Merle Hay 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 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.
Principal Park
Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene and great live music.
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 Merle Hay
Sonesta Essential Des Moines
Was disappointed to learn there was a $50 damage deposit charge when we checked in. Was promptly credited back after 4 days. It is just something that should be noted on the web site instead of being a surprise when you check in. Staff at check in was somewhat curt when asked questions about the ...
Reviewed on 22 Mar 2026
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
In my opinion the bathroom was the nicest of any hotel we have ever stayed in! The staff were welcoming and helpful. There is a parking garage behind the hotel that charged us $10.00 for our overnight stay. There is a skywalk that connects it the hotel. It was a little confusing, but that was probably ...
Reviewed on 22 Mar 2026
Wildwood Lodge
Friendly staff, great breakfast, clean rooms, love the area around the hotel. My favorite place to stay in Des Moines.
Reviewed on 23 Mar 2026
Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University
Great service
Reviewed on 24 Mar 2026
Des Lux Hotel
A
Reviewed on 23 Mar 2026
Hyatt Place West Des Moines Jordan Creek
Clean room, pool was nice, plenty parking.
Reviewed on 22 Mar 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Merle Hay
Beaverdale
While Beaverdale isn't home to many top sights, Merle Hay Mall and Knapp Center are some notable places to visit nearby.
Waveland Park
If you're spending some time in Waveland Park, Waveland Municipal Golf Course and Des Moines Community Playhouse are top sights worth seeing.
Lovington
Lovington is popular for its ample dining options, and you might make a stop by Merle Hay Mall, a top place to visit in the area.
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.
Drake
While visiting Drake, you might make a stop by sights like Knapp Center and Des Moines Community Playhouse.
North of Grand
North of Grand might not have many top sights, but Salisbury House and Des Moines Art Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
