The 30 Best Local attractions in Des Moines, Iowa

Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston is a charming lodging institution located at 5291 Stoney Creek Court in Johnston, Iowa, United States. Situated between downtown Des Moines and West Des Moines, this hotel offers a rustic charm that will make you feel right at home. Whether you are visiting for business or pleasure, the genuine hospitality of the staff will make you feel welcome. The hotel is conveniently located 15 minutes away from popular attractions such as Wells Fargo Arena, the Des Moines Art Center, Adventureland, and more. The hotel features well-appointed rooms with eye-catching details, a pub serving local beers and wines, and a range of amenities including a pool, fitness center, and Bearly's Bar. Guests can enjoy complimentary hot breakfast and WiFi during their stay. The hotel's suites offer unique features such as fireplaces, whirlpools, bunk beds, and full-size kitchens in extended stay cottages.

Motel 6 Des Moines, IA - North is a comfortable and affordable lodging option located at 4940 Northeast 14th Street in Des Moines, Iowa, United States. The institution offers clean and spacious rooms for guests to relax and unwind during their stay. Conveniently situated near local attractions and dining options, Motel 6 is the perfect choice for travelers looking for a budget-friendly accommodation in the area. Enjoy a pleasant stay with friendly staff and all the amenities you need for a restful night's sleep.

Staybridge Suites West Des Moines, an IHG Hotel, is a cozy and welcoming lodging option located at 6905 Lake Drive in West Des Moines, Iowa, United States. This hotel offers spacious and comfortable suites, perfect for both short and extended stays. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a complimentary breakfast buffet, a fitness center, an indoor pool, and a business center. The hotel's convenient location provides easy access to local attractions, shopping centers, and dining options. Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, Staybridge Suites West Des Moines is the perfect choice for a relaxing and enjoyable stay.

Homewood Suites by Hilton West Des Moines/SW Mall Area is a comfortable and convenient lodging option located at 6220 Stagecoach Drive in West Des Moines, Iowa, United States. This hotel offers spacious and well-appointed suites, perfect for both short and extended stays. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a complimentary hot breakfast, evening socials, a fitness center, and an indoor pool. With its close proximity to the Southridge Mall and easy access to local attractions, Homewood Suites by Hilton is the ideal choice for travelers looking for a relaxing and enjoyable stay in West Des Moines.

Econo Lodge Ankeny - Des Moines is a comfortable and affordable lodging option located at 2602 Southeast Creekview Drive in Ankeny, Iowa. Situated just a short drive away from downtown Des Moines, this hotel offers convenient access to local attractions, restaurants, and shopping centers. The rooms are spacious and well-equipped with modern amenities, making it a perfect choice for both business and leisure travelers. Guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and access to a fitness center. With friendly staff and a convenient location, Econo Lodge Ankeny - Des Moines provides a pleasant stay for guests visiting the area.

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Des Moines West is a comfortable and convenient lodging option located at 7225 Vista Drive in West Des Moines, Iowa, United States. This hotel offers modern amenities, spacious rooms, and friendly service to ensure a pleasant stay for guests. Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, Fairfield Inn & Suites provides a relaxing environment with easy access to local attractions, dining, and shopping. Experience the hospitality of Marriott at this welcoming establishment in the heart of West Des Moines.

Motel 6 Altoona, IA - Des Moines East is a comfortable and affordable lodging option located at 3225 Adventureland Drive in Altoona, Iowa. Conveniently situated near the popular Adventureland amusement park, this motel offers easy access to Des Moines and its many attractions. The rooms are clean and cozy, perfect for a relaxing stay after a day of exploring the area. With friendly staff and great amenities, Motel 6 Altoona, IA - Des Moines East is the perfect choice for travelers looking for a budget-friendly accommodation option in the heart of Iowa.

Econo Lodge Urbandale - Northwest Des Moines is a comfortable and affordable lodging option located at 10841 Douglas Avenue in Urbandale, Iowa. Conveniently situated in the northwest area of Des Moines, this hotel offers easy access to local attractions, dining options, and shopping centers. Guests can enjoy spacious rooms equipped with modern amenities, complimentary breakfast, and free Wi-Fi. With friendly staff and a convenient location, Econo Lodge Urbandale is the perfect choice for both leisure and business travelers visiting the area.

Best Western Plus Des Moines West Inn & Suites is a premier lodging destination located at 1450 Northwest 118th Street in Clive, Iowa, United States. This modern hotel offers comfortable and stylish accommodations for both leisure and business travelers. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a fitness center, indoor pool, complimentary breakfast, and high-speed internet access. The hotel's convenient location provides easy access to local attractions, shopping, and dining options. Whether you are visiting for business or pleasure, Best Western Plus Des Moines West Inn & Suites is the perfect choice for your stay in Clive.

Sonesta Simply Suites Des Moines is a modern and comfortable lodging option located at 7625 Office Plaza Drive North in West Des Moines, Iowa. The hotel offers spacious suites with fully equipped kitchens, perfect for extended stays or business travelers. Guests can enjoy amenities such as free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness center, laundry facilities, and a complimentary breakfast buffet. The hotel's convenient location provides easy access to local attractions, shopping, and dining options. Whether you're visiting for work or leisure, Sonesta Simply Suites Des Moines is the perfect home away from home in the heart of Iowa.

AC Hotel by Marriott Des Moines East Village is a modern and stylish lodging option located in the heart of Des Moines, Iowa. Situated at 401 East Grand Avenue, this hotel offers contemporary design, upscale amenities, and a convenient location in the vibrant East Village neighborhood. Guests can enjoy comfortable rooms, a fitness center, a rooftop bar with stunning views, and easy access to local attractions, restaurants, and shops. Whether visiting for business or pleasure, AC Hotel by Marriott Des Moines East Village provides a sophisticated and welcoming atmosphere for all travelers.

Baymont by Wyndham Des Moines North is a comfortable and convenient lodging option located at 4685 Northeast 14th Street in Des Moines, Iowa, United States. This hotel offers spacious rooms with modern amenities, a complimentary breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Guests can enjoy a relaxing stay in a peaceful atmosphere, with easy access to local attractions and dining options. Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, Baymont by Wyndham Des Moines North provides a welcoming and enjoyable experience for all guests.

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Des Moines Urbandale is a modern and comfortable lodging option located at 8800 Northpark Drive in Urbandale, Iowa. This hotel offers spacious suites with fully equipped kitchens, free Wi-Fi, and a complimentary breakfast buffet. Guests can also enjoy amenities such as a fitness center, indoor pool, and outdoor patio area. The hotel's convenient location provides easy access to local attractions, shopping, and dining options. Whether traveling for business or leisure, TownePlace Suites by Marriott Des Moines Urbandale is a great choice for a relaxing stay in the heart of Iowa.

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Des Moines Urbandale is a comfortable and modern lodging option located at 8661 Plum Drive in Urbandale, Iowa, United States. This hotel offers spacious and well-appointed rooms and suites, perfect for both business and leisure travelers. Guests can enjoy amenities such as complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and an indoor pool. The convenient location provides easy access to local attractions, restaurants, and businesses. Experience a relaxing stay with exceptional service at Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Des Moines Urbandale.

Red Roof Inn Des Moines is a comfortable and affordable lodging option located at 5020 Northeast 14th Street in Des Moines, Iowa, United States. The hotel offers clean and spacious rooms with modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and plush bedding. Guests can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast each morning and access to a fitness center for their convenience. The hotel is conveniently located near local attractions and restaurants, making it a great choice for both business and leisure travelers. Experience a relaxing stay at Red Roof Inn Des Moines during your visit to the area.

The Hampton Inn & Suites Des Moines/Urbandale is a comfortable and inviting lodging option located at 8811 Plum Drive in Urbandale, Iowa, United States. This hotel offers a range of amenities including free breakfast, a fitness center, indoor pool, and complimentary WiFi. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed, perfect for both leisure and business travelers. The convenient location allows for easy access to local attractions, shopping, and dining options. Experience a relaxing stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites Des Moines/Urbandale.

Extended Stay America - Des Moines - Urbandale is a cozy and convenient lodging option located in Urbandale, Iowa. Situated at 3940 114th Street, this hotel offers comfortable and spacious rooms for guests looking for an extended stay in the area. With amenities such as fully equipped kitchens, free Wi-Fi, and on-site laundry facilities, guests can feel at home during their stay. The hotel is also conveniently located near local attractions, dining options, and shopping centers. Whether you are visiting for business or leisure, Extended Stay America - Des Moines - Urbandale is the perfect choice for your extended stay in Iowa.

Holiday Inn Express Des Moines Ankeny, an IHG Hotel, is a comfortable and convenient lodging option located at 2502 Southeast Hulsizer Drive in Ankeny, Iowa, United States. This hotel offers modern amenities, spacious rooms, and a complimentary breakfast to ensure a pleasant stay for guests. The hotel is situated in a prime location with easy access to local attractions, dining options, and shopping centers. Whether you are visiting for business or leisure, Holiday Inn Express Des Moines Ankeny is the perfect choice for your stay in Iowa.

WoodSpring Suites Ankeny Des Moines is a comfortable and affordable lodging option located at 6703 Southeast Bellagio Drive in Ankeny, Iowa, United States. This extended stay hotel offers spacious rooms with fully-equipped kitchens, making it ideal for both short and long-term stays. Guests can enjoy amenities such as free Wi-Fi, on-site laundry facilities, and 24/7 access to staff assistance. The hotel is conveniently located near Des Moines, providing easy access to local attractions, restaurants, and businesses. Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, WoodSpring Suites Ankeny Des Moines is the perfect choice for a relaxing and convenient stay.

Connect55 Ankeny is a premier 55 plus active adult retirement community in Iowa, offering maintenance-free senior living with modern amenities and state-of-the-art facilities. Located at 1225 Southwest 28th Street in Ankeny, this pet-friendly community features a cozy library, welcoming community room, and spacious apartments. With a full calendar of fun events and exciting activities, residents will never be bored at Connect55 Ankeny. Situated in the suburb of Des Moines, Ankeny provides an ideal location for independent senior living with easy access to major highways and local amenities. Residents can enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment within walking distance of the community. Ankeny also offers a variety of cultural and outdoor activities, including local cuisine, farmers' markets, nature trails, and golf courses. The capital city of Iowa, Des Moines, is just a short drive away, offering attractions such as the Des Moines Art Center and The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.

The Des Moines Heritage Trust/East Union Depot is a charming museum and tourist attraction located at 120 East 5th Street in Des Moines, Iowa. This historic institution showcases the rich heritage and culture of the region, with a particular focus on the East Union Depot and its significance in the development of the area. Visitors can explore exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays that bring the past to life, providing a fascinating glimpse into the history of Des Moines and its surrounding communities. Whether you're a history buff, a local resident, or a curious traveler, a visit to the Des Moines Heritage Trust/East Union Depot is sure to be a memorable and enlightening experience.

The Royal Mile is a charming bar and restaurant located in the heart of Des Moines, Iowa. Situated at 210 4th Street, this establishment offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere where patrons can enjoy a wide selection of delicious food and beverages. Whether you're looking for a casual spot to grab a pint with friends or a place to enjoy a hearty meal, The Royal Mile has something for everyone. With its welcoming ambiance and friendly staff, this institution is a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike. Come experience the warm hospitality and tasty offerings at The Royal Mile today!

Blank Park Zoo is a popular tourist attraction located in Des Moines, Iowa. Situated at 7401 Southwest 9th Street, this zoo is home to a diverse collection of animals from around the world. Visitors can explore various exhibits and learn about conservation efforts to protect endangered species. The institution offers educational programs, interactive experiences, and special events for visitors of all ages. With its commitment to wildlife conservation and education, Blank Park Zoo provides a fun and informative experience for the whole family.

The Iowa State Capitol is a local government office and tourist attraction located at 1007 East Grand Avenue in Des Moines, Iowa, United States. This historic building serves as the seat of government for the state of Iowa and is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful grounds. Visitors can explore the Capitol's impressive dome, intricate mosaics, and grand chambers while learning about the state's history and government. Guided tours are available to provide a deeper insight into the workings of the Iowa State Capitol. Don't miss the opportunity to visit this iconic landmark in the heart of Des Moines.

The Science Center of Iowa, located at 401 West Martin Luther King Junior Parkway in Des Moines, is a dynamic institution that aims to engage and inspire a love of science in visitors of all ages. As a museum, school, and tourist attraction, SCI offers hands-on exhibits, special-format theaters, and unique programming that encourages learning and fun. Centrally located in Downtown Des Moines, SCI is a hub for science education and exploration in the state. With daily visitors, statewide educational outreach programs, and an NAEYC-accredited preschool, the Science Center of Iowa serves over 300,000 people annually. Whether you're a local resident or a tourist passing through, a visit to SCI is sure to spark curiosity and excitement about the wonders of science.

Brown Garage is a trusted car repair institution located at 401 Grand Avenue in Des Moines, Iowa. Whether you are a busy professional working for a multinational company or a small business owner, our team is here to ensure your vehicle is running smoothly. Situated in the vibrant Downtown Des Moines area, our garage is easily accessible for all your automotive needs. Experience the bustling city lifestyle, attend exciting festivals and events, explore arts and culture attractions, or cheer on your favorite sports teams - all while knowing your car is in good hands at Brown Garage. Connect with us today for top-notch car repair services.

Located at 101 Jordan Creek Parkway in West Des Moines, Iowa, Scheels is a premier clothing, shoe, and general store offering a wide range of high-quality gear for sports, fashion, footwear, and entertainment. Whether you're looking for team apparel, custom clubs, outdoor gear, or just a new bike, Scheels has it all. With a 179,000 square-foot shopping experience, Scheels at Jordan Creek Town Center is the perfect destination for the whole family. The store features a variety of specialty shops, including SCHEELS Outfitters, where you can find exclusive products for camping, hunting, and more. Additionally, Scheels offers services such as bike repairs, skate sharpening, and ski waxing by Barnett-certified technicians. The store also has unique attractions like an archery shooting range, rollerball bowling lanes, and arcade games. Complete your shopping experience with a visit to Fuzziwig's Candy Factory and Ginna's Cafe. Scheels is committed to providing the best retail experience and gives back to the local community by donating a portion of its profits to charities. Join the Scheels team and share your passion with customers while enjoying great perks. Shop with confidence at Scheels, where every purchase is guaranteed satisfactory or your money back.

MLK Park is a beautiful and serene park located at 1650 Garfield Avenue in Des Moines, Iowa. Named in honor of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., this park serves as a peaceful retreat for visitors and locals alike. With lush greenery, walking paths, and a playground for children, MLK Park is the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, a picnic, or simply enjoying the outdoors. The park also features a memorial dedicated to Dr. King, making it a significant historical site as well as a popular tourist attraction in the area. Whether you're looking to relax in nature or learn more about an important figure in American history, MLK Park is a must-visit destination in Des Moines.

The East Village Mural is a vibrant and captivating tourist attraction located at 525 East Grand Avenue in Des Moines, Iowa, United States. This stunning mural showcases the rich history and culture of the East Village neighborhood, featuring intricate artwork and vibrant colors that are sure to capture the attention of visitors. Whether you're a local resident or a tourist exploring the area, a visit to the East Village Mural is a must-see experience that will leave you in awe of the talent and creativity on display.

Flying Mango is a beloved food institution located at 4345 Hickman Road in Des Moines, Iowa, United States. This restaurant offers a unique dining experience, with a menu full of delicious dishes that have been featured on the popular TV show "Diners, Drive-ins & Dives". The walls of Flying Mango are adorned with vibrant paintings by HC Porter, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for patrons to enjoy their meal. Throughout the challenges of the pandemic, Flying Mango has been grateful for the support of their loyal customers and continues to provide top-notch service and mouth-watering food. Join us at Flying Mango for a dining experience like no other!