Grays Lake Travel Guide

Des Moines

A nighttime pedestrian bridge with illuminated railings and a rainbow-colored light projection on the floor.
A calm lake with mist rising from the water, surrounded by trees under a clear sky.
A calm lake surrounded by trees and a stone bridge.
A park with a curved walking path, surrounded by grass and trees.
A river with a forested area and several buildings in the background.

Stay near popular Grays Lake attractions

A concrete bridge over a river with metal railings, surrounded by dense green trees.

Gray’s Lake Park

8.4/10 (8 reviews)
Bring your towel and fishing rod to enjoy life’s simplicities in a pleasant park just outside downtown in this major urban center.
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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 Grays Lake

Sonesta Essential Des Moines

Sonesta Essential Des Moines

2 out of 5
4755 Merle Hay Road Des Moines IA
The price is Rp1.079.273 per night from 16 Sept to 17 Sept
Rp1.079.273
Rp1.261.864 total
16 Sept - 17 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 ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,005 reviews)
"Our rooms smelled terribly of cigarette smoke and when we talked to the front desk, we were told they were full and that’s all they could do"

Reviewed on 31 Aug 2026

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 Rp2.310.594 per night from 6 Sept to 7 Sept
Rp2.310.594
Rp2.587.866 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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,290 reviews)
"Super cute property"

Reviewed on 1 Sept 2026

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 Rp1.245.587 per night from 10 Sept to 11 Sept
Rp1.245.587
Rp1.395.057 total
10 Sept - 11 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 ...
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 Rp1.728.358 per night from 3 Sept to 4 Sept
Rp1.728.358
Rp1.935.760 total
3 Sept - 4 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! (1,887 reviews)
"Lovely and cozy place to stay"

Reviewed on 31 Aug 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 6 Sept to 7 Sept
Rp1.448.773
Rp1.622.627 total
6 Sept - 7 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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (793 reviews)
"Loved pool and hot tub"

Reviewed on 31 Aug 2026

GrandStay Hotel & Suites
Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines

3 out of 5
5000 Merle Hay Rd Urbandale IA
The price is Rp1.415.988 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
Rp1.415.988
Rp1.585.906 total
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Urbandale. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
5.8/10 (1,049 reviews)
"N"

Reviewed on 1 Sept 2026

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines
See all 843 properties in Grays Lake
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 Grays Lake

Find the best Grays Lake 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.

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

Drake

While visiting Drake, you might make a stop by sights like Knapp Center and Des Moines Community Playhouse.

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.

Grays Lake Travel Guide