Drake Travel Guide
Des Moines
Popular places to visit
Jordan Creek Town Center
You can do some window-shopping at Jordan Creek Town Center during your visit to West Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music or attend a sporting event.
Iowa State Fairgrounds
Enjoy an outing to Iowa State Fairgrounds during your stay in Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event.
Iowa Events Center
Learn about the events happening in Iowa Events Center during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theatre scene.
Principal Park
Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and acclaimed theatre scene.
Iowa State Capitol Building
A city landmark, this interesting building showcases design and architectural features that created a grand impression in the late 1800s and still inspire today.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Experience the tropics in an indoor garden oasis nearly 100 years old alongside a meandering river in this Midwestern city.
Top hotels in Drake
Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University
"Great place to stay. Wonderful experience during State Track meet. Highly recommend as it is right next to the Drake Campus"
Reviewed on 26 May 2026
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
"Luxury! Would stay anytime."
Reviewed on 26 May 2026
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
"Inexpensive and has all the bases covered. Can walk to airport but they also have a shuttle service (plan ahead for departure time - tell the concierge). Nice breakfast."
Reviewed on 26 May 2026
Motel 6 West Des Moines, IA
"The clerks I interacted with were very pleasant. The manager on the other hand was HORRID ~ VERY RUDE! I liked that there was no carpet in the room. I really really really didn't like that the doors were not automatic. Made it very challenging to get the luggage in especially since it was 2 doors. ..."
Reviewed on 26 May 2026
Wildwood Lodge
"I love the vibe. A quiet mountain lodge in the middle of the city. Fun decor. Great Breakfast. Fantastic coffee. Desk staff was very friendly."
Reviewed on 27 May 2026
Des Lux Hotel
"Everything was amazing. We enjoyed our stay. We will be back."
Reviewed on 26 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Drake
Woodland Heights
While Woodland Heights isn't home to many top sights, Hoyt Sherman Place and John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park are some notable places to visit nearby.
Sherman Hill
When in Sherman Hill, you can plan a visit to Hoyt Sherman Place and John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
Beaverdale
While Beaverdale isn't home to many top sights, Knapp Center and Merle Hay Mall are some notable places to visit nearby.
Western Gateway
While visiting Western Gateway, you might make a stop by sights like John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park and Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
Waterbury
While Waterbury may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Val Air Ballroom and Des Moines Art Center.
Downtown Des Moines
The abundant dining options and live music are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Des Moines. A stop by 801 Grand or Des Moines Civic Center might round out your trip.
