Easy day trips when you want to get out of Grimes for the day.
The quick answer
Lake dayBig Creek State Park near Polk City, about 20 to 25 minutes: beach, boating, trails
Long rideRaccoon River Valley Trail, Waukee trailhead about 15 to 20 minutes
HikingLedges State Park near Madrid, about 40 minutes
KidsLiving History Farms (about 10 to 15 min), Blank Park Zoo, Science Center
The cityDowntown Des Moines, about 25 minutes away
Lakes and trails
Where can you go outside for the day near Grimes?
Big Creek for water, Ledges for a real hike, and the Raccoon River Valley Trail for a long bike ride. All three are under an hour.
Big Creek State Park (8794 NW 125th Ave., Polk City), about 20 to 25 minutes north. The DNR says Big Creek Lake has the largest beach in the state park system. Boat, kayak and paddleboard rentals at the beach, an 18-hole disc golf course, and the paved Neal Smith Trail heading 27 miles toward Des Moines.
Raccoon River Valley Trail (nearest trailhead in Waukee, about 15 to 20 minutes). The trail association lists it at 89 miles through 14 communities, so you can turn around whenever your legs say so.
Ledges State Park (1515 P Ave., Madrid), about 40 minutes. A four-mile trail system with sandstone ledges towering 100 feet above the Des Moines River, plus 1930s CCC stone work including a bridge over Peas Creek. Trails are mostly steep; an accessible interpretive trail goes to Lost Lake. The campground is closed December through February. 515-432-1852.
Jester Park (Granger), about 20 minutes, for the bison and elk herds and the nature center. More in our outdoors guide.
Family outings
What are the best day trips from Grimes with kids?
The closest is also the easiest: Living History Farms in Urbandale, about 10 to 15 minutes away.
Living History Farms (11121 Hickman Rd., Urbandale), a 500-acre open-air museum covering 300 years of Iowa farming. Current hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the last tractor cart to the farms at 2:30. Family Christmas is Saturday, Dec. 5, noon to 3 p.m.
Blank Park Zoo (Des Moines), about 30 minutes. Admission starts at $15 for ages 2 to 12, $20 for adults and $19 for seniors 65 and up; under 2 is free.
Science Center of Iowa (401 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Pkwy., Des Moines), about 25 minutes, the rainy-day pick. General admission is $20 for adults and $16 for kids 2 to 12 and seniors.
Adventureland (Altoona), the classic Iowa amusement park, about 30 minutes on the east side of the metro. Check its site for 2027 season dates and hours.
The city
What can you do in downtown Des Moines for the day?
About 25 minutes away, downtown Des Moines has the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, the East Village, the Downtown Farmers Market in season, and the state capitol, an easy half-day whenever you want it.
In winter, add the outdoor rink at Brenton Skating Plaza (open November to March), the indoor lights at Dome for the Holidays at the Botanical Garden, and the Downtown Winter Farmers' Market at Capital Square, Nov. 20 to 22, 2026, free to get in.
A little farther
What day trips are about an hour from Grimes?
Winterset, about 50 minutes southwest, the Madison County seat. The city says six covered bridges are in the county, including one in Winterset City Park, so you can see one without leaving town.
Ames, about 50 minutes, for Reiman Gardens. In the holiday season its Winter Wonderscape walk-through runs on select nights from Nov. 27, 2026.
Seven Oaks Recreation near Boone, about 45 minutes, for skiing and snow tubing once it opens for the season.
Which day trip should I pick?
Only have a morningLiving History Farms
Hot summer dayBig Creek beach
Rainy or cold dayScience Center of Iowa
Want a real hikeLedges State Park
Fall driveWinterset bridges
FAQ
Day trips from Grimes: FAQ
What are good day trips from Grimes, Iowa?
Easy options include Big Creek State Park near Polk City, a bike ride on the Raccoon River Valley Trail from Waukee, Ledges State Park near Madrid, Adventureland in Altoona, Living History Farms in Urbandale, and downtown Des Moines, all within about 40 minutes.
What is there to do near Grimes for a day out?
Within a short drive you have lakes and trails (Big Creek State Park, the Raccoon River Valley Trail, Jester Park), family spots (Living History Farms, Blank Park Zoo, the Science Center of Iowa, Adventureland), and downtown Des Moines. Winterset's covered bridges and Ames are about 50 minutes away.
How far is Ledges State Park from Grimes?
About 40 minutes by car. Ledges State Park is at 1515 P Ave. in Madrid, with a four-mile trail system and sandstone ledges about 100 feet above the Des Moines River.
What is a good winter day trip from Grimes?
Skate at Brenton Skating Plaza in downtown Des Moines, see Dome for the Holidays at the Botanical Garden, or ski and tube at Seven Oaks near Boone, about 45 minutes away, once it opens for the season.
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