Grays Lake Travel Guide

Des Moines

A nighttime pedestrian bridge with illuminated railings and a rainbow-colored light projection on the floor.
A calm lake with mist rising from the water, surrounded by trees under a clear sky.
A calm lake surrounded by trees and a stone bridge.
A park with a curved walking path, surrounded by grass and trees.
A river with a forested area and several buildings in the background.

Stay near popular Grays Lake attractions

A concrete bridge over a river with metal railings, surrounded by dense green trees.

Gray’s Lake Park

8.4/10 (8 reviews)
Bring your towel and fishing rod to enjoy life’s simplicities in a pleasant park just outside downtown in this major urban center.
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Top hotels in Grays Lake

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

4.5 out of 5
1000 Walnut St Des Moines IA
The price is ฿4,722 per night from 20 Sept to 21 Sept
฿4,722
฿5,289 total
20 Sept - 21 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston

Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston

2.5 out of 5
5291 Stoney Creek Court Johnston IA
The price is ฿3,214 per night from 17 Sept to 18 Sept
฿3,214
฿3,600 total
17 Sept - 18 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Johnston. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,890 reviews)
"Great place."

Reviewed on 10 Sept 2026

Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

2 out of 5
1901 Hackley Ave Des Moines IA
The price is ฿2,317 per night from 20 Sept to 21 Sept
฿2,317
฿2,595 total
20 Sept - 21 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Sonesta Essential Des Moines

Sonesta Essential Des Moines

2 out of 5
4755 Merle Hay Road Des Moines IA
The price is ฿2,007 per night from 20 Sept to 21 Sept
฿2,007
฿2,347 total
20 Sept - 21 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms in their reviews. Popular ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Definitely one the cleaner place I've been given the price point. And! The Internet actually worked!"

Reviewed on 11 Sept 2026

Sonesta Essential Des Moines
GrandStay Hotel & Suites

GrandStay Hotel & Suites

2 out of 5
6215 Merle Hay Road Johnston IA
The price is ฿2,937 per night from 15 Sept to 16 Sept
฿2,937
฿3,289 total
15 Sept - 16 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Johnston. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Merle Hay Mall and Buccaneer Arena are located ...
GrandStay Hotel & Suites
Motel 6 Des Moines, IA - North

Motel 6 Des Moines, IA - North

2 out of 5
4940 NE 14th Street Des Moines IA
The price is ฿1,957 per night from 23 Sept to 24 Sept
฿1,957
฿2,192 total
23 Sept - 24 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Des Moines. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Casey's Center and Iowa State Fairgrounds are ...
Motel 6 Des Moines, IA - North
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Where to stay in Grays Lake

Find the best Grays Lake areas for the activities you enjoy most.
The entrance to the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden with a large dome structure in the background.

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 Des Moines Civic Center or Science Center of Iowa might round out your trip.

A sign reading "Historic East Village" with a clear blue sky and clouds in the background.

Historic East Village

Historic East Village is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Wooly's and Iowa State Capitol Building while you're in town.

A city skyline at night with illuminated buildings and a prominent tower.
Photo by Ryan Brohm
Open Photo by Ryan Brohm

Court District

Travellers come to Court District for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Science Center of Iowa and Principal Park while you're in town.

The exterior and interior of Mars Cafe, featuring a brick facade, large windows, and a red interior with hanging lights and artwork.
Photo by Eric Mondres
Open Photo by Eric Mondres

Drake

While visiting Drake, you might make a stop by sights like Knapp Center and Des Moines Community Playhouse.

A calm lake surrounded by trees and a stone bridge.

Greater South Side

While there might not be top attractions in Greater South Side, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Gray’s Lake Park and Lauridsen Amphitheater.

Grays Lake Travel Guide