Drake Travel Guide

Des Moines

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

Stay near popular Drake attractions

Drake University

8.6/10 (639 reviews)
Explore the campus of Drake University during your travels in Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.
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Things to do

Astounding Art Walk in Des Moines Experience

Astounding Art Walk in Des Moines Experience

฿492
per adult
Astounding Art Walk in Des Moines Experience
An Epic Scavenger Hunt : Adventures in Des Moines

An Epic Scavenger Hunt : Adventures in Des Moines

฿492
per adult
An Epic Scavenger Hunt : Adventures in Des Moines
See all activities in Des Moines

Top hotels in Drake

Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University

Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University

3 out of 5
2650 University Ave. Des Moines IA
The price is ฿3,632 per night from 4 Oct to 5 Oct
฿3,632
฿4,067 total
4 Oct - 5 Oct
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 helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,002 reviews)
"great place!! highly recommend!!!!"

Reviewed on 12 Sept 2026

Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University
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 ฿4,174 per night from 11 Oct to 12 Oct
฿4,174
฿4,674 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 ...
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 ฿3,229 per night from 14 Sept to 15 Sept
฿3,229
฿3,616 total
14 Sept - 15 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. ...
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
Sonesta Essential Des Moines

Sonesta Essential Des Moines

2 out of 5
4755 Merle Hay Road Des Moines IA
The price is ฿2,016 per night from 20 Sept to 21 Sept
฿2,016
฿2,357 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! (1,009 reviews)
"Clean and inexpensive, thanks!"

Reviewed on 13 Sept 2026

Sonesta Essential Des Moines
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 ฿2,327 per night from 22 Sept to 23 Sept
฿2,327
฿2,606 total
22 Sept - 23 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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,817 reviews)
"terrible"

Reviewed on 13 Sept 2026

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Wildwood Lodge

Wildwood Lodge

3 out of 5
11431 Forest Ave Clive IA
The price is ฿3,363 per night from 20 Sept to 21 Sept
฿3,363
฿3,766 total
20 Sept - 21 Sept
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
See all 821 properties in Drake
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 Drake

Find the best Drake 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.

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.

A paved road flanked by trees and bushes, leading into the distance.
Photo by Emily Ruschill
Open Photo by Emily Ruschill

Southwestern Hills

Though Southwestern Hills may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Gray’s Lake Park and Lauridsen Amphitheater.

Drake Travel Guide