2024 Fall Launch Affiliate Basic Training
Travel and Accommodations
Places to be
September 13, Basic Training Classroom Session
West48 Conference Center, 1601 48th St #100, West Des Moines, IA 50266.
September 14, Basic Training Hands-On Session
River Heights Ranch, 23625 River Heights Drive, Dallas Center, IA 50063.
Getting Here
West48 Conference Center is easy to find, not far from the intersection of Interstate 35 and Interstate 80.
River Heights Ranch, the site of the hands-on portion of the training, is a 30 minute drive from West48 Conference Center. Unfortunately we cannot provide transportation for all attendees, but ride sharing with other participants may be a possibility.
Flying in? The closest airport is Des Moines International Airport (DSM), about 15 miles from the conference center. Direct flights to DSM may be limited, but it is very convenient to fly into and out of.
Getting Around
Des Moines Airport offers several car rental options, and Uber and Lyft are available but somewhat limited.
Hertz (515) 256-5839
Budget (515) 287-2612
Alamo (844) 816-4385
Enterprise (844) 996-0646
Avis (515) 256-5623
Getting some Rest
A block of rooms with pre-negotiated rates have been reserved for Goats On The Go®/Sheep On The Go® affiliates at the following hotel, which is within easy walking distance of the conference center.
Sheraton West Des Moines
1800 50th St, West Des Moines, IA 50266
$140 for the evening of September 13 (book by August 26)
To take advantage of this rate, click the button below.
There are many other hotels in all price ranges within a short drive of the conference center.
getting Some grub
Lunch is on your own both days, but there are plenty of dining options in the area.
Walking Distance (0.5 mi or less from conference center) - great lunch options
Palmer's Deli & Market: sandwiches, salads; 0.2mi away; delivery available
Tavern Pizza & Pasta Grill: pizza, pasta, salads; 0.2mi away; delivery available
Laughing Crab: Cajun seafood; 0.4mi away; delivery available
Delivery Available
The Grumpy Goat Tavern: American; 0.6mi away (GOTG affiliate favorite!)
Jason's Deli: sandwiches, salads; 0.9mi away
HuHot Mongolian Grill: Mongolian BBQ; 0.9mi away
Cracker Barrel: American; 1.2mi away
The Other Place Clive: pizza; 1.4mi away
Jethro's BBQ 'n Bacon Bacon: BBQ; 2.1mi away (GOTG affiliate favorite!)
Cool Basil: Thai; 2.2mi away
Nearby (<2 mi) Options
Twisted Vine Brewery: brewery; 1.1mi away (dinner only)
El Rodeo: Mexican; 1.2mi away
Machine Shed Restaurant: Midwest comfort food; 1.9mi away
Coffee & Breakfast
Caribou coffee (12655 University Ave Suite 100, Clive, IA 50325): 1.7mi away
Starbucks (11084 Hickman Rd, Clive, IA 50325): 1.7mi away
Panera Bread (6740 University Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50266): 2.3mi away
getting…other stuff
Whole Foods (4100 University Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50266): 0.6mi from conference center
HyVee (1700 Valley W Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50266): 1.2mi from conference center
Target (1800 Valley W Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50266): 1.2mi from conference center
Walgreens (12753 University Ave, Clive, IA 50325): 1.7mi from conference center
Things to do
Covered Bridges of Madison County - The scenic byway includes more than just bridges. Southwest of Des Moines.
Science Center of Iowa - Informational and interactive exhibits, 15 minutes from conference center.
Jordan Creek Town Center - Movies, shopping, and dining, 10 minutes from conference center.
Downtown Des Moines Historic Court District - Dining, nightlife, events, 15 minutes from conference center.
Valley Junction - Quaint historic area with shopping, dining, and more, 10 minutes from conference center.