Uncommon Grounds — Iowa Unique Venues

Hotel ballrooms and conference centers offer a host of services, food, and space that are dependable, reliable, and sometimes … a little predictable. Beige walls and thick carpet in cavernous spaces may work for some events, but for others? Maybe it’s time to color outside the lines? Take a look at these unique Iowa event venues and consider if the uncommon grounds will create a wonderfully unusual event.

No denying, there’s a kid inside of all of us, even the most button-down business types. And what brings out that childlike joy almost better than anything else? RIDES! So grab your group and go ga-ga at Adventureland. Whether it’s team building or a company party, your guests will delight in the thrill rides, family rides, kiddie rides, and wave pool at Adventure Bay. Enjoy finger-licking snacks, wine, beer, or full meals at one of the 24 different cafes, saloons, and stands.

Wide open spaces, a gorgeous conservatory and indoor gardens, outdoor gardens including a rose garden, water garden, and inspirational art and inspiring sculptures of the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden invite your group to blossom and grow.  The newly renovated meeting spaces are perfect for guests to enjoy the tropics during Iowa’s weather extremes. Onsite catering offers a delicious number of options from appetizers to buffets to full course meals. Try team building with guided walking tours to get your group out of the boardroom and back to nature.

Boasting 100,000 square feet of roomy meeting/convention space, your event takes on a picturesque ambience at the River Center + Adler Theater. The convention center offers dramatic spaciousness for up to 3000 guests, while the historic Adler theater leads the way in Art Deco style with gold leaf ceilings, crystal light fixtures, and ebony, walnut, and marble detail.  Onsite artful caterers serve up a variety of distinctive cuisine choices sure to have your guests proclaiming, “bravo!”

Holding your event at Living History Farms makes for a priceless group experience. The 500-acre open-air museum is rich with the 300-year history of Iowan agriculture. Spacious facilities offer a glimpse into the life and times of Iowa residents in the 1800s. And although the venue is true to its area’s history, the onsite catering facilities are modern and up to date, as is the AV equipment available for rent.

It’s a sure thing your gang is going to love their day at the races. Prairie Meadows Racetrack, Casino + Hotel raises the stakes on fun with a large stable of event space including those in the Casino, Hotel, and Race Track. Mouthwatering on-site dining from casual to fine, heart-pounding race events, plus table games and slots, earns this venue the triple crown.

Sports arenas offer your crew the chance to root for the home team in a venue that’s designed for fun and games. Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs offers your guests a wide variety of options. The Arena packs in up to 8000 in its 30,000 square feet of space, while the Convention Center hits it out of the park with 64,000 square feet of exhibition meeting space. Onsite catering is provided by the award-winning culinary staff. Featuring local shopping, outstanding restaurants, exciting casino, and over 4000 hotel rooms within three miles, this iconic landmark along the upper Mississippi is sure to bring cheers.

No matter which place or space you choose, any of these colorful Iowa event venues will make for a vivid and memorable event.