Drake Travel Guide
Des Moines
Popular places to visit
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 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.
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.
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 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 Drake
Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University
"Always a pleasure to stay here. Everything in the room was great and the staff is very nice and helpful. We will stay again."
Reviewed on 15 May 2026
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
"Very clean, friendly staff and AMAZING lattes!"
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
"We had a great and pleasant stay at this hotel. It was walking distance to the supermarket and restaurants. Staff was kind and helpful. Thank you very much."
Reviewed on 19 May 2026
Motel 6 West Des Moines, IA
"This Motel 6 was exactly as advertised. I was very pleased with my room and the property. Double lock door was nice too. Thank you! I will stay here again when traveling to WDM."
Reviewed on 19 May 2026
Wildwood Lodge
"Staff was accommodating, room was clean and staff at breakfast were constantly checking on foods and keeping things clean. We had an excellent experience!"
Reviewed on 19 May 2026
Des Lux Hotel
"Staff and room were exceptional in everyway!"
Reviewed on 18 May 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.
Western Gateway
While visiting Western Gateway, you might make a stop by sights like John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park and Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
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.
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.
