Dog walking in Grimes

NW 54th Ave/ NW 86th St

In neighboring Johnston, you will find a variety of pup-friendly places to have a meal. For breakfast, try Cozy Café and bring your pup to one of their outside tables. Their Western Omlette or CozyMess (breakfast with the lot!) will certainly get your day off to a good start! Planet Sub is a casual deli-style eatery where you can grab a sandwich or roll and sit with your pet at one of the outside tables. Legends American Grill also offers several pet-friendly outside tables, where you can enjoy a hearty burger, plate of wings, pasta or fresh seafood with your dog by your side. If you fancy a little walk after your meal, head to Lew Clarkson Park and take a stroll along the paved trails or along Beaver Creek.

NW Ash Dr/ NW Prairie Ridge Dr

The Neal Smith Trail in nearby Ankeny is a puptastic paved trail with scenic views of the Des Moines River. The entire trail stretches 26 miles along the river and is part of the extensive Greater Des Moines Trail Network. There is plenty of wildlife to be spotted along the river banks and beaches to stop and play or rest at, but you will need to keep your pet on a lead to protect him and the local wildlife. Water and restrooms are available at the trailhead, but bring your water bottle and a drinking bowl for your pup. You will also need to remember to bring clean up bags.

Days Run

Just south of Grimes in Urbandale is the Timberline East Open Space, where you can go for a lovely walk along the park’s trails with your dog. The paths are paved for an easy walk and will take you through the park and play fields. There is plenty of space here for a fun game of catch with your dog’s favourite ball or Frisbee, and room to set out a picnic for a little rest. If you have human kids in tow, they will love running around with their pet and climbing on the playground facilities. There isn’t any water or clean up bags provided here, so you will need to bring your own.

Somersby

Ankeny Dog Park in Ankeny, just a short hop across the Des Moines River, is a fantastic place to let your dog go for a good run off the lead. The 7.5-acre park is entirely fenced, and there are separate areas for big dogs and little pooches to keep everyone safe. If your pup is a swimmer, he will love the half-acre pond for a little splash. There is a walking path around the dog park and plenty of grass and benches for you to stretch out on while your dog plays. Day passes are available from the Ankeny City Hall.

Douglas/ Westown

South of Grimes in West Des Moines is the popular and well-known Des Moines Trails. The Campbell Recreation Area is a good place to start, and from here the trail winds south into the city of Clive. Going north, the trail connects to the Clive Greenbelt Trail and further up links in to the Raccoon River Valley Trail. The paths are very well maintained and a favourite place for locals and visitors to head out for a stroll with their pets or go for a nice run around the connecting parks and along Walnut Creek. You do need to keep your dog on a lead while traversing these trails and remember your clean up bags and water.