Greater South Side Travel Guide
Des Moines





Visit Greater South Side
Popular places to visit

Gray’s Lake Park
Bring your towel and fishing rod to enjoy life’s simplicities in a pleasant park just outside downtown in this major urban center.

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 acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.

Iowa State Fairgrounds
Enjoy an outing to Iowa State Fairgrounds during your stay in Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene 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 lively festivals 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 great live music and acclaimed theatre scene.
Top hotels in Greater South Side

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Internet was weird. Walls were very thin you could hear everything next door.
Reviewed on 6 Mar 2026

Hampton Inn Des Moines-Airport
clean room, the airport shuttle took awhile to arrive. after we called, the staff was nice and friendly
Reviewed on 5 Mar 2026

AmericInn by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Clean room, well maintained, friendly staff. I would have given 5 stars if the breakfast (which was good) was better (watery eggs) and my room key hadn't stopped working.
Reviewed on 27 Feb 2026

Quality Inn & Suites Des Moines Airport
airport shuttle a plus.
Reviewed on 6 Mar 2026

Holiday Inn Des Moines-Airport/Conf Center by IHG
Wonderful stay beautiful place Staff was sp helpful
Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
The staff was great, especially Morgan!
Reviewed on 6 Mar 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Greater South Side

Grays Lake
While Grays Lake isn't home to many top sights, Gray’s Lake Park and Lauridsen Amphitheater are some notable places to visit nearby.

Indianola Hills
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Indianola Hills and surrounding area, you can visit Principal Park and Science Center of Iowa.

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

Columbus Park
While Columbus Park may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Principal Park and Science Center of Iowa.

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.

Western Gateway
While visiting Western Gateway, you might make a stop by sights like John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park and Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
