What are the opening hours?

Monday 8am - 4:30pm Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm Thursday 8am - 4:30pm Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Iowa Outdoor Expo

Home
United States
Des Moines, IA
Iowa Outdoor Expo

Last weekend in September. Waterworks Park.

Free, fun family outdoor event.
2021 Dates:
Saturday, September 25th - 10:00AM-5:00PM (Mini Outdoor Expo & Buckskinners Rendezvous)
Sunday, September 26th - 10:00AM-4:00PM (Buckskinners Rendezvous Only)

05/01/2026

Guide the next generation to connect with nature. Pass on your stories and love for the outdoors. Volunteer with us today. https://www.iowadnr.gov/volunteer-us

03/05/2026

💭Dreaming of trees?🌳Go ahead, treat yourself! Whether it’s conifers, native hardwoods, or shrubberies, now’s the perfect time to plant something new.

Spring is just around the corner, and the Iowa State Forest Nursery is taking orders for bareroot seedlings—perfect for planting season! There’s nothing better than the day your seedlings arrive!

Here’s what you need to know:

☑ Order by May 15
☑ Choose delivery or pickup in Ames.
☑ Seedlings are packaged in bundles of 25, each in a sealed, labeled plastic bag.

Tree varieties include:

⭐23 species of native hardwoods
⭐8 conifer species
⭐15 smaller tree and shrub varieties

Prices range from $1 to $1.30 per seedling.

Seedlings are sold in three age classifications and range in size from 10 to 30 inches, depending on the species.

Look below 👇 for ordering info!

Visit the online sales site at http://nursery.iowadnr.gov/ or call 1-800-865-2477 during regular business hours, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday.

03/01/2026

🌲 Ready to explore the outdoors or take your recreation skills to the next level?

Whether you're new to outdoor adventures or looking to expand your expertise, the Iowa Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) event is for you! Join us to learn more about the amazing opportunities available and connect with others who share your passion. Don't miss out – adventure awaits! 🚴‍♂️🏕️🌄🎣🏹

Statewide Iowa BOW Spring Workshop
April 24 - 26, 2026
Wesley Woods (Indianola)

Interested in attending or learning more? Visit, www.iowadnr.gov/bow.

Note: Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) is an international program typically coordinated by state fish and wildlife agencies. While it is designed primarily for women, anyone 18 years or older can participate. BOW offers hands-on instruction in outdoor skills such as hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting—skills that are valuable for a wide range of outdoor activities.

02/04/2026

🐾 Ready for a unique outdoor adventure? 🐾

Join the Mid-Iowa Beaglers Club for a hands-on rabbit hunting workshop! Whether you’re a seasoned outdoors enthusiast or just curious about the sport, this is your chance to:
✅ Discover rabbit hunting basics, equipment, and safety
✅ Practice your skills on the shooting range (all gear provided!)
✅ Watch skilled beagles work in the field
✅ Enjoy a hearty rabbit stew lunch

No license needed, and perfect for all ages (youth under 16 must bring a guardian). Spots are limited—secure yours today for just $20!

Register now and experience the thrill of the hunt—without ever pulling the trigger. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind event!

Secure your spot at: https://bit.ly/26midiarabbitworkshop.

📅 Sunday, February 8
📍 Butch Olofson Shooting Range
Questions? Email [email protected]

P.S. Class will conclude before kick-off. 😉 🏈🏆🎊

01/31/2026

🌲 Ready for Adventure?🌲

Iowa DNR Take it Outside State Park Camps are back for 2026 with brand-new Level 1 (3rd-5th grade) & Level 2 (5th-8th grade) Camps!

Give your kids a summer to remember as they explore the wild wonders of Iowa’s state parks, build new friendships, and learn outdoor skills that will last a lifetime. Whether they're first-time campers or returning explorers, there’s something for everyone!

2026 Camp Dates & Locations
June 15-19 George Wyth (L1) / Walnut Woods (L1)
June 22-26 Maquoketa Caves (L2)
July 6-10 Wapsipinicon (L1)
July 13-17 Pleasant Creek (L2)
July 27-31 Palisades-Kepler (L1) / Big Creek (L2)
August 3-7 Ledges (L1)

Don’t miss out—spaces fill up fast. Click the link below to sign up now and secure your spot for an unforgettable summer! ⛺️✨ bit.ly/stateparkcamps

10/06/2022

The Department of Natural Resources has an exciting opportunity for a Shooting Range Assistant Manager position that is a fundamental part of the dedicated team of professionals that operate the Banner (Indianola) and Olofson (Polk City) Shooting Ranges. The position will have the substantial responsibility of assisting the conduct and coordination of the daily operations under the direction of the Shooting Range Manager for the grounds and facility maintenance at both facilities as well as caring for and repairing the associated equipment. They will also have the incredible opportunity for setting up and conducting a variety of hunting and recreational shooting related classes, clinics, workshops and leagues for the general public.

For specific job duties, requirements, and application information, visit: https://bit.ly/3SKN3t0

Application period closes:
10/20/2022 11:59 PM Central

09/01/2022

Looking to learn more about fi****ms and expand your skills? Check out the upcoming Iowa DNR's "Intro to Fi****ms Series" hosted by Banner and Olofson Shooting Ranges. For more information and / or to register visit the links below. Cost is $15.00 per class and includes use of fi****ms, ammunition and targets.

Intro to Fi****ms: Rifles - https://conta.cc/3KdIm7w (Polk City)
Intro to Fi****ms: Pistols - https://conta.cc/3AGyJv1 (Indianola)

07/07/2022

The Iowa DNR and Iowa Hunter Education Instructor Association (IHEIA), would like to extend an invitation to join us for the Iowa Cubs Outdoor Day! This event will take place on Sunday, July 17 at 1:08PM. Tickets are $12.00 each (plus taxes and fees) and $4.00 of each ticket sale will go to support IHEIA. Funds raised will go to further the mission of the organization and help support and expand conservation and outdoor recreation programs across the state.

The first 500 individuals to enter the stadium will receive an Iowa DNR / I Cubs hat! Informational booths / displays along with interactive activities including t-shirt coloring and fish stamps will be available to those in attendance. Don't miss out on this opportunity to celebrate Outdoor Recreation and Conservation in Iowa!

Tickets available at:
https://fevo.me/iowadnr2022

Address

4343 George Flagg Pkwy
Des Moines, IA
50321

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	8am - 4:30pm
Thursday	8am - 4:30pm
Friday	8am - 4:30pm

Website

http://www.iowadnr.gov/expo

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Iowa Outdoor Expo posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Want your business to be the top-listed Event/venue in Des Moines?