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 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 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 lively festivals and great live music.
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 great live music and lively festivals.
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.
Top hotels in Merle Hay
Sonesta Essential Des Moines
The room is clean and neat. Check in was a breeze. Clean decor and good staff makes this a good deal. I'd stay here again.
Reviewed on 26 Jan 2026
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Room was great staff were very kind had to leave due to family emergency huge thank you to the staff that helped out that night and got my car out of valet for me will be coming back soon!!
Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026
Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University
Clean, spacious, great amenities, and the sheets were super soft.
Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026
Des Lux Hotel
The front desk lady was very nice and helpful! This was one of my favorite places to stay. So thank you all.
Reviewed on 6 Feb 2026
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
Clean courteous staff
Reviewed on 28 Jan 2026
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
We stay here several times a year whenever we travel anywhere! The staff is always great and the room and breakfast is always excellent. Add to that a reasonable price and you can’t beat it! We also can park our car there while we’re gone making it so very convenient ❤️
Reviewed on 4 Feb 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.
