Attractions and Places To See around Grimes - Top 7

Grimes offers an extensive network of trails for both walking and cycling. The Trestle to Trestle Trail is a 3.7-mile asphalt path connecting Des Moines to Johnston, offering views of wooded forests and the Des Moines River. Another excellent option is the Neal Smith Trail, a 26-mile paved trail winding through riverbanks, wildflower meadows, and dense forests along the Des Moines River. The Bob Layton Trail also connects with the 89-mile paved Raccoon River Valley Trail, suitable for biking, jogging, and walking. For more specific routes, you can explore the easy hikes around Grimes or cycling routes around Grimes.

Yes, Grimes has several family-friendly attractions. The Saylorville Lake Visitor Center offers interactive displays and a nearby butterfly garden, making it an educational and engaging stop. For active fun, the Waterworks Splash Pad provides splash zones and playgrounds, while the Hy-Vee Multiplex and Grimes Sports Complex offer various sports fields and a skateboard park. Climb Iowa is the state's largest indoor climbing gym, and Sky Zone provides trampoline areas and ninja warrior courses. The Old School Pinball & Arcade offers classic games for all ages.

Grimes is home to some unique recreational parks. The Glenstone MultiGolf Park is the first of its kind in the U.S., featuring an 18-hole course where visitors can play foot golf, park golf, and disc golf. For traditional golf, Beaver Creek Golf Club offers a 27-hole course. The Hy-Vee Multiplex Powered by the City of Grimes is one of the Midwest's largest synthetic turf multisport complexes, spanning 50 acres with numerous fields and batting cages.

You can explore several historical and cultural sites in Grimes. The Governor's District is a historic central area that hosts local festivals and is home to the Old School Pinball & Arcade. Visitors can also see the Statue of Governor James W. Grimes, dedicated to Iowa's third governor. Heritage Park, constructed in 2021, features a walking path and a clock tower, while Waterworks Park showcases a nearly 20-foot-tall water-themed sculpture, 'water water everywhere'.

Yes, several attractions and trails in Grimes are wheelchair accessible. The Saylorville Lake Visitor Center is accessible, offering scheduled events and interactive displays. The Neal Smith Trail is a fully paved, traffic-free 26-mile path suitable for wheelchairs. Additionally, the Waukee Trailhead Public Art Project, a segment of the Raccoon River Valley Trail, is also wheelchair accessible.

Grimes offers a wide array of outdoor sports and recreation. You can enjoy traditional golf at Beaver Creek Golf Club or try the unique foot golf, park golf, and disc golf at Glenstone MultiGolf Park. The Hy-Vee Multiplex and Grimes Sports Complex provide extensive facilities for soccer, baseball, softball, pickleball, and skateboarding. Saylorville Lake, located nearby, also offers various opportunities for outdoor recreation.

The best time to visit Grimes for outdoor activities is generally during the spring, summer, and fall months when the weather is mild and conducive for hiking, cycling, and enjoying parks. Summer is ideal for the Waterworks Splash Pad and lake activities. Fall offers pleasant temperatures and scenic views along the trails as foliage changes. Winter activities are limited, but indoor options like Climb Iowa and Sky Zone are available year-round.

While specific dog parks are not detailed, many of the extensive trail networks around Grimes, such as the Bob Layton Trail and segments of the Raccoon River Valley Trail, are generally dog-friendly, provided pets are kept on a leash. Always check local regulations for specific parks or trails before visiting with your dog.

The Saylorville Lake Visitor Center, located at the southeast corner of the lake, provides restrooms, water, and a learning experience. It features a theater, interactive displays, and a selection of maps. A butterfly garden is also just a short walk away, offering an additional point of interest.

For a sweet treat, Heavenly Delights in Grimes offers a wide selection of ice cream. They feature over 40 flavors of hard-pack ice cream and 19 flavors of soft serve, perfect for cooling down after a day of exploring.

Yes, there are several easy hiking routes around Grimes. For example, the Easy hikes around Grimes guide lists routes like 'Cottonwood Recreation Area via Neal Smith Trail' and 'Colby Woods Trail', which are suitable for beginners and offer manageable distances and terrain.

Heritage Park, constructed in 2021, is a two-acre park in Grimes. It features modern restrooms, a walking path, and a clock tower, providing a pleasant space for relaxation and strolls. More information can be found on the official Grimes city website: grimesiowa.gov.