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 lakeside park with docks, boats, and a walking path.

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 ฿4,816 per night from 11 Oct to 12 Oct
฿4,816
฿5,394 total
11 Oct - 12 Oct
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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,354 reviews)
"A great place to stay I would recommend it."

Reviewed on 4 Oct 2026

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West

Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West

3 out of 5
7225 Vista Dr West Des Moines IA
The price is ฿3,246 per night from 18 Oct to 19 Oct
฿3,246
฿3,635 total
18 Oct - 19 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in West Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West
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 ฿3,278 per night from 5 Oct to 6 Oct
฿3,278
฿3,672 total
5 Oct - 6 Oct
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! (1,919 reviews)
"Everything was clean & neat for a property that is noted to be older. Great breakfast."

Reviewed on 3 Oct 2026

Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
Wildwood Lodge

Wildwood Lodge

3 out of 5
11431 Forest Ave Clive IA
The price is ฿3,109 per night from 11 Oct to 12 Oct
฿3,109
฿3,482 total
11 Oct - 12 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Clive. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
Wildwood Lodge
Des Lux Hotel

Des Lux Hotel

3.5 out of 5
800 Locust St Des Moines IA
The price is ฿5,708 per night from 5 Oct to 6 Oct
฿5,708
฿6,393 total
5 Oct - 6 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (1,108 reviews)
"Wonderful that is it we had a blast and went to farmers market. The hotel was decorated and conveniently located"

Reviewed on 4 Oct 2026

Des Lux Hotel
Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines

3 out of 5
5000 Merle Hay Rd Urbandale IA
The price is ฿2,396 per night from 18 Oct to 19 Oct
฿2,396
฿2,684 total
18 Oct - 19 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Urbandale. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
5.8/10 (1,083 reviews)
"The hot tub wasn’t working but over all was a good stay"

Reviewed on 3 Oct 2026

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines
See all 793 properties in Grays Lake
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 801 Grand or Des Moines Civic Center 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 nighttime pedestrian bridge with illuminated railings and a rainbow-colored light projection on the floor.
Photo by Analyn Suan
Open Photo by Analyn Suan

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