Hop to It: Discovering Iowa’s Thriving Craft Beer Scene

3-Day Itinerary for Exploring Craft Breweries in Iowa

Iowa Weddings

Discover the best of Iowa’s craft beer scene with this 3-day itinerary, which takes you through some of the state’s top breweries, local attractions, and culinary delights. From Des Moines to Cedar Rapids and Decorah, this tour offers a comprehensive taste of Iowa’s brewing culture.

Day 1: Des Moines Craft Beer Exploration

Morning: Arrival and Brewery Visit

• Arrival: Arrive in Des Moines and check into a centrally located hotel, such as The Surety Hotel or The Des Lux Hotel.
• Brewery Visit: Start your brewery tour at Exile Brewing Company.
  • Location: 1514 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • Experience: Take a tour of the brewery and sample flagship beers like Ruthie Lager and Barrel Aged Iowa Pale Ale.
  • Exile Brewing Company Website

Lunch: Local Dining

• Location: Enjoy lunch at Centro, a popular spot offering a variety of Italian-inspired dishes.
  • Location: 1003 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • Centro Website

Afternoon: Brewery Visit

• Brewery Visit: Head to Confluence Brewing Company for more craft beer options.
  • Location: 1235 Thomas Beck Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315
  • Experience: Sample their acclaimed offerings like the Des Moines IPA and Scottish Ale.
  • Confluence Brewing Company Website

Evening: Dinner and Nightlife

• Dinner: Dine at The Republic on Grand, known for its upscale comfort food and great ambiance.
  • Location: 401 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • The Republic on Grand Website
• Nightlife: Explore Des Moines’ nightlife at The High Life Lounge or take in live music at Wooly’s.
  • The High Life Lounge Website
  • Wooly’s Website

Day 2: Cedar Rapids and Knoxville Brewery Experience

Morning: Travel to Cedar Rapids

• Travel: Drive from Des Moines to Cedar Rapids (about 1 hour 30 minutes).

Brewery Visit

• Brewery Visit: Start with a visit to Lua Brewing in Cedar Rapids.
  • Location: 2232 1st Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
  • Experience: Enjoy unique brews such as the Hoppy Endings IPA and Vanilla Coffee Porter.
  • Lua Brewing Website

Lunch: Local Dining

• Location: Have lunch at The Crop, a local favorite for its delicious farm-to-table dishes.
  • Location: 401 1st St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
  • The Crop Website

Afternoon: Travel to Knoxville

• Travel: Drive from Cedar Rapids to Knoxville (about 1 hour).

Brewery Visit

• Brewery Visit: Visit Peace Tree Brewing Company in Knoxville.
  • Location: 1000 W Main St, Knoxville, IA 50138
  • Experience: Try their popular Blonde Fatale and Hop Wrangler IPA.
  • Peace Tree Brewing Company Website

Evening: Dinner and Relaxation

• Dinner: Enjoy a relaxed dinner at The Rib Shack in Knoxville, known for its hearty meals.
  • Location: 1227 N Lincoln St, Knoxville, IA 50138

Return: Drive back to Des Moines in the evening.

Day 3: Decorah Brewery Adventure

Morning: Travel to Decorah

• Travel: Drive from Des Moines to Decorah (about 2 hours 30 minutes).

Brewery Visit

• Brewery Visit: Start your day at Toppling Goliath Brewing Co. in Decorah.
  • Location: 1600 Prosperity Rd, Decorah, IA 52101
  • Experience: Sample acclaimed beers like King Sue IPA and Pompeii IPA.
  • Toppling Goliath Brewing Co. Website

Lunch: Local Dining

• Location: Have lunch at The Raven’s Brew Coffee Shop & Cafe, offering a selection of local and fresh options.
  • Location: 206 W Water St, Decorah, IA 52101

Afternoon: Explore Decorah’s Attractions

• Attraction: Visit the Decorah Fish Hatchery and Dunning’s Spring Park for a relaxing afternoon in nature.
  • Decorah Fish Hatchery
  • Dunning’s Spring Park

Evening: Return to Des Moines

• Travel: Drive back to Des Moines in the late afternoon or early evening.

Closing Dinner: Final Farewell

• Dinner: For your final meal in Des Moines, consider dining at The Girl & The Goat for a memorable end to your brewery tour.
  • Location: 809 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
  • The Girl & The Goat Website

Iowa Wineries

This 3-day itinerary provides a comprehensive experience of Iowa’s craft beer scene, combining visits to top breweries with local dining and attractions. Enjoy your journey through Iowa’s brewing culture and make the most of your time exploring the state’s vibrant craft beer offerings!

Iowa offers a variety of activities and attractions beyond its craft beer scene. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast or someone who enjoys exploring local culture and outdoor adventures, Iowa has plenty to offer. Here’s a guide to fun things and sports activities to enjoy while you’re in the state:

Sports and Entertainment in Iowa

1. Iowa Cubs at Principal Park

• Location: 1 Line Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309
• Experience: Catch a minor league baseball game at Principal Park, home of the Iowa Cubs, the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. The ballpark offers a great atmosphere with beautiful views of the Des Moines skyline.
• Iowa Cubs Tickets

2. Iowa State Cyclones Football

• Location: Jack Trice Stadium, 1800 S 4th St, Ames, IA 50010
• Experience: Watch the Iowa State Cyclones take on their rivals in college football. The energetic game-day atmosphere at Jack Trice Stadium is a must-experience for sports fans.
• Iowa State Cyclones Football Schedule

3. Drake Bulldogs Basketball

• Location: Drake University, 2507 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
• Experience: Enjoy a college basketball game featuring the Drake Bulldogs. The team’s home games are played at the Knapp Center, providing an exciting and intimate setting for basketball fans.
• Drake Bulldogs Basketball Schedule

4. Iowa Speedway

• Location: 3333 Rusty Wallace Dr, Newton, IA 50208
• Experience: Experience the thrill of NASCAR and IndyCar racing at Iowa Speedway. The track hosts a variety of racing events throughout the year, offering high-speed action and excitement.
• Iowa Speedway Events

5. Des Moines Menace Soccer

• Location: Valley Stadium, 4440 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50265
• Experience: Support the Des Moines Menace, a semi-professional soccer team, during their matches at Valley Stadium. The team competes in the USL League Two and offers engaging soccer action.
• Des Moines Menace Schedule

Fun Things to Do

1. Explore the Iowa State Fair

• Location: 801 E Sangamon Ave, Springfield, IL 62702
• Experience: If visiting in August, the Iowa State Fair is a must-see. With carnival rides, food vendors, agricultural exhibits, and live entertainment, it’s one of the largest and most well-known state fairs in the country.
• Iowa State Fair Website

2. Visit the Field of Dreams

• Location: 28995 Lansing Rd, Dyersville, IA 52040
• Experience: Explore the iconic Field of Dreams baseball field, famous from the 1989 movie of the same name. The site offers a nostalgic experience with opportunities for baseball games and tours.
• Field of Dreams Website

3. Discover the Pappajohn Sculpture Park

• Location: 1330 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
• Experience: This downtown Des Moines park features a collection of contemporary sculptures by renowned artists. It’s a great place for a leisurely stroll and to enjoy some public art.
• Pappajohn Sculpture Park

4. Visit the Iowa Capitol Building

• Location: 1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319
• Experience: Take a tour of the historic Iowa State Capitol, known for its stunning architecture and golden dome. The building offers insights into Iowa’s legislative process and state history.
• Iowa Capitol Website

5. Explore the Amana Colonies

• Location: Amana, IA 52203
• Experience: Visit the Amana Colonies, a group of seven historic villages known for their preserved 19th-century German heritage. Explore unique shops, museums, and enjoy traditional German cuisine.
• Amana Colonies Website

6. Enjoy Adventureland Park

• Location: 3200 Adventureland Dr, Altoona, IA 50009
• Experience: Spend a day at Adventureland Park, a family-friendly amusement park featuring rides, water attractions, and entertainment. It’s a great destination for thrill-seekers and families alike.
• Adventureland Park Website

7. Tour the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum

• Location: 210 Parkside Dr, West Branch, IA 52358
• Experience: Discover the life and legacy of Herbert Hoover, the 31st President of the United States, at his presidential library and museum. The site offers exhibits on Hoover’s life and presidency.
• Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum

8. Explore the Maquoketa Caves State Park

• Location: 9688 98th St, Maquoketa, IA 52060
• Experience: Enjoy outdoor adventures at Maquoketa Caves State Park, known for its unique cave formations and scenic trails. The park offers hiking, cave exploration, and beautiful landscapes.
• Maquoketa Caves State Park Website

Dining and Local Attractions

1. Enjoy Local Cuisine in Des Moines

• Location: Discover local dining spots such as The Drake Diner or The Royal Mile for a taste of Des Moines’ culinary scene.
  • The Drake Diner Website
  • The Royal Mile Website

2. Explore the Quad Cities

• Location: Visit the Quad Cities (Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa, Moline and Rock Island in Illinois) for attractions like the Figge Art Museum and John Deere Pavilion.
  • Figge Art Museum Website
  • John Deere Pavilion Website

This guide provides a snapshot of the diverse range of sports and entertainment options available in Iowa. From thrilling sporting events to cultural landmarks and outdoor adventures, Iowa offers a rich tapestry of experiences for visitors. Enjoy your time exploring all that this vibrant state has to offer!