The Friendly Small Town In Iowa That’s Perfect For A Summer Day Trip

The Des Moines metropolitan area is the biggest in Iowa and by far the Hawkeye State's hub of culture, but many people don't know about the unique surprises that its smaller suburbs have waiting for visitors. That's definitely the case for Clive, a laid-back town of around 18,000 people located not far from West Des Moines. This suburb is full of beautiful hiking trails, delicious food and drink, and outdoor attractions that are perfect for summer. Not only that, but there's something uniquely friendly about this small town. It doesn't feel like a suburb of Des Moines - it feels like a small town that welcomes you to spend the summer there. A day trip to Clive, Iowa is the perfect way to celebrate the weather getting warmer, and we're here to show you all it has to offer.

Clive, Iowa is a uniquely Iowa town, not far from Des Moines but with its own distinct culture. Kick off a visit here with a stop at the restored railroad depot.

The biggest attraction in Clive is its open spaces, with plenty of trails to run or bike.

The Clive Greenbelt Trail, with miles of hiking, will take you deep into the woods for some scenic views.

One of the highlights of the trail is the Greenbelt Goats - a herd of goats introduced into the ecosystem to help manage invasive plants. They're usually in enclosures - but these wily critters sometimes get out!

As summer arrives, the Clive Aquatic Center opens for the year, and you'll definitely want to enjoy the pool and waterslides.

The top restaurant in Clive is probably Cool Basil - an acclaimed Thai restaurant perfect for adventurous eaters.

You can tuck into a big bowl of curry, or enjoy lighter options like spring rolls and sushi.

The perfect way to end a day in Clive is with a visit to 515 Brewing, a top-tier craft brewery.

This brewery specializes in local beers, and always has a wide variety to choose from.

Get a flight, try an assortment - and make sure to get one of the brewery's popular pizzas to go with it!

Have you taken a day trip to Clive, Iowa on the outskirts of Des Moines? Let us know what you enjoyed in this friendly small town in the comments section! You can visit the town’s website and Facebook page to keep up on all the local news, and make sure to check out the websites of 515 Brewing and Cool Basil for the full menus! While you're in the area, why not head to nearby Urbandale for some legendary kolaches?