Popular places to visit

Adventureland
Bring the family to Adventureland and enjoy this exciting theme park in Altoona. 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.

Living History Farms
You can spend time exploring the galleries in Living History Farms during your travels in Urbandale. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals.

Des Moines Art Center
Spend time admiring the architectural lines of this art and education center before heading inside to view its outstanding collection.
Top hotels in Drake

Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University
Staff was lovely. Breakfast was great. Rooms nice clean.
Reviewed on 1 Jan, 2026

Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
The hot tub wasn’t working the next morning. There wasn’t anyone at the front desk from 3-4am. No water at the little grocery store inside. Ice machine wasn’t working on 2nd floor.
Reviewed on 6 Jan, 2026

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
As always an excellent choice. Our room was gorgeous. Breakfast was fantastic. Christmas get away was better because of this hotel.
Reviewed on 26 Dec, 2025

Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West
Everything was nice
Reviewed on 5 Jan, 2026

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines
Nice place to take the kids for a weekend. Nice restaurant. Nice bar. Extra activities just down the road.
Reviewed on 31 Dec, 2025

Des Lux Hotel
Loved how the hotel had a very quiet vibe, the way it is decorated it gives such a vintage vibe. Room was clean and they let us check in early!!
Reviewed on 28 Dec, 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Drake

Woodland Heights
While Woodland Heights isn't home to many top sights, Hoyt Sherman Place and John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park 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.

