Drake Travel Guide

Des Moines

The exterior and interior of Mars Cafe, featuring a brick facade, large windows, and a red interior with hanging lights and artwork.

Stay near popular Drake attractions

Drake University

8.6/10 (639 reviews)
Explore the campus of Drake University during your travels in Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event.
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Things to do

The Deadly Dirge of Des Moines Ghost Tour

The Deadly Dirge of Des Moines Ghost Tour

Rp571.552
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
The Deadly Dirge of Des Moines Ghost Tour
See all activities in Des Moines

Top hotels in Drake

Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University

Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University

3 out of 5
2650 University Ave. Des Moines IA
The price is Rp1.877.138 per night from 20 Sept to 21 Sept
Rp1.877.138
Rp2.102.394 total
20 Sept - 21 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,009 reviews)
"Will stay there again!!!"

Reviewed on 2 Sept 2026

Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University
Sonesta Essential Des Moines

Sonesta Essential Des Moines

2 out of 5
4755 Merle Hay Road Des Moines IA
The price is Rp1.069.523 per night from 15 Sept to 16 Sept
Rp1.069.523
Rp1.250.996 total
15 Sept - 16 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms in their reviews. Popular ...
Sonesta Essential Des Moines
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

4.5 out of 5
1000 Walnut St Des Moines IA
The price is Rp2.313.463 per night from 6 Sept to 7 Sept
Rp2.313.463
Rp2.591.078 total
6 Sept - 7 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

2 out of 5
1901 Hackley Ave Des Moines IA
The price is Rp1.247.629 per night from 13 Sept to 14 Sept
Rp1.247.629
Rp1.397.344 total
13 Sept - 14 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,825 reviews)
"Stayed for one night. Great value. Courteous desk staff. Clean and spacious room, and quiet neighborhood; exactly how I like it. Would stay there again. Thanks!!!"

Reviewed on 2 Sept 2026

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston

Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston

2.5 out of 5
5291 Stoney Creek Court Johnston IA
The price is Rp1.731.191 per night from 10 Sept to 11 Sept
Rp1.731.191
Rp1.938.934 total
10 Sept - 11 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Johnston. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,883 reviews)
"We got the room with bunk beds. Great big room with a lot of space. Huge beds. Beds are 6/10-ish cofort wise but property is unique and room was very good for our single night."

Reviewed on 1 Sept 2026

Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
GrandStay Hotel & Suites

GrandStay Hotel & Suites

2 out of 5
6215 Merle Hay Road Johnston IA
The price is Rp1.448.773 per night from 10 Sept to 11 Sept
Rp1.448.773
Rp1.622.627 total
10 Sept - 11 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Johnston. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Iowa Gold Star Military Museum and Merle Hay Mall are ...
GrandStay Hotel & Suites
See all 842 properties in Drake
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Where to stay in Drake

Find the best Drake areas for the activities you enjoy most.
The entrance to the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden with a large dome structure in the background.

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.

A city skyline at night with illuminated buildings and a prominent tower.
Photo by Ryan Brohm
Open Photo by Ryan Brohm

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.

A sign reading "Historic East Village" with a clear blue sky and clouds in the background.

Historic East Village

Historic East Village is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Wooly's and Iowa State Capitol Building while you're in town.

An aerial view of a city with a large stadium, parking lots, and surrounding buildings.

Fairground

While Fairground may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Iowa State Fairgrounds and Iowa State Capitol Building.

A calm lake surrounded by trees and a stone bridge.

Greater South Side

While there might not be top attractions in Greater South Side, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Gray’s Lake Park and Lauridsen Amphitheater.

Drake Travel Guide