Drake Travel Guide
Des Moines
Popular places to visit
Adventureland
Bring the family to Adventureland and enjoy this exciting theme park in Altoona. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.
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.
Principal Park
Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals.
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.
Living History Farms
You can spend time exploring the galleries in Living History Farms during your travels in Urbandale. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals.
Des Moines Art Center
Spend time admiring the architectural lines of this art and education center before heading inside to view its outstanding collection.
Top hotels in Drake
Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University
Clean modern rooms, hallways, and lobby. Loved not having an alarm clock in the room as many times they are pre set for the alarm from the last visitor. I loved how the hallway door had a barrier all the way down to the floor so you could not see the hallway light underneath it.
Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Very nice hotel.
Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026
Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines
Amenities
Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026
Des Lux Hotel
Loved it
Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
We were allowed am early check in which was so helpful. Room was clean, breakfast delicious and staff very friendly
Reviewed on 13 Jan 2026
Drury Inn & Suites West Des Moines
Clean room, great kickback event
Reviewed on 12 Jan 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.
North of Grand
North of Grand might not have many top sights, but Salisbury House and Des Moines Art Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
Sherman Hill
When in Sherman Hill, you can plan a visit to Hoyt Sherman Place and 801 Grand, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
Beaverdale
While Beaverdale isn't home to many top sights, Merle Hay Mall and Knapp Center are some notable places to visit nearby.
Waveland Park
If you're spending some time in Waveland Park, Waveland Municipal Golf Course and Des Moines Community Playhouse are top sights worth seeing.
Western Gateway
While visiting Western Gateway, you might make a stop by sights like John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park and Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
