Urbandale, IA
- About the City
- Geography
- Climate and Weather
- Landmarks and Attractions
- Transport
- Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
- Museums and Cultural Venues
- Sport and Athletic Legacy
- Universities and Educational Institutions
- Healthcare Institutions and Services
Urbandale is a suburban city in Iowa, part of the Des Moines metro, known for its parks, the Living History Farms museum, and the Paragon Prairie mosaic.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
- Official Name: Urbandale, Iowa.
- Administrative Role: Urbandale is a city in Polk and Dallas counties in the state of Iowa. It is not a county seat but is a principal city within the Des Moines–West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area .
- Region: It is located in the state of Iowa, in the Midwestern United States, a region famously known as the "Corn Belt" and a heartland of American agriculture. The city is part of the rapidly growing western suburbs of Iowa's capital and largest city, Des Moines.
Historical Names and Nicknames
- Nickname: Urbandale is sometimes referred to as "The City of Charms" . This nickname reflects its image as a safe, welcoming, and attractive suburban community with a high quality of life.
Date of Foundation and Age
- Founded: Urbandale was officially incorporated as a city on April 16, 1917 . This makes the city over 105 years old.
- Origin: Its early growth was as a streetcar suburb of Des Moines, and it was also home to several coal mines in its early decades . The city was incorporated partly to establish its own school district .
Geographic Location and Coordinates
- Geographic Coordinates: 41°37′51″N 93°45′15″W .
- Position: Urbandale is located in the northwest part of the Des Moines metro area. It sits at the crucial intersection of Interstates 35 and 80, and Iowa Highway 141 .
- Elevation: The city's elevation is approximately 981 feet (299 meters) above sea level .
- Topography: Situated on the rolling plains of central Iowa, the city's landscape is characteristic of the region, with a mix of residential developments, commercial areas, and agricultural history preserved at sites like Living History Farms.
City Type and Economic Specialization
Urbandale is primarily a residential suburb and a growing commercial and business center.
- Economic Hub: The "Urban Loop" area, a 12-mile stretch along I-35/I-80, is a major focus for development, featuring business parks with high freeway visibility . The Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL), which runs Powerball, is headquartered in Urbandale .
- Retail and Services: It serves as a retail hub for the northwest metro, anchored by major shopping areas and the massive Homemakers Furniture store .
- Tourism: It is home to Living History Farms, one of the premier open-air museums in the Midwest, which draws visitors interested in agricultural history .
Population and Demographics
- Population: As of the 2020 census, the city's population was 45,580. A 2023 estimate placed it at 46,026, highlighting its continued growth .
- Classification: Urbandale is the 12th most populous city in Iowa . It is a mid-sized city and a significant suburb within the Des Moines metropolitan area.
- Demographic Note: It is a diverse and growing community. In 2020, the racial makeup was 83.1% White, 5.5% Asian, and 4.0% Black or African American, with 4.9% of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino .
City's "Business Card" (Briefly)
Urbandale is a thriving Des Moines suburb where Midwestern heritage meets modern community life. Known for the interactive pioneer exhibits at Living History Farms, the stunning glass tile mural of Paragon Prairie, and its family-friendly parks, it offers a blend of history, art, and suburban comfort just minutes from Iowa's capital city.
Geography
Water Bodies (Nearby)
While no major rivers flow directly through Urbandale, it is part of the Raccoon River watershed, a key water source for the Des Moines metro . For more significant water-based recreation, Saylorville Lake, a large U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir on the Des Moines River, is located just a few miles northeast of Urbandale, offering boating, fishing, and camping .
National and Nature Parks (Nearby)
- Living History Farms: This 500-acre site is not a national park, but a unique open-air museum that functions as a massive historical and natural landscape . It features prairies, farm fields, and three working historical farms from the 1700s, 1850s, and 1900s, along with the 1876 town of Walnut Hill .
- Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge: Located about 20 miles east of Urbandale near Prairie City, this refuge is dedicated to restoring Iowa's tallgrass prairie and oak savanna ecosystems, with a large bison herd.
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Urbandale has a humid continental climate, characteristic of the Midwestern United States. This means there are four distinct seasons, with hot, often humid summers and cold, snowy winters .
Average Temperatures by Month
- Hottest Month: July is the warmest, with average daily highs reaching 31°C (88°F) and lows around 19°C (66°F) .
- Coldest Month: January is the coldest, with average daily highs near -1°C (30°F) and lows dropping to -10°C (14°F) .
- Average Temperatures:
Month Avg. High (°C/°F) Avg. Low (°C/°F) January -1 / 30 -10 / 14 April 17 / 63 4 / 39 July 31 / 88 19 / 66 October 18 / 64 6 / 43 *Data source: *
Precipitation and Humidity
- Annual Precipitation: Urbandale receives a significant amount of precipitation, averaging about 1075 mm (42.3 inches) per year, which is evenly distributed throughout the year .
- Wettest Month: May is the wettest month, with an average of 158 mm (6.2 inches) of rain .
- Driest Month: January is the driest, with most precipitation falling as snow .
- Snow: Snowfall is common from late November through March, with January and February seeing the highest percentage of precipitation falling as snow .
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March-May): Temperatures warm up quickly, but this is also the wettest time of year. It's a beautiful time to see the landscape turn green at Living History Farms.
- Summer (June-August): Weather is hot and humid, perfect for enjoying outdoor pools, trails, and the many community events. July is the warmest month .
- Fall (September-October): Generally considered the most pleasant time to visit, with crisp, cool air, lower humidity, and the spectacular colors of the fall foliage.
- Winter (November-February): Winters are cold and snowy. The city embraces the season with events like "Miracle on 86th Street," a massive holiday lights display .
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal times for a visit are late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) , when the weather is mild and most conducive to exploring the city's extensive parks and outdoor attractions.
Landmarks and Attractions
[Living History Farms]
This is the crown jewel of Urbandale's attractions. It is not a single monument but an expansive 500-acre open-air museum that brings Iowa's agricultural past to life .
- Description: Visitors can explore full-scale replicas of homes and communities from different eras, including a 1700s Ioway Indian farm, an 1850s pioneer farm, and a 1900s horse-powered farm. Costumed interpreters demonstrate daily tasks, from planting crops to blacksmithing .
- Location: 11121 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, IA .
- Significance: It offers an interactive and immersive experience into the history of agriculture and rural life in the Midwest, making it a must-see for families and history buffs. It also hosts popular seasonal events like historic dinners and the famous Living History Farms Race .
[Paragon Prairie]
This is a unique and unexpected find in the heart of the suburbs—the largest Italian glass mosaic tile mural in the United States .
- Description: Paragon Prairie is a stunning, towering public art piece made of over 5,400 sheets of colored glass mosaic. It pays homage to the tallgrass prairies that once covered Iowa . The artwork serves as a landmark and a symbol of the community's connection to its natural heritage.
- Location: Near the intersection of 86th Street and Hickman Road, within a commercial and office park development.
- Significance: It's a vibrant, contemporary landmark that transforms a business park into a destination and is a point of local pride.
[Walker Johnston Park and Treehouse]
This is the city's premier park and a hub for community recreation.
- Description: Walker Johnston Park is a large, centrally located park featuring sports fields, tennis courts, a pond, and a vast network of walking trails. Its most beloved feature is a massive, kid-friendly treehouse that provides a whimsical and adventurous play space for children . The park is connected to the Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park and the trail behind the public library, creating a large green corridor .
- Location: 7500 Townsend Dr, Urbandale, IA.
[Miracle on 86th Street]
This is a beloved community tradition and a spectacular seasonal landmark.
- Description: Every holiday season, the businesses and areas along 86th Street transform with over 50,000 holiday lights and elaborate displays . It has become a drive-through tradition for families from all over the Des Moines metro, turning a major thoroughfare into a winter wonderland.
Transport
Main Airport
- Des Moines International Airport (DSM) : The primary airport serving Urbandale and the entire Des Moines metropolitan area .
- Location: About 15-20 minutes south of Urbandale.
- Significance: It is a growing airport with non-stop service to major hubs like Chicago (ORD), Dallas (DFW), Denver (DEN), Atlanta (ATL), and Phoenix (PHX), and has recently added new routes to cities like Philadelphia (PHL) and Los Angeles (LAX) .
- Ground Transportation: Accessible via I-235 and I-35. Ride-sharing services like Uber and taxis are readily available. A flat airport surcharge applies for pickups .
Major Highways
Urbandale's location is defined by its access to the interstate system, making it a highly accessible part of the metro.
- Interstates 35 and 80 (I-35/I-80) : These two major transcontinental interstates run concurrently through the northern part of Urbandale, forming the spine of the "Urban Loop" development area . I-35 runs north-south from Minnesota to Texas, while I-80 is a major east-west coast-to-coast highway.
- Iowa Highway 141 (Iowa 141) : A key state highway that connects Urbandale to Grimes and continues northwest through Iowa. It has a new $65 million flyover ramp connecting it directly to I-35/80 .
Public Transportation
Public transit in Urbandale is primarily provided by the Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency (HIRTA) .
- Service: HIRTA provides demand-response, paratransit-style public transit. This means rides must be scheduled in advance by phone or via a mobile app . It is open to all residents and visitors for any purpose.
- Coverage: HIRTA serves seven counties including Dallas and Polk . Fares are based on distance, with in-town trips costing $2.50 and trips to downtown Des Moines costing between $10 and $25 .
- Ride-sharing: Services like Uber and Lyft are also widely available in Urbandale, providing on-demand transportation to local destinations, the airport, and neighboring cities .
Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
The Urban Grill: A Local Dining Landmark
While Urbandale doesn't have a centuries-old culinary tradition, its modern food scene is anchored by beloved local establishments. The most prominent of these is The Urban Grill, a cornerstone of Urbandale dining since it was established in May 2002 by Skip Bachman . Now a family-run business, it has become the city's go-to spot for American cuisine with a classy yet casual atmosphere .
The restaurant is known for its diverse menu featuring steaks, seafood, and New American dishes. Based on local reviews, some of the standout items include the Ahi seared tuna, praised for its perfect preparation, and the 8oz filet served with seasonal vegetables . Appetizers like the mussels steamed in a garlic butter sauce and the spinach artichoke dip are frequently mentioned by loyal customers . The Urban Grill is also noted for being particularly accommodating to gluten-free dietary needs, making it a comfortable and popular choice for those with dietary restrictions .
Nearby Culinary Experiences
For a deeper dive into regional food history, residents and visitors often look to the greater Des Moines area. A short drive from Urbandale, the Des Moines Downtown Farmers' Market is a massive weekly event (May-October) where you can find everything from local produce and artisanal cheeses to ready-to-eat specialties from various local food vendors. This market is a key destination for experiencing the broader culinary culture of central Iowa.
Museums and Cultural Venues
Living History Farms: An Interactive Outdoor Museum
The crown jewel of cultural attractions in Urbandale is Living History Farms, a 500-acre open-air museum that offers a unique and immersive way to experience the past . This interactive history museum is dedicated to educating visitors on the stories of Midwestern rural heritage. It is not a traditional collection of artifacts in glass cases, but rather a living, breathing historical landscape.
The museum features several historical farms that represent three centuries of Iowa agriculture and rural life:
- A 1700 Ioway Farm, depicting the life of Native Americans before European settlement.
- An 1850 Pioneer Farm, showing the challenges and triumphs of the first Euro-American settlers.
- A 1900 Horse-Powered Farm, illustrating the era of prosperous agriculture at the turn of the 20th century.
In addition to the farms, the museum includes the 1876 town of Walnut Hill, a recreation of a bustling Victorian-era town with a working blacksmith, a print shop, a general store, and a schoolhouse, where costumed interpreters bring history to life . Open for touring from May through October, it's a must-visit for families and history enthusiasts.
Urbandale Public Library Art Gallery
For those interested in visual arts, the Urbandale Public Library Art Gallery serves as a vibrant community hub for local and regional artists . The gallery hosts a rotating schedule of exhibitions throughout the year, featuring a diverse range of mediums and styles. Past and upcoming shows have included ceramics, mixed media, mosaics, fiber art, oil painting, jewelry, acrylics, pastels, and photography . The gallery frequently holds artist receptions, providing an opportunity for the public to meet the creators and enjoy refreshments in a welcoming, community-focused setting .
Sport and Athletic Legacy
The Stadium at the Iowa Soccer Complex
Urbandale is home to a significant sports facility that serves the entire Des Moines metropolitan area. In the early 2000s, the Vision Iowa Board funded the construction of a new soccer stadium in the city . This stadium, part of the Iowa Soccer Complex, was built to be the home of the Des Moines Menace soccer team.
The stadium was designed with a unique dual purpose. It holds 6,000 spectators for soccer and other sporting events, but its capacity can be expanded to accommodate up to 15,000 people for larger entertainment events like concerts . At the time of its planning, it was noted as one of only three such soccer-specific facilities in the United States and the only one in the Midwest . The City of Urbandale owns the stadium, which opened in May of 2003, cementing the city's role as a regional hub for the sport.
Collegiate Sports in Nearby Des Moines
For major college sports, residents of Urbandale are just a short drive from Des Moines, which is home to several universities with competitive athletic programs.
- Drake University Bulldogs: Located about 7 miles away, Drake University's teams compete in the NCAA Division I Missouri Valley Conference. The Drake Bulldogs football team plays at the historic Drake Stadium, and the men's and women's basketball teams play at the Knapp Center. The school also hosts the prestigious Drake Relays, a world-renowned track and field event held annually.
- Grand View University Vikings: About 9 miles from Urbandale, Grand View University has a highly successful athletics program, most notably its football team, which has won multiple NAIA national championships in recent years.
Universities and Educational Institutions
Higher Education in and near Urbandale
While Urbandale itself is primarily a residential and business community, it hosts a few specialized schools and is surrounded by a wealth of higher education opportunities, particularly in nearby Des Moines and Ames .
Within Urbandale
- Body Wisdom Massage Therapy School: This is the only higher education institution located directly within city limits, offering a focused, less-than-two-year program for aspiring massage therapists .
Nearby World-Class Universities
Urbandale's location in the Des Moines metro area puts it within easy reach of several distinguished universities.
- Iowa State University (Ames, ~28 miles): A world-class public research university and a leader in science and technology, ISU is famous for its programs in agriculture, engineering, and veterinary medicine. With over 30,000 students, it is the largest university in the area and a major contributor to the state's economy and culture . Its beautiful campus is also home to the renowned Brunnier Art Museum and Reiman Gardens.
- Drake University (Des Moines, ~7 miles): A prestigious private university known for its strong programs in law, business, and journalism and mass communication . Its campus is an architectural gem in the heart of Des Moines.
- Des Moines University (Des Moines, ~7 miles): One of the nation's most respected institutions for osteopathic medicine and health sciences, DMU offers graduate degrees in medicine, podiatry, physical therapy, and public health .
- Grand View University (Des Moines, ~9 miles): A private liberal arts university affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs .
- Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) (Ankeny/Urban campuses, ~10 miles): DMACC is the largest community college in the state, providing accessible and affordable two-year degrees, certificate programs, and workforce training to thousands of students across multiple campuses .
Healthcare Institutions and Services
University of Iowa Health Care Urbandale Clinic
Urbandale recently became home to a significant new healthcare facility. In September 2025, the University of Iowa Health Care opened a new, state-of-the-art clinic at 2901 NW 86th Street . This facility centralizes several specialty services previously offered at other Des Moines-area locations, bringing world-class, university-affiliated medical care directly to the Urbandale community.
The clinic serves as a regional hub for a range of adult and pediatric specialty services, including adult hepatology, pediatric nephrology, pediatric urology, and most notably, reproductive endocrinology and infertility services . UI Health Care is renowned for having the highest IVF success rate in Iowa, reportedly 10% higher than the national average for pregnancy success . The new, larger Urbandale facility allows them to see more patients and offer better-coordinated care, including more types of testing and imaging all in one place .
Nearby Medical Centers
As part of the Des Moines metropolitan area, Urbandale residents also have easy access to the region's major full-service hospitals and medical centers, located just a short drive away:
- MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center: A large, comprehensive hospital and Level I Trauma Center offering a full spectrum of medical services.
- Iowa Methodist Medical Center: Another major hospital in Des Moines, part of the UnityPoint Health system, known for its cardiac care and teaching programs.
- Broadlawns Medical Center: A public hospital in Des Moines that provides a wide range of health services, including primary and specialty care, to all residents of Polk County.