Pet Friendly Hotels in Des Moines

Not sure where to take your pet in Des Moines? He Iowa city certainly has options so that you and your furry friend can make the most of your visit and have a great time.

Pet-friendly activities in Des Moines (IA)

The John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park is a 4.4 acre park showcasing 28 sculptures in Downtown Des Moines. It is open from sunrise to midnight and allows visitors to bring their own picnic. South of Downtown Des Moines lies Gray’s Lake Park, where you can walk all around the lake. While it is a fun spot during the day, it is even more special at night when the bridge in the park is all lit up.

In case you want to leave your dog off-leash without having to worry, head to the Racoon River Dog Park. It is entirely fenced and has separate areas for big and small dogs. One thing to keep in mind is that you need to buy a permit before you can make use of the park, which might be a bit of a hassle if you are only in town for a short while.

Alternatively, for an even larger playing field, drive 20 minutes from Des Moines to the Walnut Woods State Park. Here, your pet can accompany you on one of the hiking trails or sit by your side while you go fishing. From this state park, it's only a short drive to another highlight: the Science Center of Iowa.

If your pet has been good all day, why not give it a well-deserved treat? Bon-A-Patreat is a large pet supply store where your pet is allowed to browse the offer together with you. Pick something out or let the helpful staff make a suggestion.