Things To Do In Des Moines When You Are Dead ... Tired Of MACNA

I have to say I was part of the chorus that went 'Iowa?' when MACNA 2011 was announced. But we were ignorant. After a bit of research, I have to say, I am really excited about being there this weekend. Here are just a few nuggets I found for when I am done strolling the aisles of the show. Add your own if you have them and see you at the High Life!

High Life Lounge


A 1970's time capsule with memorabilia, cheap beer and bacon-wrapped tater-tots. Most MACNA 3reef meetings will be held at this dive bar.

High Life Lounge
200 SW 2nd St
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 280-1965

Hessen Haus


Strolling up and down the aisles at MACNA will leave you famished. So be sure to head to the Hessen Haus to fill up on Wienerschnitzel and boots of beer. There are not many German joints out there with a cajun menu too. Amardillo eggs anyone?

Hessen Haus
101 4th St
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 288-2520
Hessen Haus [ ] Des Moines' German Beer Hall | Drink from the boot and dance some polka!


Gas Lamp

If you are fired up from all the frags and hardware you got at MACNA and want to rock out… head over to the Gas Lamp. Live bands every night this weekend.

Gas Lamp
1501 Grand Avenue
Des Moines IA, 50309
(515) 280-3778
Welcome to Gas Lamp


Downtown Farmers' Market

If you are up Saturday morning and want to make up for all those tater-tots from the night before, head over to the Historic Court District before noon enjoy fresh goodies from over 200 vendors. Good coffee nearby at Java Joes too!


Downtown Farmers' Market
Historic Court Avenue District
Court Avenue between First and Fifth Streets
Downtown Des Moines



The Jon Anderson White Riverboat Dinner Cruise

Saturday, Sep 10, 2011 7:00 PM The Jon Anderson White Riverboat Buy Tickets at midwestix.com Three course dinner cruise. Please see website or call cruise director for menu. Advance reservations are strongly advised. Very few dock side tickets will be available, if any. Presented by The Jon Anderson White Riverboat


All Play

A climbing wall and huge arcade!
All Play | Home



Adam's Aquatics

I love checking out local fish stores when I travel… so Adam's Aquatics just made my list after seeing some good advice on their web site about keeping corals.

Adams Aquatics Des Moines Iowa

 

And if you have small children or just don't dig the bar scene...

Adventureland Amusement Park (Des Moines, IA) : Home

 

Blank Park Zoo

Free w/ your MACNA Badge

 

NIce!!!

 

I live in des moines, if anyone has any questions about nightlife or places to go to send me a PM

 

How about you share some here?
Been to any of these places?
Going to MACNA?

 

Most of those places are great in downtown, there is many other bars on Court Ave.

If you're looking for a good place to eat dinner i suggest going to west des moines(15 minutes away)

Adams aquatics is a nice store as well, i suggest checking out iowa petfoods and seascapes as well. They have a nice selection of fish and coral.

And yes i am going to MACNA for my first time, I am new to this hobby (my tank is still in the cycling process)

 

Thanks for the suggestions and feedback! I might try to check out Seascapes too. Hope to see you at MACNA. Say 'hi' if you see me running around in a 3reef shirt.

 

High Life and Bacon Wrapped Tater-Tots, Valhalla.

 

My thoughts exactly