Check out this bike and brewery tour through Downtown Des Moines that’s easy enough for all levels of bikers to participate in. In an afternoon, you can hit seven of the best local breweries in our cute city! This is a must read for newcomers to Des Moines.
Written by Rachel Wermager / Updated by Madison Stano, Des Moines Girl Contributor
Pro Tip: Check out the Des Moines PubPass. You get one free beer from every bar, restaurant, or brewery listed inside and they stamp it like a passport. The cost is $20 and it includes 20 locations, so you’re essentially paying $20 for 20 drinks. Such a steal.
First Stop: SingleSpeed Brewing
Newly opened to DSM, SingleSpeed is your first stop. Located right next to the Des Moines river just outside of East Village, this is the first place you’ll be grabbing your drink. With ample indoor and outdoor space, you and your pals will have room to sit down and enjoy a brew or two. While you’re there, check out the “When Berry Met Berry ” if you’re looking for a good fruited sour. Or, if you’re a tech/office girly you may want to grab a pint of their “CTRL ALT BIER” (just for some goofs and gafs.).
Second Stop: Twisted Vine Brewery
Next, it’s only a short distance between your first stop to Twisted Vine Brewery. Their specialty is offering taps that are “uniquely twisted”. Their “Twisted Blonde” is sweet and satisfyingly seductive, with a refreshing twist. If you want a lil break from beer, check out their “With A Twist” hard seltzer! Twisted Vine has some pretty good views of the courthouse and Court Ave. in general. A great spot for people watching and enjoying the bustle of downtown DSM.
Third Stop + Lunch Spot: The Iowa Taproom
An all important food stop is next on your list. At The Iowa Taproom you can fill up on food and, of course, continue tasting the largest variety of local beers and ciders (I mean 99 taps on one big barrel, what more could you want?!)! This is a must do with out-of-towners that want to taste the best of Iowa beer and cider. Not only that, but their food menu boasts some pretty good Midwestern eats like tenderlings (strips of pork tenderloin), Iowa Ham Balls, and a big ol’ list of sandwiches and burgers.
Fourth Stop: Confluence Brewing Company
Now that you’ve started out hot and hit multiple locations all in one area, it’s time to hop back on your bike and test your coordination. If you take the Meredith trail, Confluence Brewing Company is only 2.6 miles away, which means that another beer is a short 13-minute ride from you. Confluence has expanded their patio immensely, plus they have tons of bike rack space. Plus, this is such a classic biking stop in Des Moines, if you have to miss any of the stops, don’t let it be this one. Confluence was practically made for bikers, walkers, and other outdoorsy folk. Check out their wide variety of taps and choose something you haven’t had yet!
Fifth Stop: Exile Brewing Company
Once you’ve sipped the last drop of your Des Moines IPA at Confluence, ride the Kruidenier trail for a quick 2.3 miles to Exile Brewing Company. There you’ll enjoy the classics: Ruthie, Hannah, and Maria—my favorite Des Moines gals. And if you start getting the munchies, the truffle fries are an absolute must. If you’re starting to feel a lil burnt out on barley and hops, Exile is also a full bar stocked to make your fav cocktails or perhaps grab a glass of wine before dinner.
Sixth Stop + Dinner Spot: Lua Brewing
Your next-to-final destination is Lua Brewing, only a mere half a mile away in Sherman Hill. Their patio is an iconic Des Moines favorite and they’re constantly coming out with new and unique beers. I recommend the Call It Dreaming, Loud As Hope or the Gils Pils. Their food menu is also one to boast about- with a smushburger that is so savory and satisfying, to other delectable rotating apps and sammies (I mean it’s so iconic they opened their sister location, Either/Or just this past year- so you know the hype is real)!
Seventh Stop: Big Grove Brewery
Feeling up for one more spot?! You can do it! Enjoy some after dinner drinks in celebration of the end of your bike + brew tour with Big Grove Brewery. Relax outside at a fire pit and cheers to a successful trek. Watch the sun set and the stars come out while sipping on your nightcap like an “Easy Eddy” or one of their Big Grove “Squeezes” if you’re all beer-d out.
And there you have it! This full ride is pretty easy, and you can hit some of the most popular local breweries all in one day, in one area: a win-win in my book. You can also do this entire route backwards if you’re looking for a change of pace!
Want more itineraries like this from cool people around DSM? Have a cool idea story?
