Near Des Moines Is A Charming Midwestern Day Trip With Craft Brews, Scenic Trails, And A Quaint Main Street

The next time you find yourself in Des Moines, Iowa, and are looking for a fun and one-of-a-kind day trip to add on to your time there, don't overlook the serene yet dynamic town of Bondurant. As Travel Iowa puts it, Bondurant has the "charm of a close-knit community" — paired with easy proximity to Des Moines and beyond. This relaxed destination has a population of around 8,500 inhabitants, with residents describing it as safe, family-friendly, and cozy. As one Bondurant local warmly states on Niche, "the people are genuine, and the community acts as a family." Here in this welcoming Midwestern town, you'll find verdant trails to explore, an adorable main drag boasting a vibrant array of independent businesses and activities, and even delectable local craft beers to cap off a day well-spent.

Getting to Bondurant is straightforward. By car, it's located just 20 minutes from the heart of Des Moines, making it a prime port of call for a half-day or full-day excursion, bringing with it an appealing change of pace from the state capital city's hustle and bustle. So pack up the car, read up on the 14 best ways to make sure your dollar goes the furthest on a road trip, and hit the road to Bondurant. 

If you're traveling onward from here to go somewhere further afield, Bondurant is also conveniently only around a 30-minute drive from Des Moines International Airport (DSM), which is served by six airlines and provides flights to 33 nonstop destinations. Plus, this charming hamlet is under two hours from Cedar Rapids as well as from Iowa City: well within the realm of a feasible day trip from other of these cities, too, or a stop en route if you're traveling around the Hawkeye State.

Beer lovers, rejoice. Bondurant is home to Reclaimed Rails Brewing Company, a brewery and taproom boasting a whopping 22 tap handles, a stage (which often features live musical performances), and oodles of space to hang out and enjoy a brew upstairs. The beer itself is brewed right downstairs on the 2,500-square-foot brewing floor. Housed in a historic building (dating back to 1948) that was originally home to the American Legion, today, Reclaimed Rails is popular with cyclists thanks to its convenient location along the Chichaqua Valley Trail. This makes it a perfect venue to patronize after an invigorating ride on two wheels (or on foot, if that's more your speed). After all, what better way could there be to spend a sunny weekend afternoon than with some time in nature, a bit of physical exertion, and a cold beverage to cap it all off at the end?

Opt for one of the brewery's flagship pours, including crowd-pleasing classics such as a New England IPA, a red lager, and an American wheat beer, among others — or get a bit adventurous with one of the ever-rotating specialty brews on tap, which can range between everything from a strawberry cheesecake sour beer to a peanut butter golden ale and way beyond. Google reviewers describe this brewery's offerings as "fresh and unique" and speak highly of the friendly bar staff, outdoor seating options, and family-friendly vibes here. 

A mouthwatering beer at tasty and eclectic Reclaimed Rails Brewing Company may very well whet your appetite for more hops-based tasting adventures in other corners of the map, so for your next trip after this, you may want to consider visiting these 10 destinations around the world with surprisingly good beer scenes.

Much like in the fellow Iowa destination of Ely, Bondurant offers scenic trails nestled in a charming community. The aforementioned Chichaqua Valley Trail runs right through Bondurant along its 26-mile path, passing through varied scenery such as farmland, forests, and meadows, and is a prime setting for a bike ride, walk, or jog. This trail is fully paved and can be accessed from trailheads along the way in towns including Bondurant. At the Bondurant trailhead, you'll find a park with a water bottle-filling station, restrooms, an open-air shelter — plus a replica train depot, modeled after the town's historic original train station. 

Reviewers on AllTrails appreciate the Chichaqua Valley Trail for its verdant tree cover and gorgeous views. Fun fact: the name Chichaqua comes from early settlers' interpretation of this Native American word to mean "skunk," which they thought they smelled in this riverside locale. Though, as it turns out, they were actually smelling the pungent aroma of wild onions growing here.

Make your way back into town for a gander at Bondurant's adorable Main Street. At family-owned Little House on Main, you can pick up thoughtfully-curated homewares, gift items, and apparel for both children and adults. This is a boutique with an impactful mission. The store's website explains, a portion of the proceeds from every purchase, "intentionally gives back to charitable organizations & causes locally in Iowa." 

Just down the block, hit up the Bondurant Farmer's Market, where you can pick up fresh produce to cook with when you get home. Or, soak up the small-town ambiance with live music and food vendors, local crafts, and more. The market occurs on Wednesday evenings from May through October, so plan your visit accordingly so you don't miss out on it.