Perry offers many experiences
Perry is an established and vibrant community 40 miles from Downtown Des Moines. Residents and visitors alike flock enjoy its recreational and a cultural experiences. The narrow streets of the newest subdivisions, some with sidewalks, are densely lined with sapling maple and oak trees. Flanked by the Raccoon River to the southwest, multiple parks and 89 miles of bike trails, locals enjoy the experiences that Perry has to offer. The sounds of birds and wildlife are audible in the early mornings and evenings. "Perry is a small community with a lot of amenities," says Chris Cohea, marketing and engagement coordinator for the City of Perry. "You never have to leave town, but for those who do, it's a 20-minute ride to Grimes and a half hour to Waukee."
Bike trails, parks and historic sites
Perry has no shortage of outdoor recreation and activities. In 2022, Dallas County Conservation won a grant to connect the Raccoon River Trail with the High Trestle Trail to create 180 miles of bike trail. Pattee Park is the largest in the area and offers softball and baseball fields, a sand volleyball court, a skateboard park, tennis courts, playground equipment, Perry Dog Park and the City Band Shell. Wiese Park features a nine-hole disc golf course, playground equipment, a lighted recreation trail, a lighted regulation basketball court, soccer fields and sand volleyball courts. The walkable downtown area has several listings on the National Register of Historic Places, including the building where City Hall is now housed. The Carnegie Library Museum, built in 1904 with a grant from Andrew Carnegie, is also on the registry and is still a working library. A noteworthy local landmark is Hotel Pattee, which features 40 uniquely decorated and themed guest rooms, a bowling center, a dining room and a library.
Local boutiques and eclectic cuisine
Hy-Vee and Fairway Market are the local grocery stores. "Our selection of restaurants is like a smorgasbord," says Cohen, whose favorite eatery is Mex to You. “You can't go wrong with their quesabirria," he says. Additional eateries in the area include Tin Pig Tavern, Bett & Bevs BBQ, Oasis and Casa de Oro. There are several boutiques in the area, including the Backward Boutique, which sells women's work casual clothing.
Brr Ride
On the first Saturday in February, the Perry Chamber of Commerce hosts the Bike Ride to Rippey, better known as the Annual BRR, as its big fundraiser. Since 1978, this local tradition has gone on regardless of the weather. The 24-mile street ride from Perry to Rippey and back again begins in front of the Pattee Hotel. "Over the years, BRR riders have experienced every weather condition, from spring-like temperatures of 60 degrees to frigid temperatures below zero, yet they keep coming," Cohea says. The Fourth of July celebration comprises a parade, fireworks, food and music and is held in and around Pattee Park.
From the early 1900s to today
Perry comprises an eclectic mix of architectural styles dating back to the early 1900s, including ranch-style, bungalow and traditional. Though most of the homes were constructed before 1960, the area is seeing a lot of new builds. "Construction has ramped up over the past five years with the addition of townhomes, duplexes, apartment complexes and single-family homes," Cohea says. "Homebuilders are taking advantage of the city's tax-abatement program." Lot sizes are between 1/8 and ¼ acre, suitable for a small garden, and most homes have garages. Housing prices range between $70,000 and $326,000.
Many residents work in town
Since the 1950s, Perry's main economic contributor has been the meat processing industry. Currently, Tyson is the community's largest employer, with 1,200 employees. The Dallas County Hospital is another significant employer within a 2-mile drive on local streets. Downtown Des Moines is a 40.4-mile drive via Iowa Highway 141 East, and the Perry Municipal Airport is 4 miles west of Perry on IA-141 W. There are some HIRTA bus stops in surrounding areas, but most residents use their cars to commute.
Photography Contributed By
Drew Davis
