Court District Travel Guide
Des Moines
Visit Court District
Popular places to visit
Principal Park
Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and acclaimed theatre scene.
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.
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 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.
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.
Things to do
The Deadly Dirge of Des Moines Ghost Tour
Top hotels in Court District
Des Lux Hotel
"Loved this hotel! From Des Moines but been gone a LONG time and wanted to try a fun new hotel. This place was perfect for my wife and I. Location is perfect, staff were amazing, and the room was really fun. Was a bit worried about some road construction going on during our stay but while we could ..."
Reviewed on 23 Jun 2026
Hampton Inn & Suites Des Moines Downtown
"If you're looking for an Excellent hotel with a great location, that's within walking distance to restaurants, bars and Principal Park, this is the one! There is garage parking, for a fee. Street parking can be tricky. We loved our stay!"
Reviewed on 22 Jun 2026
Residence Inn Des Moines Downtown
"Friendly check in staff, room was clean and the exact specifications expected. Lots of room at the buffet for food."
Reviewed on 19 Jun 2026
Surety Hotel, Autograph Collection
"Great"
Reviewed on 22 Jun 2026
Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines
"Very clean and nice and quite"
Reviewed on 23 Jun 2026
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
"We purchased the breakfast and early check in and out. Our reservation said resort credits but since it didn’t say what those credits were we didn’t get the breakfast we paid for. This was very disappointing to pay extra and not get it but I feel this is expedias fault not so much the hotel’s since ..."
Reviewed on 24 Jun 2026
Where to stay in Court District
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.
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.
Drake
While visiting Drake, you might make a stop by sights like Knapp Center and Des Moines Community Playhouse.
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.
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.
