Near Des Moines Is Iowa's Fast-Growing Midwest City With Outdoor Fun, Shopping, And Local Eats

Move over Des Moines, there's another up-and-coming Iowa metropolis on the scene, and it's rapidly growing. The City of Waukee is, according to its website, "recognized as the fastest-growing (large) city in Iowa" — and it's situated in Dallas County, the United States' fourth fastest-growing county, to boot. As of 2024, Waukee boasted just under 32,000 inhabitants, a dramatic increase of nearly 8,000 from just four years earlier. 

While Waukee is expanding considerably at the moment, it's been around for quite a while. It was incorporated as a city in 1878, having sprung up following construction of the Des Moines Valley Railroad line, and initially was a coal mining community before pivoting to other industries in the past several decades. Today, it's a dynamic hub offering visitors abundant outdoor activities, shopping opportunities, and tasty cuisine to sample — all of which makes this growing city well worth a visit.

Getting here is easy: Waukee is just 15 miles from the heart of Des Moines, meaning it's a 20-minute drive that's doable for a fun outing, shopping trip, or meal as an add-on to a trip to Iowa's capital city. If you're flying into the area, Waukee is only a half-hour drive from Des Moines International Airport (DSM). (And if you're packing light for your flight there, take note of these clothing tips from flight attendants to save luggage space while flying carry-on only.) Once you're in Waukee, you've got a range of accommodation options, from hotels and motels to charming home rentals on Airbnb.

If you're visiting in the warmer months, visit the farmer's market at Triangle Park, weekly on Wednesday afternoons from June until September. Here, you can grab farm-fresh locally grown produce, as well as eggs, honey, baked goods, and more, all while enjoying the market's fun, lively ambiance. If you're staying in a rental with a kitchen you can cook in, and you're into meeting the people who grow your food and buying ingredients straight from the source, this is a great way to do so.

Rather get your local eats served up on a plate in a restaurant? Fear not: Waukee's dining scene has plenty to offer. For some casual, delectable nosh, head to Mullets Waukee, which has expanded to Waukee from its original outpost in Des Moines, and bills itself as providing "hearty breakfasts, classic American flavors, and a lively atmosphere built for the families, friends, and neighbors who call this remarkable town home." With a focus on fresh ingredients and a bustling, family-oriented vibe, this is a prime local spot for an all-ages meal.

For something a bit different, make your way to LT Organic Farm Restaurant, which operates out of LT Organic Farm, right on I-80. This unique eatery is only open from May through October, and its farm-to-table menu varies according to what produce is seasonal. In general, though, there's a potpourri of Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Indian flavors, with vegan and gluten-free options in the mix. Visitors rave about this restaurant, particularly its "fresh and delicious" bites, as one Tripadvisor reviewer puts it, and its friendly owner.

For fresh air and outdoor fun, visit Waukee's Centennial Park. This 33-acre urban green lung is home to volleyball courts, baseball diamonds, a disc golf course, multiple playgrounds, and other sporty sites — in addition to abundant open fields, picnic areas, and a scenic creek. 

Seeking a trail to explore? Try the Raccoon River Valley Trail, which, at 107.7 miles, AllTrails says is recognized as America's "longest paved loop trail." This expansive scenic trail follows the route of a 19th-century railroad line, and links to the High Trestle Tail to span a total of 120 miles – passing through several towns and cities along the way, Waukee included. This rail trail is moderate-rated with a 1% to 2% incline, making it appropriate for a range of ability levels, and tackling a portion of it is a great way to enjoy the area's stunning natural landscapes. You'll find Waukee's trailhead to the Raccoon River Valley Trail on Hickman Road, right by 10th Street. For more outdoor fun, continue your travels with a stop at Iowa's less-crowded Springbrook State Park, just over an hour from Des Moines.

Rather be indoors? For a vast array of hardwares and outdoor gear, hit up the Waukee branch of Fleet Farm. As one Google reviewer humorously describes it, at Fleet Farm "you run in for one thing and leave with fifteen," adding that this emporium is "basically the adult version of a toy store — except somehow you leave with bird seed, a wrench set, beef jerky, and deer corn instead of toys." Or visit the Waukee location of Buff City Soap for handmade, plant-based soaps, toiletries, and household products, all made fresh in-store every day. And for more shopping and outdoor fun, visit peaceful Monticello, Iowa, next.