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 ฿4,177 per night from 15 Nov to 16 Nov
฿4,177
฿4,679 total
15 Nov - 16 Nov
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
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 ฿3,288 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
฿3,288
฿3,683 total
16 Nov - 17 Nov
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Greeted by freindly staff which always accommodating. Very convenient location to major highways and accessible to the places our family wanted to see. Great rooms, great breakfasts, and the two year old loved the pool. Priced right for the area."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2026

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 ฿2,926 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
฿2,926
฿3,277 total
20 Oct - 21 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. ...
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 ฿2,222 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
฿2,222
฿2,489 total
2 Nov - 3 Nov
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
Wildwood Lodge

Wildwood Lodge

3 out of 5
11431 Forest Ave Clive IA
The price is ฿3,286 per night from 18 Oct to 19 Oct
฿3,286
฿3,680 total
18 Oct - 19 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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,220 reviews)
"Great check-in and room. Breakfast had choices and hot items. Good overnight, one night stay in DSM. Next to lots of restaurants!"

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2026

Wildwood Lodge
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 ฿2,402 per night from 22 Oct to 23 Oct
฿2,402
฿2,690 total
22 Oct - 23 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 (1,092 reviews)
"There was not a clean window at the property, not on the rooms not on the doors in and out of places not on anything. Every surface was sticky, the doors were sticky going into the rooms, the toilet handle did not work in my bathroom it ran if you didn't manually adjust it. The TV didn't turn off ..."

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2026

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines
See all 801 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 city skyline at sunset with illuminated buildings and domed structures.

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.

Grays Lake Travel Guide