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 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.
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
Beyond expectations! Super property and staff.
Reviewed on 8 Apr 2026
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Great staff. Beautiful rooms
Reviewed on 6 Apr 2026
Wildwood Lodge
We had a great stay at Wildwood. The WiFi worked well, the rooms were clean, the pool was fun, the fire pit and fireplace were on and ready for guest, and the staff was helpful and kind. The breakfast had a lot of options (waffles, biscuits and gravy, eggs, cereal, apples, toast, bagels, yogurt, ...
Reviewed on 6 Apr 2026
Des Lux Hotel
This hotel is is our favorite in Des Moines. Full of fantastic art and super comfortable! You're going to love the rooms, lounge, and the breakfast. It's perfect for a couple's getaway or professional trip.
Reviewed on 5 Apr 2026
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Very comfortable room. Close to the airport. Friendly staff.
Reviewed on 8 Apr 2026
Drury Inn & Suites West Des Moines
The room was spotless, we had no trouble getting a couple extra pillows and blankets, staff was friendly, and breakfast was excellent!
Reviewed on 8 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.
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.
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.
