Hiking and being outside can be a very peaceful, meditative activity when you go by yourself but it’s also a great way to connect with other people. Joining an outdoorsy group can give you new ideas of where to go, what to do, and it is an easy and inexpensive way to make new friends.
Specific groups & clubs that have regular outdoor activities:
- Brenton Arboretum Nature Club (kids specific and adult-specific)
- Des Moines Astronomical Society
- Des Moines Kidical Mass (biking, kids/families)
- Family Nature Club with Blank Park Zoo (families/kids)
- Going Out In Nature Des Moines with Des Moines Parks & Recreation
- Hike It Baby Des Moines (families/kids)
- Iowa Explorers Club
- Iowa Women’s Bike Club (women)
- Sierra Club – Iowa Chapter
- The Adventurettes (women)
- Trail Dames of Iowa (women)
- Walk Des Moines
- West Des Moines Dog Walking Club
- Women on Adventures (women)
Regular outdoor programming, classes, and events are put on by:
- Brenton Arboretum
- Dallas County Conservation
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
- Iowa Arboretum
- Living History Farms
- Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge
- Polk County Conservation
- Warren County Conservation
- West Des Moines Parks and Recreation
Groups that are related to nature:
If you know of any I should add, please contact me and let me know!