Grays Lake Travel Guide
Des Moines
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.
Water Works Park
Water Works Park is just one of the places to see in Des Moines, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels?
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.
Top hotels in Grays Lake
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Comfortable beds, clean, the most well dressed and courteous staff. I love the character this hotel has. It’s gorgeous.
Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026
Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines
For
Reviewed on 17 Feb 2026
Sonesta Simply Suites Des Moines
Very clean Nice staff
Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026
Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University
Nice experience
Reviewed on 17 Feb 2026
Des Lux Hotel
This hotel was amazing and definitely a favorite of mine. It is an older hotel but everything is clean and beautiful. The staff was so friendly and the free breakfast was the best I have ever had.
Reviewed on 17 Feb 2026
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
Water poured from the light fixture in the bathroom. Room above us was having bath tub draining issues. The rest of the hotel is outdated and falling apart. The pictures on line are 20+ years old. I don’t recommend but our room was clean for the most part.
Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Grays Lake
Greater South Side
While there might not be top attractions in Greater South Side, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Air Lanes Bowling Center and Gray’s Lake Park.
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.
Western Gateway
While visiting Western Gateway, you might make a stop by sights like John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park and Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
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.
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.
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.
