Des Moines Elks Lodge #98 is a association or organization in Des Moines, IA. Open: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM; Fri–Sat 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM. Phone: (515) 265-6681. Average rating is 4.7 stars from 73 reviews. Website: https://www.elks.org/lodges/home.cfm?lodgenumber=98.
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks emblemDes Moines, IA Elks Lodge #98
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Exterior view of Des Moines Elks Lodge #98 with flags.
4.7 73 reviews Today 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM

Brotherhood, Fish Fries, and a Cold Beer

Des Moines Elks Lodge #98 has been gathering good people on NE 12th Ave since the lodge was chartered.

Charity

Giving without expectation

Justice

Fairness for every person

Brotherly Love

Fellowship above all

Fidelity

Faithful to our word

About Us

Cars displayed in front of Des Moines Elks Lodge #98.
Cars displayed in front of Des Moines Elks Lodge #98.

Pull into the lot at 5420 NE 12th Ave on the right Friday and you might find your RV parked next to a hundred others, the smell of battered fish drifting across the grass, and a horseshoe tournament already three rounds deep. That is a real thing that happens here. The annual fish fry fundraiser draws crowds who come for the food and leave having made friends, and the 1st Annual Veteran Cruise In proved this lodge knows how to throw an event worth driving for.

Lodge #98 is one of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks lodges in Iowa, which means the charitable mission runs deep. Members support veterans programs, youth scholarships, and community causes across the Des Moines metro. The 4.7-star rating across 73 reviews is not an accident. It reflects a culture where a stranger rolling in with a 37-foot Class A motorhome gets offered 30-amp hookup power and a spot in the horseshoe bracket before the evening is over.

If you have been curious about membership or just want to attend a public event, this is a lodge that earns its reputation one handshake at a time.

What We Offer

Lodge #98 hosts a rotating calendar of events that punches well above what you might expect from a fraternal organization. The fish fry fundraiser has become a community staple, drawing locals and travelers alike with a spread that reviewers consistently call delicious. Veteran-focused events like the Cruise In bring car enthusiasts and military families together for an afternoon that is equal parts celebration and gratitude.

For travelers, the lodge offers RV parking with 30-amp hookup, a genuinely rare amenity that has earned enthusiastic reviews from motorhome owners passing through Des Moines. Beyond the events, members enjoy access to the lodge hall for private gatherings, social nights, and the kind of low-key evenings that are harder to find than they should be. Charitable giving, scholarship programs, and veteran support round out a membership that does more than fill a calendar.

Gallery

Take a look at our space and what we have to offer

“Had a blast at the 1st Annual Veteran Cruise In!”

— Steven Powers

What Our Guests Say

Don't just take our word for it - hear it from our members & guests

Click to Rate & Review This Business ✍️
⭐⭐⭐⭐
a year ago
"we happened upon the annual fish fry fundraiser. What a treat! Delicious, and the people we met were wonderful. We tucked our 37’ class A RV as far back as possible to leave room for all the other fish fry lovers. The very back of the lot is where the three electric hookups are, and also the most level, but we still had trouble leveling. That should be easier with a shorter RV. PS The hookup on the right (facing the creek) didn’t work. Overall well recommended!"
— Mary Oolders
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
a year ago
"Had a blast at the 1st Annual Veteran Cruise In!"
— Steven Powers
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2 years ago
"We stayed overnight in our motorhome. 30amp power hookup was nice to have. This was a super nice bunch of folks. Very welcoming and even let me join in their horseshoe tournament. Thanks for a great time. Camper Dean."
— D&S Vargo
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
12 months ago
"We enjoyed our stay in their rv area, which provides electricity. The staff and local people made us feel very welcome!"
— Justine Dunavant
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
a year ago
"Stopped in on my way to Michigan and asked if I could park and spend the night in my trailer. They said sure and that I could use the 30amp electric. Super bonus because it was a hot one and I could use my AC. That said, the members were friendly and helpful. This lodge is a model of how all Elk lodges should be! I hope we can revisit. Thanks, Dan and Chris."
— Dan Ferguson

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a member to attend events at Des Moines Elks Lodge #98?

Many Lodge #98 events, including the annual fish fry fundraiser and the Veteran Cruise In, are open to the public or to guests of members. Check the lodge's official page at elks.org for specific event details and guest policies.

Can I park my RV at the lodge overnight?

Yes. The lodge has welcomed overnight RV guests with 30-amp power hookup. Reviewers have praised the welcoming atmosphere and the willingness of members to make travelers feel at home. Contact the lodge in advance to confirm availability.

How do I become a member of Des Moines Elks Lodge #98?

Membership in the Elks is open to U.S. citizens who believe in God and are at least 21 years old. You can start your application at elks.org or speak directly with a current member at the lodge on NE 12th Ave.

What is the annual fish fry fundraiser and when does it happen?

The fish fry is one of the lodge's signature public events, featuring a full fish dinner and a crowd of friendly locals. Dates vary by year, so follow the lodge online or call ahead to find out when the next one is scheduled.

Where exactly is Des Moines Elks Lodge #98 located?

The lodge is at 5420 NE 12th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50327. There is ample parking, including space for large vehicles and RVs.

Does the lodge support veterans programs?

Absolutely. The Elks are one of the largest supporters of U.S. veterans in the country, and Lodge #98 reflects that through events like the Veteran Cruise In and ongoing charitable contributions to veteran-focused causes in the Des Moines area.

What is the phone number for Lodge #98?

Phone contact information is best found through the lodge's official listing at elks.org/lodges/home.cfm?lodgenumber=98. You can also visit in person at 5420 NE 12th Ave during posted hours.

Hours of Operation

Open Now · Closes at 12:00 AM
Monday 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Tuesday Today 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Thursday 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Friday 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Saturday 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sunday 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM
The Order · Since 1868

Community. Friendship. Charity.

Every Elks lodge belongs to one of America's oldest and largest fraternal orders. Through the Elks National Foundation, the Order has given more than $481 million to college scholarships, veterans, and neighbors in need.

Join the Elks
A Proud Heritage

The Elks gave America
Flag Day.

Long before it was a national observance, the Order set aside June 14th to honor the flag. Patriotism has always been one of our cardinal principles, and every lodge meeting still closes the same way it has for over a century.

“To our absent members.” — the Eleven O’Clock Toast

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Community · Friendship · Charity

Who are the Elks?

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is one of America's oldest and largest fraternal orders, founded in 1868. Every lodge is a home for fellowship, service, and patriotism in its own hometown.

$481M+given through the Elks National Foundation for scholarships, veterans, and community programs.

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