Title: Historic East Village Travel Guide: Best of Historic East Village, Des Moines Travel 2026 | Expedia.co.uk [Hotels in Historic East Village](https://expedia.co.uk/Historic-East-Village-Des-Moines-Hotels.0-n6170617-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Flights to Des Moines](https://expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Des-Moines.d601690.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Things to do in Des Moines](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Des-Moines.d601690.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Historic East Village Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Historic-East-Village.d6170617.Car-Hire-Guide)[Historic East Village Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Historic-East-Village.d6170617.Holidays-City-Breaks) # Historic East Village Travel Guide ## Des Moines ![Historic East Village](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/268000/268997-Historic-East-Village.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Historic East Village](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/269000/269001-Historic-East-Village.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![State Historical Society of Iowa Museum showing interior views](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/268000/268854-Des-Moines.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Historic East Village](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/268000/268860-Des-Moines.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Historic East Village](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/269000/269006-Historic-East-Village.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Historic East Village Things to do Hotels Where to stay [Des Moines travel guide](https://expedia.co.uk/Des-Moines.dx601690) #### Find beautiful government buildings, cultural attractions and a garden oasis in this older section of the city extending along a pretty riverfront. Des Moines’ Historic East Village is neatly squared off in the downtown core between East 14th Street and the riverfront. The impressive State Capitol building and its golden rotunda serve as the inland boundary of this district. Start exploring the area with a tour of the government building, which is open on any day except Sunday. The marble and rich-looking woods will leave a lasting impression. This historic and modern seat of government was built between 1871 and 1886. Walk toward the river after leaving the State Capitol and pass Simon Estes Amphitheatre. Check the schedule of events. You could see a live concert, an event on a big screen or perhaps a wedding. Continue until you come to the Iowa Genealogical Society building, also open any day except Sunday. Here find detailed information on ancestry in the state. You may discover that your family has some roots in Iowa. Stay in a historical frame of mind with a visit to the nearby State Historical Society of Iowa Museum to learn about parts of Iowa’s past that may surprise you. It’s open every day except Sundays and holidays and entry is free. Look for the Des Moines River as you approach Robert D. Ray Drive. On this street you’ll find the Brenton Skating Plaza, which has year-round activities, such as open-air ice-skating in the winter and concerts or community events the rest of the year. Walk along the river on Robert D. Ray Drive to reach Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, a perfect spot to end your trip through Historic East Village. The garden features an interior tropical oasis, coupled with 14 acres (6 hectares) of landscaped and natural gardens that provide an opportunity to relax and reflect on the excursion you had through this interesting area. The garden is open most days except select holidays. Venture back the way you came to discover Historic East Village’s eclectic and unique shopping and dining establishments. --- ### Popular places to visit ![Iowa State Capitol Building featuring a statue or sculpture](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/269000/269146-Iowa-State-Capitol-Building.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Iowa-State-Capitol-Building-Des-Moines.d6075016.Attraction) ![State Historical Society of Iowa Museum featuring interior views](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/269000/269199-State-Historical-Society-Of-Iowa-Museum.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### State Historical Museum of Iowa Learn about early settlement and battles as well as bicycle races and the movie industry in this museum in Iowa’s state capital. [](https://expedia.co.uk/State-Historical-Society-Of-Iowa-Museum-Des-Moines.d6075026.Attraction) ![Adventureland](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/f1880c574a55a0c4ce4de0e0cb126e64.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Adventureland Bring the family to Adventureland and enjoy this exciting theme park in Altoona. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Adventureland-Des-Moines.d6075042.Attraction) ![Principal Park](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/a99443c85dc4b837cd6310016d52b7a4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Principal Park Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Principal-Park-Des-Moines.d6075046.Attraction) ![Des Moines Botanical Center showing interior views and a park](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/269000/269109-Des-Moines-Botanical-Center.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Greater-Des-Moines-Botanical-Garden-Des-Moines.d6075032.Attraction) ![Living History Farms](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/5fbc3940eb3f276d90c1a4b3e4c2fbda.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Living-History-Farms-Des-Moines.d6105988.Attraction) --- ## Top hotels in Historic East Village ![Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/14000000/13310000/13300700/13300681/91d6d514_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG 201 E. Locust Street Des Moines IA £74 25 Jan - 26 Jan includes taxes & fees Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ... 9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews) Location and the point you needed a key to operate the elevators to go to floors Reviewed on 8 Jan 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=25%2F01%2F2026&endDate=26%2F01%2F2026&selected=13300681&PinnedHotelID=13300681&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6170617) ![Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/10700/10622/05e5842f_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown 101 E Locust St Des Moines IA £95 25 Jan - 26 Jan includes taxes & fees Stay at this hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ... 8/10 Very Good! (1,035 reviews) How nice the checking lady was easy parking across the street wasn't too bad Reviewed on 4 Jan 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=25%2F01%2F2026&endDate=26%2F01%2F2026&selected=10622&PinnedHotelID=10622&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6170617) ![Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/9400/9375/9e4e0ef2_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton 1000 Walnut St Des Moines IA £119 18 Jan - 19 Jan 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 ... 9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,076 reviews) Very nice hotel. Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=18%2F01%2F2026&endDate=19%2F01%2F2026&selected=9375&PinnedHotelID=9375&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6170617) ![Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1160000/1152300/1152222/8b967b66_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston 5291 Stoney Creek Court Johnston IA £68 19 Jan - 20 Jan 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! (1,811 reviews) Everything was great! Reviewed on 7 Jan 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=19%2F01%2F2026&endDate=20%2F01%2F2026&selected=1152222&PinnedHotelID=1152222&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6170617) ![Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/1600/1547/b8de3671_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines 5000 Merle Hay Rd Urbandale IA £58 19 Jan - 20 Jan 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 ... 5.6/10 (687 reviews) Amenities Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=19%2F01%2F2026&endDate=20%2F01%2F2026&selected=1547&PinnedHotelID=1547&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6170617) ![Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/80000/77600/77590/01d93670_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West 7225 Vista Dr West Des Moines IA £69 25 Jan - 26 Jan includes taxes & fees Stay at this business-friendly hotel in West Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ... 9/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews) Convenient location Reviewed on 10 Jan 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=25%2F01%2F2026&endDate=26%2F01%2F2026&selected=77590&PinnedHotelID=77590&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6170617) [See all 828 properties in Historic East Village](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=16%2F01%2F2026&endDate=17%2F01%2F2026®ionId=6170617) 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. ## Check Historic East Village hotel availability [Tonight ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6170617&startDate=2026-01-15&endDate=2026-01-16)[15 Jan - 16 Jan](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6170617&startDate=2026-01-15&endDate=2026-01-16) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6170617&startDate=2026-01-16&endDate=2026-01-17)[16 Jan - 17 Jan](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6170617&startDate=2026-01-16&endDate=2026-01-17) [This weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6170617&startDate=16%2F01%2F2026&endDate=18%2F01%2F2026)[16 Jan - 18 Jan](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6170617&startDate=16%2F01%2F2026&endDate=18%2F01%2F2026) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6170617&startDate=23%2F01%2F2026&endDate=25%2F01%2F2026)[23 Jan - 25 Jan](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6170617&startDate=23%2F01%2F2026&endDate=25%2F01%2F2026) --- ### Other neighbourhoods around Historic East Village ![Default Image](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/8f72335b84f5a0dd4c16e39780dd7e6d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Des-Moines-Court-Avenue-Entertainment-District.dx6170624) ![State Historical Society of Iowa Museum which includes a high-rise building, landscape views and a city](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/269000/269201-State-Historical-Society-Of-Iowa-Museum.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Downtown Des Moines 4/5(1 area review) 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Des-Moines-Downtown-Des-Moines.dx6060027) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Columbus Park While Columbus Park may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Principal Park and Science Center of Iowa. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Des-Moines-Columbus-Park.dx897427496291811328) ![John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park which includes a high-rise building, a garden and a city](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/269000/269209-John-And-Mary-Pappajohn-Sculpture-Park.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Western Gateway While visiting Western Gateway, you might make a stop by sights like John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park and Pappajohn Sculpture Park. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Des-Moines-Western-Gateway.dx943633779787128832) ![Default Image](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/6ed61770871394480cf3bf5b3e947166.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Sherman Hill When in Sherman Hill, you can plan a visit to Hoyt Sherman Place and John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Des-Moines-Sherman-Hill.dx553248635976473805) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Indianola Hills If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Indianola Hills and surrounding area, you can visit Principal Park and Science Center of Iowa. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Des-Moines-Indianola-Hills.dx897427424713916416) --- --- - [Stays](?pwaLob=wizard-hotel-pwa-v2) - [Packages](?pwaLob=wizard-package-pwa) - [Flights](?pwaLob=wizard-flight-pwa) - [Things to do](?pwaLob=wizard-lx-pwa) - [Cruises](?pwaLob=wizard-cruise-pwa) - [Cars](?pwaLob=wizard-car-pwa) # Historic East Village Travel Guide ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels when you book in the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. 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