Drake Travel Guide
Des Moines
Popular places to visit
Iowa State Fairgrounds
Enjoy an outing to Iowa State Fairgrounds during your stay in Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event.
Jordan Creek Town Center
You can do some window-shopping at Jordan Creek Town Center during your visit to West Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music or attend a sporting event.
Iowa Events Center
Learn about the events happening in Iowa Events Center during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theatre scene.
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 lively festivals and acclaimed theatre scene.
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.
Top hotels in Drake
Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University
"Very nice room! The breakfast wasn't the best."
Reviewed on 2 Jun 2026
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
"Beautiful lobby. The building has kept much of it's old character and charm. Staff were extremely nice! Gym is very clean and updated. Only thing I would ask for is better condiments for starbuck's coffee in the room. Please stop those packets containing the sweet and lo, powdered creamer etc... ..."
Reviewed on 1 Jun 2026
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
"Greeted by a friendly desk person. Knew how to complete the check-in process without hiccups/being slow or feeling rushed. Was able to answer questions about the immediate area. Everything worked well in the room. (We had spent previous days with bath fan that sounded like a jet engine!) Happy not ..."
Reviewed on 2 Jun 2026
Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West
"The rooms were very nice and clean. The staff were great and breakfast was very good."
Reviewed on 2 Jun 2026
Des Lux Hotel
"This is an absolutely beautiful hotel and the staff was more than friendly! Breakfast was great! Will definitely stay again if ever in downtown Des Moines!"
Reviewed on 2 Jun 2026
Drury Inn & Suites West Des Moines
"Clean room staff and breakfast are good."
Reviewed on 2 Jun 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.
Sherman Hill
When in Sherman Hill, you can plan a visit to Hoyt Sherman Place and John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, 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, Des Moines Community Playhouse and Waveland Municipal Golf Course 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 Temple Theater.
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.
