Iowa · Polk County · United States

Clive, IA — Local Food & Regional Specialties

Clive, IA in Polk County, Iowa (0 m (0 ft), nearest hub: Des Moines International Airport (8.9 km)): Walnut Woods State Park (6.9 km), Memorial - Henry C Wallace Historical Marker (7.3 km), Soldiers and Sailors Monument (8.8 km), regional Iowa food, and US travel logistics.

City & State CodeClive, IA
U.S. State / TerritoryIowa
County / ParishPolk County
Population15,447
Elevation0 m (0 ft)
Nearest Airport / Rail HubDes Moines International Airport (8.9 km)

Overview

Visiting Clive, IA in Polk County, Iowa places you near Walnut Woods State Park (6.9 km), Memorial - Henry C Wallace Historical Marker (7.3 km), Soldiers and Sailors Monument (8.8 km), with regional access via Des Moines International Airport (8.9 km) (elevation 0 m (0 ft), pop. 15,447). Travelers stop in Clive for classic American main-street dining, state & national park scenic byways, and signature dishes from Iowa.

Local Food & Regional Specialties — Clive

In Clive (Polk County, Polk County), local tables feature: Signature Iowa dishes—Iowa chop (thick-cut center loin pork chop), Breaded loose-meat tavern sandwiches, and Sweet bi-color corn & Maytag Blue cheese.

Around Clive and across Polk County, local beverage lists highlight: Regional pours and beverages in Iowa: Midwest farmhouse ales & honey ciders, alongside independent American craft breweries, local roasters, and regional vineyards.

At farmers markets and specialty shops in Clive (Polk County), look for: Local specialties across Iowa: Dutch letters almond pastry & rhubarb pie, farmers-market seasonal produce, and regional smokehouse or bakery traditions.

Classic Iowa dining—hearty diner or café breakfasts, casual lunch counters and food trucks ($12–$20), and evening neighborhood restaurants where 18%–20% table-service tipping and state/local sales tax apply at checkout. In a mid-sized city like Clive (pop. 15,447), visitors will find independent coffee roasters, craft taprooms, regional steakhouses or seafood shacks, and weekend growers markets showcasing Polk County producers.

Getting There & Local Transit

Des Moines International Airport (DSM), Eastern Iowa Airport (CID), Amtrak California Zephyr across southern Iowa, and I-80/I-35. Because Clive is a community of 15,447 residents in Polk County, most visitors arrive via Des Moines International Airport (8.9 km) or Des Moines, Iowa City & Dubuque (DSM Des Moines Airport & Amtrak California Zephyr) and connect by Interstate highway, rental car, or regional intercity bus.

Primary Transit & Airport Hub: Des Moines International Airport (8.9 km).

What to See & Do — Clive

  • Nearby Landmarks & Points of Interest: Walnut Woods State Park (6.9 km) · Memorial - Henry C Wallace Historical Marker (7.3 km) · Soldiers and Sailors Monument (8.8 km) · Early Des Moines River Crossings Historical Marker (9.0 km) · Grand Avenue Bridge (9.0 km)
  • Local Districts & Neighborhoods: Historic Downtown Clive, Polk County District
  • Downtown & Historic Main Street of Clive: Explore the central courthouse district, independent diners, local coffee roasters, and weekly farmers markets.
  • State Parks & Scenic Byways (Polk County): Drive or hike scenic overlooks, riverfronts, and trailheads surrounding Clive (0 m (0 ft)).

Nearby US Cities & Towns near Clive

Explore the 5 closest neighboring US cities and towns to Clive by straight-line distance:

Statewide Highlights Across Iowa: Pair a stop in Clive with wider Iowa icons including Amana Colonies, Pella Dutch Village, Bridges of Madison County, Field of Dreams (Dyersville) & Mississippi River bluffs at Dubuque..

Best Time to Visit

May–Oct. Browse all cities in Iowa or search the complete directory of 10,714 US cities & towns.