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 great live music 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 lively festivals.
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.
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
Can’t get any better on the road. Terrific staff, super room, loved the noise deafening. A drunk guy and his girl came in very loud in the middle of the night. As soon as they closed their door, couldn’t hear a thing. Eco-friendly.
Reviewed on 3 Apr 2026
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Staff, vallet, and room service was amazing!
Reviewed on 1 Apr 2026
Wildwood Lodge
The rooms were extremely clean, the staff were outstandingly amazing, the breakfast every morning felt like home cooking and tasted just like it to, and the pool area was perfect for children and adults! Overall 10/10 love this place!
Reviewed on 1 Apr 2026
Des Lux Hotel
The staff was friendly. The hotel was clean. Breakfast was great. Beautiful lobby. Would definitely go again!
Reviewed on 1 Apr 2026
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Left to early for breakfast - shuttle was great
Reviewed on 3 Apr 2026
Drury Inn & Suites West Des Moines
Staff was very friendly from check-in to check -out. Great variety for breakfast. Kick backs are great.
Reviewed on 3 Apr 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Drake
Woodland Heights
While Woodland Heights isn't home to many top sights, Hoyt Sherman Place and Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden are some notable places to visit nearby.
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.
Sherman Hill
When in Sherman Hill, you can plan a visit to Hoyt Sherman Place and 801 Grand, 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.
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.
Western Gateway
While visiting Western Gateway, you might make a stop by sights like John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park and Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
