworking Space – available for rent by the hour, daily or monthly
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden – walk through a tropical oasis to your meeting space
Hoyt Sherman Place – an immersive space of history and art; gilded theater or gathering space available
Iowa Events Center – configurable rooms for any sized group or style of meeting
River Center Events + Catering - historic yet modern event space for up to 400+ guests
Science Center of Iowa – attendees can spend breaks exploring the hands-on exhibits
Scottish Rite Consistory – offering banquet space and auditorium areas
State Historical Museum of Iowa – packed with Iowa history; indoor and outdoor areas available
World Food Prize Hall of Laureates – a gorgeous space both inside and out, with blooming gardens and riverfront views

Most Downtown DSM hotels also offer meeting and event space as well, in addition to in-house restaurants often serving up breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks. For additional support for out-of-the-office meetings in Downtown DSM, find tips on getting around and parking to make navigation a breeze for your attendees.

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Greater Des Moines Partnership

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the largest regional business, economic development and talent development organization in Iowa and the second-largest regional chamber of commerce in the country, serving multiple counties in Greater Des Moines. Together with more than 400 Investors and an Affiliate Chamber of Commerce network of more than 7,200 Regional Chamber Members, The Partnership helps businesses grow and advances quality of life in Greater Des Moines with one voice, one mission and as one region, contributing to a vibrant regional economy.