Des Moines and Ames have a lot of opportunities for attendees to get active when they’re done attending meetings for the day, indoors and out (because let’s face it, Iowa winters can be rough).
Catch Des Moines recently launched a “Catch Des Moines Active,” microsite, which details many of the city’s year-round outdoor and indoor options for recreation, as well as sports and wellness offerings.
“The trails continue to develop and be connected,” says Vicki Comegys, vice president of convention sales, sports and services with Catch Des Moines. “Also, there’s a lot of emphasis right now on making sure people know how to access and take advantage of the water systems.”
Groups can take canoes and kayaks out on the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers, or arrange for a shorter excursion over to Gray’s Lake and even hold a reception for up to 150 indoors at Jasper Winery.
“The Brenton Skating Plaza has also had a lot of interest from planners coming in for a special event because it’s right along the Riverwalk and it’s covered now,” Comegys says. “It makes a great reception or conference area, and it’s sandwiched in between the Embassy Suites and the Iowa Events Center.”
Ames is no slouch either when it comes to getting groups active and outdoors, such as kayaking on the Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake.
“Ames has over 27 miles of hiking trails, which are great, because even though they are all in and around town, they’re in wooded areas and along the river, so even though you’re in town it gives groups a different setting to explore,” says Julie Kieffer, group sales and services manager with Visit Ames.
Just outside of Ames, in Boone, Iowa, Seven Oaks Recreation offers a full range of summer and winter activities that include canoeing, hiking, skiing and tubing.
“Seven Oaks Recreation has got some really fun things to do and they also have facility rentals as well, so groups can schedule corporate retreats and things like that,” Kieffer says. “They have canoeing and kayaking and can arrange for expeditions where you can go out on your own or with guides.”
The Lodge at Seven Oaks is a relaxing retreat-style event venue with 16-foot vaulted ceilings and a pine interior, alongside facilities that include a kitchen, bar and space for up to 400 attendees.
