# Model & hobby shops in Iowa

https://gifts-for-grandpa.com/local/iowa/

Iowa coverage leans on the Des Moines metro, with two listings in Des Moines and one each in Urbandale, Ankeny and Clive, plus a single shop out in Boone. Phone before you drive: confirm hours, current stock, and whether the shop carries the scale or kit you have in mind.

Data updated: 2026-09-14. Listings are alphabetical; confirm details with the business before visiting.


## Hobby Haven

Hobby store. Its Google Maps listing places it under Hobby store. Hobby and model-train shops sell kits, tools, trains, and RC gear — practical gifts for a modeler; gift cards work when you don't know their scale or gauge.

2575 86th St, Urbandale, IA 50322

[Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps?cid=10281295788033991646) · [Website](https://www.hobbyhaven.com) · +15152768785
Checked: 2026-09-14
- Source: https://www.hobbyhaven.com
- Source: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=10281295788033991646

## HobbyTown

Hobby store. Its Google listing describes it as “Supplies & gear for a range of hobbies”. Hobby and model-train shops sell kits, tools, trains, and RC gear — practical gifts for a modeler; gift cards work when you don't know their scale or gauge.

1701 SE Delaware Ave #100, Ankeny, IA 50021

[Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps?cid=17511053699046377439) · [Website](https://www.hobbytown.com) · +15159640443
Checked: 2026-09-14
- Source: https://www.hobbytown.com
- Source: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=17511053699046377439

## S & S Trading Co

Hobby store. A Hobby store listed on Google Maps. Hobby and model-train shops sell kits, tools, trains, and RC gear — practical gifts for a modeler; gift cards work when you don't know their scale or gauge.

3800 Merle Hay Rd Ste 301, Des Moines, IA 50310

[Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps?cid=8963736020543121106) · +15156818934
Checked: 2026-09-14
- Source: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=8963736020543121106

## Sidetrack Hobby

Hobby store. Its Google Maps listing places it under Hobby store. Hobby and model-train shops sell kits, tools, trains, and RC gear — practical gifts for a modeler; gift cards work when you don't know their scale or gauge.

1302 S Marshall St, Boone, IA 50036

[Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps?cid=12734613788370018680) · [Website](http://www.sidetrackhobby.com) · +15152120920
Checked: 2026-09-14
- Source: http://www.sidetrackhobby.com
- Source: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=12734613788370018680

## Thomas and His Trains

Model train store. Listed on Google Maps as a Model train store. Hobby and model-train shops sell kits, tools, trains, and RC gear — practical gifts for a modeler; gift cards work when you don't know their scale or gauge.

1985 NW 94th St e150, Clive, IA 50325

[Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps?cid=4717169735219883767) · [Website](http://www.thomasandhistrains.com) · +15159889401
Checked: 2026-09-14
- Source: http://www.thomasandhistrains.com
- Source: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=4717169735219883767

## Wolfram RC

Hobby store. A Hobby store listed on Google Maps. Hobby and model-train shops sell kits, tools, trains, and RC gear — practical gifts for a modeler; gift cards work when you don't know their scale or gauge.

3800 Merle Hay Rd #922, Des Moines, IA 50310

[Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps?cid=6267606719011265272) · [Website](http://wolframrc.com) · +15152918324
Checked: 2026-09-14
- Source: http://wolframrc.com
- Source: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=6267606719011265272

## Does a count of six mean six model and hobby shops in all of Iowa?

No. Six is how many shops are listed here as of 2026-09-14 — not the state's total and not a ranking. Five sit in the Des Moines area (Des Moines, Urbandale, Ankeny, Clive) and one in Boone. A listing does not confirm inventory, hours, or that a shop stocks the specific kit or scale you want, so call ahead before a trip or an order.