Things To Do
in Grimes
Grimes is a small city located in Dallas County, Iowa, United States. It has a population of around 13,000 residents and is considered a suburb of Des Moines. The city offers a mix of urban amenities and a suburban lifestyle, making it an attractive place to live for families and professionals.
Grimes is known for its good schools, community parks, and recreational opportunities, making it a popular choice for those seeking a safe and friendly community.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $300
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing walk at the Grimes Community Complex. Enjoy the nature paths and get some light exercise to energize yourself.
Visit the local shops at Grimes Town Center for unique finds and small-town charm. Don't forget to grab lunch at one of the cozy cafes in the area.
Wind down your day with a delicious meal at a family-friendly restaurant. Engage with locals and maybe catch a town event or live music nearby.
Head out to the Grimes State Park for a morning hike. The trails are beautiful and perfect for taking in the scenic views of nature.
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the park's picnic areas. After lunch, you can take a leisurely stroll or go birdwatching in the area.
Return to Grimes and enjoy dinner at a local diner. Relax and reflect on your day immersed in nature.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Small-town charm with a close-knit community
- Access to beautiful natural landscapes and outdoor activities
- Lower cost of living compared to larger cities
- Strong local schools and educational opportunities
- Quiet and peaceful environment, ideal for families
- Limited job opportunities and economic growth
- Fewer entertainment and cultural options compared to urban areas
- Potential for limited healthcare facilities and services
- Dependence on personal transport as public transportation may be lacking
- Risk of rural isolation, especially in extreme weather conditions
Best Activities in Grimes
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
A beautiful park featuring walking trails, picnic areas, and a serene lake perfect for fishing and kayaking.
This complex offers various outdoor sports fields, playgrounds, and space for community events and gatherings.
Explore the extensive network of parks and trails in Grimes, ideal for hiking, biking, and enjoying nature.
A local favorite during winter months, perfect for sledding and outdoor winter fun.
Enjoy a variety of outdoor sports facilities, including soccer fields, baseball diamonds, and open green spaces.
Participate in community-led outdoor fitness classes that take advantage of Grimes' parks and recreational spaces.
Tours
Uncover the best of Grimes with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Grimes
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers a scenic view of the baseball and softball fields, great for capturing action shots and panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Provides stunning views of the well-manicured greens and fairways, ideal for capturing golf-related photographs and beautiful landscapes.
Features picturesque natural scenery, including waterways, walking trails, and green spaces, perfect for capturing nature photographs and serene outdoor scenes.
Food in Grimes
Grimes Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic Iowa dish, featuring a breaded and fried pork tenderloin patty served on a bun with traditional toppings. A must-try at Weise's Bar & Grill.
Must-Try!
A popular fair-style snack consisting of a hot dog coated in a thick layer of cornmeal batter and deep-fried to golden perfection. Check out the Corn Dog Stand at the annual Grimes Governors Days festival.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Grimes better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A vibrant market offering fresh produce, artisanal goods, and food stands showcasing local treats such as homemade pies, kettle corn, and farm-fresh fruits and vegetables.
Experience a diverse range of street food from the food trucks that gather at various locations throughout the town, featuring everything from gourmet tacos and BBQ to artisanal ice cream and fusion cuisine.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Grimes, like many parts of the United States, maintaining a comfortable personal space is important. Ensure you respect others' boundaries in both social and professional settings.
When meeting someone new or interacting with neighbors, a friendly greeting such as 'Hello' or 'How are you?' is common and appreciated. This shows respect and openness in communication.
Grimes, like many communities, is made up of individuals from varied backgrounds. Showing interest and respect for different cultures, traditions, and perspectives fosters a positive and inclusive environment.
Safety
Tipping in Grimes
Ensure a smooth experience
In Grimes, as in many parts of the United States, tipping is a common practice in service industries. Customers typically tip waitstaff, bartenders, taxi drivers, and other service providers as a way to express appreciation for good service. The standard tip amount ranges from 15% to 20% of the total bill, depending on the quality of service received. It's important to note that some establishments may include service charges in the bill, so customers should check before adding an additional tip.
Payment practices in Grimes generally reflect typical American methods. Most establishments accept various forms of payment, including cash, credit cards, and digital payment options. In restaurants, patrons often have the option to pay at the table or at the counter. Many businesses also offer contactless payment methods for convenience. Additionally, tipping can be done in cash or added to the credit card payment, depending on customer preference.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Grimes, as the weather is mild and flowers are in bloom. Expect pleasant temperatures and the chance to see beautiful wildflowers.
Summer in Grimes is warm and perfect for outdoor activities. Expect sunny days and the opportunity to enjoy activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping.
Fall is a wonderful time to visit Grimes, as the foliage turns vibrant colors. Expect cooler temperatures and the chance to experience the stunning autumn scenery.
Winter in Grimes can be cold, but it's a great time for winter sports enthusiasts. Expect snow and the chance to enjoy activities like skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.
Grimes at Night
Hiking in Grimes
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful park offering a variety of trails for hiking, wildlife watching, and enjoying scenic views of Saylorville Lake.
Features a network of trails set within wooded areas, perfect for a peaceful hike and nature exploration.
A series of trails surrounding Lake Petoka, ideal for hiking, walking, and observing local wildlife.
A popular 25-mile trail that stretches through several communities, offering stunning views of the High Trestle Bridge.
Multiple trails around the reservoir provide access to beautiful landscapes and opportunities for hiking and biking.
A lovely park with trails around the lake, perfect for a casual hike, walking, or jogging.
Aiports
How to reach Grimes by plane.
The primary airport serving the Des Moines area and surrounding regions, located approximately 12 miles southeast of Grimes.
An international airport serving the Kansas City metropolitan area, located approximately 200 miles southwest of Grimes.
One of the largest airports in the United States, located approximately 330 miles northeast of Grimes in Chicago, Illinois.
The primary airport serving the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area, located approximately 240 miles north of Grimes.
The main airport serving Omaha, Nebraska, located about 140 miles west of Grimes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly non-Hispanic White residents, making up the largest demographic group in Grimes.
A significant population identifying as Hispanic or Latino, contributing to the cultural diversity of Grimes.
A smaller percentage of residents identify as Black or African American, adding to the community's diversity.
A growing demographic group representing various Asian ethnicities in the area.
A very small percentage of residents identify as Native American, representing the indigenous populations.
Residents identifying with two or more racial categories, reflecting mixed heritage.
Includes demographic groups not specifically categorized, contributing to the overall population.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular team sport in Grimes, with local leagues and youth programs encouraging participation.
Widely played in Grimes, baseball offers both youth and adult leagues that engage the community.
A favorite sport with many local teams and recreational leagues available for various age groups.
High school football is particularly popular, with a strong community following and support for local teams.
Both indoor and beach volleyball are enjoyed, with opportunities for youth and adult participation.
Several golf courses in and around Grimes offer recreational and competitive golfing opportunities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Grimes.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Several establishments in Grimes, such as The Radish Dining & Catering, offer diverse and flavorful vegetarian and vegan dishes, ensuring satisfying options for plant-based eaters.
Visitors with gluten restrictions can enjoy a variety of gluten-free choices at The Good Life, known for its accommodating menu featuring gluten-free pastas, pizzas, and more.