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
"Parking lot is small, makes it hard to park a big truck, not a big deal though. One of the elevators didn’t work though so it made it hard when it came to checking out as I had to make multiple trips and the doors didn’t open on the correct elevator unless someone was coming down in it"
Reviewed on 21 May 2026
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
"We usually stay at Des Luxe but have always wanted to stay at a variety of local hotels. We stayed here for the balcony experience but would never return. It was not well kept and the entrance was difficult and frustrating to locate. Ashley A. Was the only positive aspect of our trip. 10/10 would ..."
Reviewed on 22 May 2026
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
"Room was a nice size, clean and comfortable, but the walls are thin and could hear the neighbors. Breakfast had nice choices with scrambled eggs, sausage gravy with biscuits, yogurt, bananas, cereal, usual waffles, mini muffins."
Reviewed on 22 May 2026
Motel 6 West Des Moines, IA
Wildwood Lodge
"Large area to meet up with family etc. nice breakfast variety. Staff was very helpful and professional."
Reviewed on 22 May 2026
Des Lux Hotel
"Beautiful hotel, great hospitality and good location."
Reviewed on 21 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.
