Get to Know: Bondurant
Bondurant is a tight-knit community with easy access to Des Moines. In 2022, this Community of Character focused on bringing neighbors together to strengthen ties to the community. Events like Movies in the Park, Art in the Park, Celebrate Bondurant and more are popular among all ages. Find trailhead access in Bondurant, where the Chichaqua Valley Trail offers cycling, running and walking amid rolling landscapes. Residents can also enjoy the craft beer at Reclaimed Rails Brewing Company, a stop at Cinemark Altoona and XD to see the latest movie release or a walk around Lake Petocka, where fishing, picnicking and more can be enjoyed. Lake Petocka Park will also be home to a new dog park in 2023.
Bondurant at a Glance
- Population: 8,035 (2021, US Census Bureau)
- Location within Greater Des Moines: East
- Distance from Des Moines: 14.2 miles
- Type of Community: Suburb
- School District: Bondurant-Farrar Community School District (Serves the communities of Bondurant and Farrar)
- County: Polk
Bondurant in one sentence: Life connecting the dots — The City of Bondurant has been connecting people to opportunities for more than 135 years. With a tight-knit yet growing community, Bondurant residents and businesses are passionate about connecting to each other while welcoming visitors and new community members alike. Families are drawn to the convenience of location to the metro, a strong school system and a safe community for raising future generations.
The top five best things about Bondurant: The people are friendly and always willing to help each other when needed. Trails run through our city and connect Bondurant to other towns. There are things to do throughout the year, especially events in the summer and events through the library. Bondurant is served by a great school district that provides lots of opportunities for kids to learn and grow. We are close to Chichaqua Bottoms (a greenbelt and wilderness area with camping, hiking, wildlife viewing and more) and Thomas Mitchell Park (a wooded park), and have many neighborhood parks and playgrounds throughout the community.
Hidden gems and unexpected finds in Bondurant: The Bondurant business community is growing especially downtown and in our business district. Off the Rails Quilting Shop, a nationally recognized quilting destination, Little House on Main, a great boutique, award winning coffee shop Somewhere in the Middle and Homeslice Pies are a few newer additions to the community that are hidden gems.
Community traditions and annual events: Summerfest sponsored by the local Men's Club and Celebrate Bondurant sponsored by the Bondurant Chamber of Commerce are two events that celebrate the community. Bondu Blues & Brews is an annual event that includes music, a homebrewing competition, events and more. The BrickHouse Music Series is a can’t-miss for music fans and during the holiday season, be sure to check out the Merry & Bright Parade and Santa Social. Give back and support the community during the Head Shaving for Childrens Cancer Research fundraiser, sponsored by the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.
Best way to get connected: Attend events, stop by the library, check out BrickHouse Fitness for fitness classes and connect with the Men's Club or the Bondurant Civic club to get involved in the community.
People to know in Bondurant: Mayor Doug Elrod and City Administrator Marketa Oliver.
Big things on the horizon for Bondurant: The Central Park Project will bring a host of outdoor recreation opportunities to Bondurant, including a 36-acre lake, a boathouse and dock, a beach, a boat dock, several playgrounds (including a nature playgrounbod and splash pad), a skate park, trails, a community building, and an ice rink.
If you’re coming to check out the community, be sure to spend your day … Start the day by having a specialty coffee at Somewhere in Middle Coffee shop. Then walk down Main Street to check out Off the Rails Quilting and Little House on Main for some shopping. Then stop by HomeSlice Pie for a mini pie or even a flight. Later head to Reclaimed Rails Brewing Company for some live music and beverage. Or end the afternoon with an award-winning tenderloin from BrickStreet Market Cafe
Some of the ways Bondurant advances diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI): The Bondurant City Council created a DEI committee in April 2022. These efforts were born from the community's desire to ensure that all community members are welcomed and treated fairly.
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