Urbandale, IA, has grown from a former streetcar suburb into a well-established Des Moines community with a population of roughly 48,000. It is known for its parks, trail connections, family-oriented neighborhoods, convenient access to I-35 and I-80, and especially Living History Farms, the 500-acre outdoor museum where visitors move through 300 years of Iowa agricultural history. s

One of the more interesting local facts is how strongly the area’s identity still ties back to transportation and farming. Before it became the developed suburb people know today, it was shaped by streetcar access to Des Moines, then later by postwar residential growth and highway access. Living History Farms adds a deeper layer to that story by presenting working farm sites and the 1876 Town of Walnut Hill, with historic interpreters showing how rural life changed throughout different eras. Another lesser-known note is that Pope John Paul II spoke at Living History Farms in 1979 before an enormous crowd, a moment that still stands out in Iowa history.

For things to do, the local trail system is one of the biggest draws. The city maintains an extensive park and trail network, with routes that connect into the broader Des Moines area, making biking, walking, and weekend outdoor time part of daily life for many residents. Walnut Creek Regional Park is a common gathering point, and the Mayor’s Bike Ride has become a recognizable community tradition with coffee, donuts, and a casual ride format. Seasonal programming also matters here. Party in the Park brings food trucks, live music, a beer garden, kids’ activities, bounce houses, laser tag, and lawn games together in a relaxed summer setting. The city’s calendar also includes recreation programs, community activities, and public events throughout the year.

The dining scene leans friendly, filling, and locally familiar. Machine Shed Restaurant is one of the best-known stops, especially for made-from-scratch Midwestern comfort food, farm-to-table inspiration, cinnamon rolls, hearty breakfasts, and classic dishes built around pork, chicken, potatoes, and homestyle sides. The Urban Grill has a long local presence and is known for American food in a relaxed bar-and-grill setting, with a menu that suits lunch meetings, casual dinners, and neighborhood get-togethers. Range Grill and Golf brings something a little different by pairing a restaurant and cocktail bar with indoor golf simulators, making it a popular choice for group outings, date nights, and corporate events.

There are also good options for quicker meals and more specific cravings. 5 Borough Bagels serves breakfast and lunch, with bagels, coffee, and daytime sandwiches making it a practical morning stop for commuters and families. Tito’s Lounge adds Mediterranean and Balkan-inspired food to the local mix, with flatbreads, skewers, brunch items, and a sports-bar feel. These restaurants help give the community more range than a simple suburban dining strip, since visitors can move from comfort food to brunch, bagels, cocktails, or Mediterranean plates without needing to drive far.

Local businesses add to that steady, useful character. Homemakers Furniture is one of the most recognizable names in the area, popular for furniture, mattresses, home decor, pickup options, and a large showroom experience that draws shoppers from across central Iowa. Living History Farms functions as both an attraction and a local institution, bringing school groups, families, history lovers, and seasonal eventgoers through its working farm sites. The Chamber of Commerce also keeps business life active with networking events, ribbon cuttings, member programs, and local promotion, which gives the commercial side of the community a noticeable presence beyond storefronts and restaurants.

For homeowners and businesses in Urbandale, changing seasons can also bring wildlife closer to homes, garages, sheds, and commercial spaces. Our technicians are trained to take care of any active intrusions, identify the source of the problem, and recommend any further steps needed to help reduce future activity. If intrusive animals are disrupting your home or business, don’t hesitate to contact us at Southern Iowa Critter Catcher today for more information or to schedule service.