Merle Hay 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.
Principal Park
Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. 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.
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.
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.
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 Merle Hay
Sonesta Essential Des Moines
Clean and fresh
Reviewed on 3 Nov 2025
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Super comfy beds and linen, clean, and nicely designed rooms!
Reviewed on 3 Nov 2025
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Close to airport
Reviewed on 2 Nov 2025
Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University
The breakfast was great. I just wish more plant base options could be available as far as dairy concerns unfortunately we do not drink milk. Hopefully, you guys can incorporate some almond milk or soy milk options as well and as well within the food area. Thank you.
Reviewed on 3 Nov 2025
Motel 6 West Des Moines, IA
Very clean quiet and love the staff especially the front desk gentlman sian
Reviewed on 30 Oct 2025
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
My husband and I have stayed at this property multiple times and have always enjoyed our stay. This time stayed on the cottage side instead of the hotel I love the cabin feel and all the decorations and different rooms within the cottages to hang out in including our room that we picked. Our first ...
Reviewed on 31 Oct 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Merle Hay
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.
Lovington
Lovington is popular for its ample dining options, and you might make a stop by Merle Hay Mall, a top place to visit in the area.
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.
Drake
While visiting Drake, you might make a stop by sights like Knapp Center and Des Moines Community Playhouse.
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.
